Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in conjunction with the Fatwa Council of the UAE, the forum "Al Shafaar" on lunar observation will take place on the island of Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi on February 17. Experts, key figures, national institutions, and international organizations specializing in Sharia, astronomy, and legal issues will gather.
The main task of the forum is to improve coordination with the relevant organizations for the unity of the national perspective on lunar observation and checking the moon against global standards. The goal is to achieve both Sharia and scientific accuracy in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan 1446 AH - 2025 AD according to the Gregorian calendar.
Sheikh Abdulla bin Bayyah, chairman of the Fatwa Council of the UAE, expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his patronage, noting: "This patronage reflects His Excellency's unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen national institutions in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities."
According to the above-mentioned Sheikh, the forum serves to enhance the council's efforts to deepen scientific research, develop policies and procedures related to lunar observation, and strengthen partnerships with the relevant organizations at local and regional levels. The forum aims to establish cutting-edge Sharia and scientific solutions for lunar observation and its management - this is the approach of the forum.
"Al Shafaar" is an Emirati term that carries a profound cultural significance. It has traditionally been used to describe individuals with exceptional vision and keen insight. In the local context, the term refers to those who observe and track the emerging moon to confirm its appearance, which often marks the beginning of the lunar month.
