ABU DHABI // As the final sighting of the Moon was logged, the mad rush to prepare for the holy month began as thousands across the country poured into stores to stock up on last-minute Ramadan supplies.
Observatories the world over were the focus on Wednesday night as astronomers hoped to catch the first sight of the hilal (crescent Moon) – its thinnest form – to signal that the month of fasting has commenced.
Moon sighting with the naked eye is almost a lost art. Once used by farmers to cultivate their crops and run their businesses, technology now determines when Ramadan should begin.
It is giant telescopes and observatories like those occupied by astronomer Nezar Sallam that play an important role in deciding the lunar cycle has ended, a decision in the UAE taken by the Ministry of Justice-appointed Moon sighting committee.
Mr Sallam is president of the Emirates Mobile Observatory in Abu Dhabi and a member of the Arab Astronomy Union. He took to the Hatta mountains with his mobile observatory late on Tuesday to confirm the end of the Hijri month of Sha’ban 1436.
“I have the biggest telescope in the Middle East so the committee asked for my expertise to try to spot the Moon,” he said.
“We are only an hour behind Saudi Arabia so we were very close to see the Moon at the same time as them. But when they couldn’t see it, we thought we maybe still could.
“I was at 1,100 metres from 4pm with the Emirates Mobile Observatory lorry and we had five telescopes and a team of observers.
“As the Sun set, we couldn’t see the Moon as it [the Sun] was directly in front of it. This was a problem, so we had to tell the Government that no one could see it here either.”
The Emirates Astronomical Mobile Lab is considered one of a kind in the UAE, with telescopes, space cameras and astronomical accessories. Solar panels and wind turbines ensure that the technology on board is self-sustainable, and the public can share in what is seen through the lens via a 42-inch LED screen.
It is a passion that Mr Sallam, 36, has nurtured for 30 years. He boasts a collection of 70 telescopes and wants to popularise his interest in astronomy and natural science by sharing with schools and communities.
“It can be hard to see the Moon this year as it is very hazy, humid and dusty,” he said. “The lunar cycle and the patterns of the stars have been so important for Arabs in history, for travel and their businesses, like farming.
“They knew exactly when the moon would rise and how it would look, without telescopes. These skills are being lost now.”
Once the information was confirmed in the UAE, preparations began in earnest for Ramadan with shoppers at Al Barsha Mall, in Dubai, stocking up.
Abdullah Shaker, from Al Quoz, said: “This year is better than last year, but we will still be fasting for 15 hours or so.
“There is lots of traditional food, and we eat our favourite meals. There are sweets, too. We have been trying to get things ready early this year.”
Jamal Abdul Aziz in Al Barsha was collecting donations for the Beit Al Khair Society.
“We knew that it would begin on Thursday, but we were all waiting for the announcement from the government to confirm it,” he said.
“It has been busy here. You can see people are getting ready for the month. It is a special time for all of us.”
Kamran Khan, also based in Al Barsha, said it was his favourite time of year.
“The fasting can be difficult, but it is a great time for the family.
“Everyone is out preparing. I have tried to do my shopping early but it is very busy. People are trying to be ready.”
nwebster@thenational.ae
