Tag: Islam

#faith

UAE Officially Declares February 19 as Start Date for Ramadan 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

The United Arab Emirates has officially announced that Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday, February 19, following the successful sighting of the crescent moon. The confirmation came from the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee, which met and issued the declaration in alignment with Islamic tradition and astronomical calculations. The committee is chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, President of the UAE Council for Fatwa, and includes a panel of scholars, jurists, and astronomers who validate lunar sightings using both observation and scientific methodology.

Earlier predictions by the Emirates Astronomy Society had suggested that Ramadan might begin on February 17, as the new crescent moon became visible at 4:01 PM UAE time that day. However, since the moon set just one minute after sunset, it was not visible, and the start date was officially deferred until February 19 after proper confirmation.

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims around the world through fasting, prayer, spiritual reflection, and community gatherings. In 2025, Ramadan began on the evening of February 28 and ended on March 30. This year, with Ramadan 2026 beginning earlier in February, daylight hours will gradually increase through the month.

Fasting hours in Abu Dhabi are expected to start at approximately 12 hours and 46 minutes, extending to nearly 13 hours and 25 minutes by the end of Ramadan due to the seasonal lengthening of days. In terms of weather, the UAE’s capital is predicted to experience temperatures between 16°C and 28°C at the start of the month. As the month progresses, temperatures may rise to 32°C, with minimums around 19°C. Rainfall is also forecasted, averaging about 15 millimeters during the month.

These observations and forecasts are part of a wider initiative by UAE authorities to inform citizens and residents accurately, maintaining both religious tradition and scientific credibility. Ramadan remains a time of personal reflection and collective spirituality, and the UAE continues to facilitate its observance with precise planning and public awareness.

#faith

Spiritual Leaders Unite for Interfaith Dialogue in Ponda

allycaralgoa

On September 12, 2025, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Ponda unit) hosted an interfaith program titled “Spiritual Leaders: Guiding Lights to Humanity”, drawing participants from across Goa for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and spiritual enrichment.

The event began with a Quranic recitation by Mohammad Shah, President of SIO Ponda, and was convened by Simran Shaikh, President of GIO Ponda. In his inaugural remarks, Mr. Akbar Khan, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Ponda, emphasized the need for spiritual initiatives to foster peace and harmony in today’s world.

Key Highlights of the Program:

  • 🕊️ Fr. Victor Ferrao, Parish Priest of St. Xavier’s Church, Borim, spoke on the Christian concept of Agape—selfless love—as a transformative force to overcome hatred and division.
  • 🕉️ Arjunpriya Das, ISKCON member from Ponda, stressed that spiritual leaders must embody good character, respect all religions, and promote dialogue as a pathway to understanding.
  • ☪️ Maulana Usman Qasmi, Imam of ICG Islamic Centre, Mapusa, underlined the centrality of service to humanity in Islam, citing prophetic teachings about compassion for family, neighbours, and the needy.

The program concluded with Mr. Asif Hussain, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Goa Zone, who highlighted divine guidance through the Prophets, particularly Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as the key to building lasting peace.

Around 160 participants from diverse faith backgrounds attended the event, which ended with a prayer by Ms. Ruksana.

By bringing together different faith perspectives, the program succeeded in underscoring a universal truth: that spirituality, compassion, and service are guiding lights to humanity.

Special Occasion

Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2025: Celebrating the Prophet’s Life

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Team Allycaral

Eid Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Mawlid, marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad and stands as one of the most spiritually significant festivals observed by Muslims across the world. Celebrated during the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, this day brings communities together in reverence and reflection, commemorating the life and teachings of the Prophet.

The Prophet is believed to be born on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal in 570 CE in Mecca. The first official celebrations begin during the Fatimid period in Egypt and gradually spread to Syria, Morocco, Turkey, and beyond. Over time, both Sunni and Shia communities embrace this day to reflect on the spiritual, moral, and humanitarian legacy of the Prophet.

In 2025, Eid Milad-un-Nabi falls on 5th September (subject to moon sighting). Across India, the festival transforms cities, towns, and neighborhoods into vibrant displays of devotion. Streets glow with lights and colorful banners, mosques and homes are adorned with lanterns, and the scent of sandalwood fills the air during special rites.

Celebrations unfold over several days, with gatherings at mosques and community centers where night-long prayers and Quranic recitations take place. Stories of the Prophet’s compassion, humility, and wisdom are shared with children, while scholars speak on his impact on spiritual and social life. Poetic recitations called naats honor his teachings and personality.

One of the most visible aspects of the celebration is the processions. Massive groups of people, often dressed in white or green, carry flags, chant praise, and sing hymns in devotion. In many places, symbolic sandalwood ceremonies are held over representations of the Prophet’s footprints. These aren’t just traditions—they’re deeply spiritual moments that help believers connect with their faith.

The spirit of Eid-e-Milad is as much about community as celebration. Charitable giving plays a central role, with food, clothes, and gifts distributed to the less fortunate. Communal meals are shared, strengthening bonds and reinforcing the spirit of unity and service.

Cultural programs enhance the richness of the occasion. Models of Mecca and Medina, Islamic calligraphy exhibits, and public education initiatives invite both Muslims and non-Muslims to engage with the Prophet’s message and historical significance.

At its heart, Eid Milad-un-Nabi upholds universal values—compassion, humility, justice, and mercy. It transcends religious ritual and becomes a cultural moment that celebrates India’s deep pluralism. In every prayer, parade, and poem, the Prophet’s legacy continues—uniting hearts and inspiring acts of kindness.

This Eid-e-Milad, on 5th September 2025, take a moment to reflect, give back, and connect—with your faith, your community, and the timeless values that continue to guide millions across the world.

Special Occasion

Hajj 2025 Begins: Millions of Pilgrims Gather in Mecca for the Annual Spiritual Journey

allycaralgoa

Mina, Saudi Arabia – June 4, 2025: The annual five-day pilgrimage of Hajj has officially commenced, as millions of Muslims from around the world converge on the holy city of Mecca to take part in one of the most significant spiritual journeys in Islam.

Early this morning, pilgrims began their journey from Mecca to Mina, the first step in a sacred route that follows in the footsteps of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him). As is tradition, the sprawling tent city of Mina, just a few kilometers outside Mecca, becomes the temporary home for the pilgrims — offering shelter, rest, and community as they prepare for the deeply symbolic and physically demanding rituals ahead.

Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is mandatory once in a lifetime for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it. It is a journey not only of distance but of spiritual renewal, humility, and equality, as people from every race, nationality, and social class stand side by side, dressed in simple white garments known as ihram.

Over the course of five days, pilgrims will perform a series of rituals including:

  • Spending the night in Mina
  • Standing in prayer at the Plain of Arafat
  • Collecting pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil in Muzdalifah
  • The Tawaf (circling) of the Kaaba
  • The ritual animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha

Each rite carries deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing submission to God, the rejection of sin, and the renewal of faith.

As one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, Hajj represents the unity of the Muslim Ummah (global community). In 2025, the event sees participation from nearly every continent — with pilgrims traveling from the far reaches of Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, the United States, and beyond.

Saudi authorities have implemented extensive logistical, medical, and safety preparations to accommodate and protect the millions of attendees, with modern facilities and tech-driven support systems to assist the pilgrims throughout their journey.

More than a physical trek, Hajj is viewed as a journey of the soul. It’s a time for repentance, prayer, and deep introspection. Pilgrims often describe it as a life-changing experience — one that strips away worldly distractions and connects them with their faith in a profound and personal way.

As the tent city of Mina fills and the rituals begin, the eyes of the Muslim world turn toward Mecca in reflection, reverence, and solidarity.