In the evening of August 23, the Clock Tower in Makkah, located just across the Holy Kaaba, lit up signalling the entry into the month of Rabi' Al Awwal.

A picture shared on X by Haramain, shows the tower shining a bright green light into the sky above, illuminating the sky. Take a look at the stunning photograph below:

UAE's Astronomy Centre took to X to say that the conjunction (New Moon) was observed for the month of Rabi‘ Al Awwal at 04.19 GMT in Makkah.

The sighting of the crescent of Rabi Al Awwal is of great significance to Muslims who celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Rabi Al Awwal 12. The occasion is also a public holiday in many countries, including the UAE.

On the 29th of every Hijri month, the UAE moon sighting committee convenes to observe the crescent and declare the commencement of the next Islamic month.

If the new month begins on August 24, the prophet's birthday would fall on Thursday, September 4. If it begins on August 25, then the birthday would fall on Friday, September 5.

The Hijri (Islamic) calendar is based on lunar sightings, meaning the phases of the moon determine its months. Each month begins with the sighting of the new moon.