Gorgeous photos of the first crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijjah 1446 AH have been photographed in the UAE, marking the beginning of the Islamic month that ends in Eid Al Adha. These preliminary sightings, photographed on Tuesday night, were a visual confirmation before the formal moon-sighting announcement by UAE authorities.
The photos, posted by space centers and observatories from around the Emirates, showed the slender crescent low on the horizon, signaling the last day of Dhul Qa’dah. The sighting marks the start of Dhu Al Hijjah on Wednesday, May 28 and puts Eid Al Adha on Friday, June 6.
The UAE’s Moon-Sighting Committee uses a combination of traditional optical observations as well as sophisticated astronomical observations to verify the onset of Islamic months. The sighting of the crescent is also tied with observations in the region in Saudi Arabia, which has a significant role due to hosting the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
As excitement mounts for the Festival of Sacrifice, these crescent photos have created hype throughout the country. Numerous residents are now organizing holidays, charity events, and family get-togethers in anticipation of one of the most religiously significant events in the Islamic calendar.
