UAE Council for Fatwa says United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be first nation to use artificial intelligence drones to see Ramadan moon.
Used by the UAE to set Islamic months, the country has asked all Muslims to observe the crescent on the evening of Friday, February 28—corresponding to 29 Shaban in the Umm Al Qura calendar.
The council stressed that drone moon sighting would be seen as a continuation of direct vision, per the instructions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“Fast not before you see the crescent moon; fast not afterwards either.”
If it is hidden from couple, estimate it.
The UAE will maintain its conventional moon sighting techniques using sophisticated telescopes and naked eye observation to guarantee precision.
Coordinated with governmental agencies, specialized facilities, and astronomical organizations will observatories help to establish the beginning of the holy month.
Ramadan will start on March 1 if the crescent is seen on Friday evening after Maghrib prayer.
If not, the holy month is going to begin on March 2. According to the International Astronomy Centre, Ramadan is expected to start on March 1.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia has asked Muslims in the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon that evening.
For government employees in the UAE, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has declared shorter working hours for Ramadan.
Furthermore, private sector workers would have their daily work hours reduced by two hours in the course of the holy month.
In the Islamic world, the moon sighting has strong spiritual and cultural value since millions of devoted citizens eagerly want verification of the start of Ramadan.
