By Staff Reporter
ABU DHABI: The UAE Council for Fatwa has confirmed that Sunday, September 13, 2026, will mark the first day of Rabi Al Thani 1448 AH, bringing Muslims another month closer to the holy month of Ramadan.
The council said Saturday, September 12, will complete the 30-day month of Rabi Al Awwal before Rabi Al Thani begins the following day.
In a statement issued on Friday, the council said the decision followed a review of scientific data concerning the sighting of the crescent moon, carried out in coordination with specialised scientific bodies and centres in the UAE.
The announcement also provides a new milestone in the countdown to Ramadan, which is currently astronomically projected to begin on Monday, February 8, 2027.
Based on the current projection, Ramadan is approximately 150 days away from September 11, although the final start date will be determined by the official crescent-sighting process.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, charity and community activities.
Because the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, Ramadan moves approximately 10 to 12 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.
The UAE’s official announcement of Rabi Al Thani therefore marks another important step towards Ramadan, one of the most significant periods in the Islamic calendar.
