March 2026- The UAE Council for Fatwa has called on the public to sight the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal 1447 AH on Wednesday evening, March 18, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan.
The Council encouraged individuals to take part in the moon-sighting process and submit their observations through its dedicated online platform or contact number, as part of its mandate to oversee crescent sightings and announce the start of lunar months in the UAE.
It highlighted that moon sighting remains a significant religious practice, marking the conclusion of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, while also reflecting community participation in preserving Islamic traditions.
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In this context, the Shawwal Moon-Sighting Committee will convene on Wednesday evening in Abu Dhabi, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Sheikh Al Mahfouz bin Bayyah, Chairman of the Council, and attended by Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Vice Chairman.
The committee will meet after Maghrib prayer to review reports from observation teams, accredited observatories, and public submissions, in line with approved Sharia and scientific criteria.
The Council confirmed that the official announcement will be made through authorised channels following the committee’s deliberations.
