Dhu Al Hijjah is the month in which Hajj pilgrimage is performed followed by Eid Al Adha
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Council for Fatwa has called on residents across the country to participate in sighting the crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijjah on the evening of Tuesday, May 27, to determine the start of one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar.
The council’s Crescent Sighting Committee has invited specialists, astronomers, and community members to observe the sky after sunset on the 29th of Dhul Qadah, corresponding to May 27, 2025.
Observers who spot the moon are encouraged to report their findings by calling 027774647 or through the online form: https://forms.office.com/r/2NMuJDytiU.
Across the Muslim world, national moon sighting committees will also convene Tuesday evening to observe the birth of the new moon of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The beginning of this month sets the date for Eid Al Adha, which is expected to fall on Friday, June 6, 2025, depending on moon visibility.
According to astronomical data, the crescent is expected to be visible only through telescopes in many locations, including the UAE. In Abu Dhabi, the moon will set 38 minutes after sunset, with an age of just over 13 hours and an angular separation of 7.7 degrees from the sun—conditions that make telescope-assisted sightings possible but rule out visibility with the naked eye.
In other regional cities, similar limitations apply. In Mecca, the moon will set 39 minutes after sunset with comparable angles. In Amman and Jerusalem, crescent visibility may be possible with the unaided eye under exceptionally clear conditions. Cities like Cairo and Rabat will have slightly more favorable sighting windows, but optical aid will likely still be required.
If the crescent is sighted and Dhu Al Hijjah begins on Wednesday, the Day of Arafah will fall on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid Al Adha on Friday, June 6.
Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE.
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