Last Friday of Ramadan in UAE today; this day next week could be Eid Al Fitr
Today marks the last Friday in Ramadan, one of the holiest days of the year for Muslims across the UAE.
Ramadan is considered the holiest month of the year in Islam, and Friday its holiest day. When the two overlap in the last days of the holy month, many believers devote extra time to prayer, charity and reflection.
Mosques across the nation will likely be full for Jumu’ah prayers as worshippers come together in the final week of Ramadan.
For many, the final days of the month are moments to deepen worship and pursue forgiveness ahead of Eid Al Fitr.
Focus on Laylat Al Qadr
The last 10 days of Ramadan is regarded as the most important time of the holy month. Among these nights is Laylat Al Qadr, the Night of Decree, which Muslims believe falls within this period.
The Quran refers to this night as “better than a thousand months,” and prayers and acts of worship performed on that night are believed to yield massive rewards.
Today’s Friday sermon revolves around this theme, encouraging worshippers to make the best use of the remaining nights of Ramadan and looking for Laylat Al Qadr through prayer, remembrance and supplication.
The sermon also emphasizes that the night is when the Quran was first revealed and urges believers to increase their devotions during the final days of their holy month.
It also urges worshippers not to forsake their faith and be patient in trying times, echoing the Qur’anic passages that affirm “with hardship comes ease”.
Prayers to protect the UAE and its leadership, people living in the country and asking God to maintain safe and stable nation will be included in the sermon.
The prayers this week will also occur against a backdrop of ongoing regional tensions. It will be the second Friday since Iran’s assaults on Gulf countries started.
During last week’s sermon, imams said the country had recently been confronted with what it called an illegal and unjust attack that breached established norms and agreements. The sermon also urged residents to stay united and be mindful of misinformation circulating in the aftermath of the attacks.
When will Eid be?
Islamic months are either 29 or 30 days based on when the moon is sighted.
So on the 29th of Ramadan, which is Wednesday March 18, UAE’s Moon-Sighting Committee will look up to the sky.
If the crescent moon is seen that night, Eid Al Fitr will begin on Thursday, March 19. If it isn’t sighted, Ramadan will finish after a full 30 days, with Eid celebrated on Friday March 20.
Astronomical calculations, as of now, indicate that Ramadan is expected to last 30 days this year. If Eid Al Fitr is confirmed, it will fall on Friday, March 20.
Either way, the holy month will end before next Friday as Muslims prepare to celebrate the festival of Eid with prayers, family gatherings and charitable giving.
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