For the first time in history, the UAE Council for Sharia Fatwa has announced that AI-powered drones will be used to sight the Ramadan crescent moon in 2025. This historic initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to technological innovation, integrating modern advancements with Islamic traditions.
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By combining traditional naked-eye observations with AI and high-tech imaging, this method represents a significant leap in Islamic astronomy and lunar calendar calculations. The use of advanced telescopes, astronomical centers, and drone technology in collaboration with specialized national institutions will ensure precise lunar sightings.
AI Drones Used for Ramadan Moon Sighting in UAE
First-of-its-kind initiative: The UAE has become the first country in the world to use AI-powered drones to assist in the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon, marking a significant technological advancement in Islamic astronomy.
Enhanced accuracy and efficiency: AI-driven drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors to detect the moon's visibility more precisely than traditional methods.
Integration with traditional sighting methods: While AI drones will be used, they will complement rather than replace traditional naked-eye observations and telescope-based sightings conducted by Islamic scholars and astronomers.
Advanced AI algorithms: These drones use sophisticated image processing and machine learning models to filter out atmospheric distortions and enhance the accuracy of lunar observations.
Real-time data transmission: The drones are connected to centralized observatories, providing instant data and imagery for verification by moon-sighting committees and astronomical centers.
Collaboration with scientific institutions: The project is carried out in coordination with national observatories, research centers, and Sharia committees to ensure both scientific reliability and religious compliance.
Faster decision-making: With real-time data analysis, authorities can confirm the start of Ramadan more quickly, reducing uncertainties and ensuring a unified announcement across the UAE.
Global impact and influence: This pioneering initiative may set a precedent for other Islamic nations, encouraging the adoption of AI and drone technology in moon-sighting processes worldwide.
For the first time in history, the UAE Council for Sharia Fatwa has announced that AI-powered drones will be used to sight the Ramadan crescent moon in 2025. This historic initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to technological innovation, integrating modern advancements with Islamic traditions.
The introduction of AI-driven drones aims to enhance precision and efficiency in moon sighting, ensuring accurate results while maintaining religious authenticity. This move aligns with the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) guidance on moon sighting: "Do not fast until you see the crescent, and do not break the fast until you see it; if it is obscured, then estimate it."
By combining traditional naked-eye observations with AI and high-tech imaging, this method represents a significant leap in Islamic astronomy and lunar calendar calculations. The use of advanced telescopes, astronomical centers, and drone technology in collaboration with specialized national institutions will ensure precise lunar sightings.
Ramadan Moon Sighting in UAE 2025: Dates and Process
The holy month of Ramadan 2025 is predicted to begin on the evening of March 1, 2025, with fasting commencing on March 2, 2025. However, this date remains subject to confirmation based on the official crescent sighting on February 28, 2025.
The Moon Sighting Process in the UAE
The UAE follows a structured moon sighting methodology that includes:
1.Naked-eye sightings conducted by scholars and trained observers.
2.Advanced telescopic imaging to validate sightings.
3.Official committees appointed by the UAE Council for Sharia Fatwa.
4.Integration of AI-powered drones to enhance accuracy.
The addition of AI-powered drones this year will refine the process, minimizing human error and ensuring scientific precision in lunar observations.
How AI-Powered Drones Work for Moon Sighting
These state-of-the-art AI drones are equipped with:
High-resolution telescopic cameras capable of detecting faint crescent formations.
AI-driven atmospheric correction algorithms to filter distortions.
Real-time data transmission to astronomical observatories for verification.
Advanced lunar modeling to predict the moon’s exact position and visibility.
This technology allows for faster, more reliable confirmations of the crescent moon while maintaining the Islamic principle of actual lunar observation.
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Understanding the Hijri Calendar & Its Importance
The Hijri (Islamic) calendar is based on lunar cycles, where each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. This system is essential for determining significant religious observances such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Hajj.
Benefits of AI in Lunar Tracking:
Enhances accuracy in determining Islamic months.
Reduces disputes regarding moon sightings across regions.
Standardizes global Islamic observances based on precise data.
Key Hijri Calendar Dates for Ramadan 2025 in UAE
Sha'ban 29, 1446 AH (February 28, 2025): Official moon sighting.
Ramadan 1, 1446 AH (March 1, 2025): Expected first day of fasting (TBD).
Ramadan 27, 1446 AH (March 27, 2025): Likely Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power).
Shawwal 1, 1446 AH (March 31, 2025): Eid al-Fitr (subject to moon sighting confirmation).
Laylat al-Qadr: The Most Sacred Night in Ramadan
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree) is considered the holiest night in Ramadan, occurring in the last ten nights, most commonly on the 27th of Ramadan. According to the Quran (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3), it is described as "better than a thousand months".
Using AI-enhanced moon tracking, scholars can better estimate the lunar phases, helping believers prepare for the most spiritually significant night of Ramadan.
The Future of Moon Sighting: A Global Transformation
The UAE’s AI-powered drone initiative is expected to influence other Islamic nations to adopt advanced technology in moon sighting. This transformation will:
Increase the accuracy of Islamic calendar calculations.
Resolve disputes over crescent visibility across different time zones.
Create a standardized and reliable lunar observation system.
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1. What is the difference between moon sighting and astronomical calculations?
Moon sighting refers to the physical observation of the crescent moon, which is required in Islamic tradition to determine the beginning of Ramadan and Eid.
Astronomical calculations use scientific models and lunar cycle predictions to estimate moon visibility. While some countries rely solely on calculations, the UAE combines both for accuracy and religious compliance.
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12. Can moon sighting be done with the naked eye in the UAE?
Yes, moon sighting traditionally relies on naked-eye observations by Islamic scholars and trained observers.
However, due to light pollution and atmospheric conditions, telescopes and AI-powered drones are now used to enhance accuracy.
13. What are the best locations for moon sighting in the UAE?
Moon sighting is conducted from elevated and open areas with minimal light pollution, including:
Jebel Hafeet (Al Ain)
Al Khawaneej Observatory (Dubai)
Al-Khwarizmi Observatory (Sharjah)
Al Ain Astronomical Observatory
14. Why does the Hijri calendar depend on moon sighting?
The Hijri (Islamic) calendar is lunar-based, meaning each month starts with the sighting of the crescent moon.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the solar cycle, the Hijri months vary in length (29 or 30 days), depending on moon visibility.
15. How does weather impact moon sighting in the UAE?
Weather conditions like cloud cover, humidity, dust storms, and haze can obstruct the moon’s visibility.
In such cases, astronomical calculations and AI-assisted imaging are used to confirm the presence or absence of the crescent moon.
16. What is the role of Islamic committees in moon sighting?
The UAE Moon Sighting Committee, composed of Islamic scholars, astronomers, and government officials, verifies:
Sightings reported by observers.
Data from astronomical observatories.
AI-powered drone imagery.
The final decision is made by the UAE Council for Sharia Fatwa.
17. Can the UAE's moon sighting decision be different from other Gulf countries?
Yes, because moon sighting is location-dependent. Different factors like geographical position, atmospheric conditions, and methodology can lead to variations.
While GCC countries often align their moon sighting announcements, it is not uncommon for differences to arise.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for general informational purposes only. The details provided are based on the best information available at the time of publication and may be subject to change without notice due to potential updates in educational policies or scheduling adjustments by the respective authorities. Readers are advised to contact the relevant offices directly for the most accurate and current information.