UAE moon-sighting committee formed for Eid Al Fitr

The UAE moon-sighting committee has been formed to watch for the new crescent moon that will signal the start of Eid Al Fitr.

The Minister of Justice, Sultan Al Badi, yesterday called for the committee to hold its first meeting at Abu Dhabi Judicial Department after maghrib prayers tomorrow night, or Ramadan 29.

The meeting will be chaired by Mr Al Badi and attended by senior officials, the state news agency Wam reported.

The minister called on all Sharia courts to watch for the new moon and report any sightings to the committee.

Should a crescent moon be seen tomorrow night, Eid Al Fitr will begin on Friday. If not, Friday will be Ramadan 30 and Eid Al Fitr begins on Saturday.

The Muslim calendar is determined by moon phases making each month last either 29 or 30 days. Islamic years span on average between 354 and 355 days.

The moon-sighting committee was formed before Ramadan this year. Among the committee members was Dr Ahmad Al Ahdal, senior preacher at the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai.

Dr Al Ahdal told Abu Dhabi TV that some countries preferred to use telescopes to see the moon, while others will only call Ramadan if the new moon is seen by eye.

He said that UAE moon watchers first use telescopes then try to see it by eye.