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UAE calls on public to spot Shawwal crescent on Wednesday
The council explained that the committee will begin its work after the Maghrib prayer, during which it will review reports from field teams and results from approved observatories
- PUBLISHED: Tue 17 Mar 2026, 11:22 PM
- By:
- WAM
The UAE Fatwa Council has announced that the Shawwal crescent moon-sighting committee for the year 1447 AH will convene on Wednesday evening, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th of the holy month of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi.
The meeting will be chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Sheikh Al Mahfouz bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council, and attended by Dr.Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Vice Chairman of the Council and Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat.
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The committee’s meeting comes as part of the council’s mandate to observe lunar crescents and officially announce their sighting. It also reflects the council’s commitment to unifying the official reference on this matter, establishing a structured and institutional approach to confirming the beginning of lunar months, and enhancing public trust in the moon-sighting process.
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The council explained that the committee will begin its work after the Maghrib prayer, during which it will review reports from field observation teams and results received from approved observatories across the country. It will also examine testimonies that may be submitted from different regions of the UAE, in accordance with established Sharia guidelines and approved procedures.
The UAE Fatwa Council had earlier called on members of the public to observe the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday evening and to submit their testimonies through a dedicated online link, which will be announced over its official channels, emphasising the importance of reviving the Sunnah of moon sighting and encouraging community participation in this event.
The council confirmed that the official announcement of the Shawwal crescent’s sighting will be made through approved official channels immediately after the committee concludes its deliberations.