As temperatures soar near 50°C in the UAE, the summer season has arrived in full force. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has been consistently reporting temperatures over 45°C for over a week now. To understand this period better, let's explore the ancient Arab calendar called Drour and its impact on the weather and prayer timings.
According to the weather-related social media handle Storm Centre, a local phase known as 'Dor Al Ashar' has commenced. This signifies the onset of 'Qiyed,' a crucial period in the ancient Arab calendar called Drour. During this time, surface temperatures and humidity levels rise.
'Qiyed' marks the beginning of the peak summer heat in the UAE and culminates in 'Jamrat Al Qiyed' (ember of heat), the hottest period in the Arabian Peninsula. This scorching period typically starts at the beginning of July and persists until August 10. It is characterized by intense heat, extreme aridity, warm winds, and overall dryness. Following this period, the Suhail star rises, indicating the conclusion of summer, typically around August 20.
The Drour calendar divides the year into segments of 10 days, based on the rising of stars. It commences with the sighting of the Suhail star and comprises three seasons of 100 days each: autumn, winter, and spring. The remaining days until the reappearance of the Suhail star denote the summer season.
In May, the Emirates Astronomical Centre announced the rising of the 'Al Sharatan' star in the eastern sky, signaling the beginning of summer.
Prayer Timings
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, the president of the Emirates Astronomical Society, shared on Twitter the earliest Fajr prayer timings. The Fajr prayer, performed between dawn and sunrise, has now reached its earliest point.
"On Monday, June 12, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah will experience the earliest Fajr and sunrise times. In Abu Dhabi, Fajr prayer will be at 4.01am, while in Sharjah, it will be at 3.57am. The sun is expected to rise in Abu Dhabi at 5.28am and in Sharjah at 5.24am," Al Jarwan posted.
These timings will remain in effect until June 18, after which they will shift forward.
For example, according to the dedicated prayer timings page of Khaleej Times, Fajr prayer timings in Dubai will be at 3.58am from June 10 to 15, reaching 4am on June 23. By the end of the month, the call for prayer will be at 4.02am.
In July, the Fajr prayer time will gradually advance further, reaching 4.20am by the end of the month. As August concludes, the Fajr prayer will be called at 4.40am.
Stay prepared for the rising temperatures of the UAE summer season and keep track of the shifting prayer timings to ensure a fulfilling spiritual practice.