By Saman Haziq
Published: Sat 15 Aug 2020, 6:00 PM
Last updated: Sun 16 Aug 2020, 7:19 PM
For the first time in Dubai, the Islamic affairs department will be launching an electronic Hijri calendar and it will be available to all on Thursday, August 20, the first day of year 1442.
Those who wish to have a copy will be able to download it for free from the website of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) and its social media platforms.
The authority used to print hard copies of the calendar, which the public could get by physically visiting its offices. However, this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic and in line with Dubai’s paperless strategy, IACAD decided to come up with an e-version.
IACAD has been issuing Hijri calendars for Dubai since 1393 AH or 1973 and it is considered one of the most important services of the department, said Dr Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, director-general of IACAD.
“The Hijri calendar is an important part of the Islamic cultural system, as Muslims have been chronicling the calendar since the succession of Muslim Caliph Omar bin Al-Khattab, and the issuance of the Hijri calendar for Dubai goes back to the era of the former ruler of Dubai, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.”
The new calendar will include timings of sermons, aphorisms, dates of religious and national events and official holidays during the year 1442 AH (2020-2021), Dr Al Shaibani said. A group of experts has been working together to set prayer times for Dubai and its suburbs, such as Hatta, Al Habab, Al Lisili, Margham, Muraqib, Al Faqaa.
The e-calendar will also have scientific and astronomical updates and environment-related information, as well as the Imsaak timings for the holy month of Ramadan.
It will display other important dates for the Muslim community, such as the date of fasting Ashura, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the beginning of Ramadan, the first day of Eid Al Fitr, and the date of Eid Al Adha, he added.
It will mention some major events in Islamic history and present different stages in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
A ‘notebook calendar’
Dr Omar Muhammad Al Khatib, executive director of the Islamic Affairs Sector, said the notebook calendar offers a host of other useful information.
“It will include some astronomical information that will help people understand the seasons and climate conditions required for planting seeds, fruit, vegetable trees, cutting of date palms and flowers, and the time for harvest,” he said.
Users will also be guided on the start of the rainy season, as well as the best season for fishing.
saman@khaleejtimes.com