New Moon Not Sighted In UAE, Could There Be a Holiday for Prophet Muhammad's Birthday?

 New Moon Not Sighted in UAE, Could There Be a Holiday for Prophet Muhammad's Birthday?

The new moon of Rabi Al Awwal has not appeared in the UAE – could there be a three-day holiday for the Prophet Muhammad's birthday?

Residents of the United Arab Emirates and much of the Muslim world are eagerly awaiting the appearance of the Rabi Al Awwal new moon at the end of August. This month is not only the third month of the Islamic calendar but also a very important religious festival: the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal. In many countries, this celebration usually means a public holiday, and in the UAE, there may be a long weekend depending on official announcements.

The Role of Moon Phases in the Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is based on the lunar cycle. The beginning of each month is marked by the appearance of the young crescent moon, which is observed on the 29th day of each month by moon sighting committees in each country, including the UAE. If the new moon is not sighted, the month automatically extends to 30 days, and the new month begins the following day.

On Saturday, August 23, the UAE Astronomy Center announced that the Rabi Al Awwal new moon was not observed with the naked eye, telescopes, or advanced astronomical imaging technology. This means the month of Safar is extended to 30 days, and Rabi Al Awwal will begin on Monday, August 25 in the UAE.

Differences in the Muslim World

Moon sighting sometimes varies geographically. Interestingly, the religious center of the Islamic world, Saudi Arabia, marked August 24 as the first day of Rabi Al Awwal. In contrast, the UAE begins this month a day later, on August 25. This is a rare occurrence as these two countries usually start Islamic months simultaneously.

In the following countries, Rabi Al Awwal begins on Sunday, August 24:

Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Palestine, Egypt, Tunisia

While in these countries, including the UAE, the new month begins only on Monday, August 25:

Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Jordan, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania

The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday and Expected Holiday

The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal, a significant religious and cultural event. In the UAE, this is usually a statutory public holiday. Since Rabi Al Awwal 12 will fall on Friday, September 5, 2025, the government may designate it as a public holiday, providing residents with a three-day long weekend: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

However, it is important to note that the UAE government has not yet issued an official announcement regarding the holiday on September 5. Historically, such announcements are usually made a few days before the event.

The Importance of Rabi Al Awwal

The month of Rabi Al Awwal is one of the most sacred periods in the Muslim world, especially due to the Prophet's birthday. The name of this month can be translated as "the first month of spring." In many countries, religious commemorations, cultural events, educational programs, and charitable activities are organized. In the UAE, community gatherings, lectures, and festive events are very common, focusing on commemorating the life and teachings of the Prophet.

Besides its spiritual significance, this month offers believers the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Islamic teachings, practice charity, and strengthen community bonds.

Technical Challenges in Moon Sighting

Despite dusty and partly cloudy skies, the team at Al-Khatim Observatory successfully captured images of the new moon marking the end of Safar on August 22, but this was insufficient to accurately determine the start of Rabi Al Awwal. The Astronomy Center confirmed on Saturday that the new moon could not be seen by any observation method, thus delaying the start of the month.

What Can UAE Residents Expect?

The prospect of a three-day weekend excites many, especially families with school-age children, working professionals, and those in the tourism industry. If the holiday is officially declared for Friday, countless hotels, restaurants, event organizers, and tourism service providers in Dubai may prepare special offers and activities for the long weekend.

Many residents have already started planning their weekend activities regardless of the announcement outcome. The long weekend is an excellent opportunity for domestic travel, family outings, or simply relaxing at home.

Although the Rabi Al Awwal new moon was not sighted in the UAE on Saturday, the new month officially begins on August 25. Therefore, the Prophet's birthday will be on Friday, September 5, which, if approved by the government, could bring a three-day long weekend. Residents await the official announcement with anticipation, while parts of the Muslim world prepare to celebrate. The month of Rabi Al Awwal is not just a calendar month but a time that brings renewed spirit and collective significance every year.