Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque presents monthly lunar light experience

ABU DHABI: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre presents The Moon Has a Story... Told by Light, an innovative visual experience inspired by the phases of the moon and reflecting the precision of the UAE Hijri Calendar issued by the Centre. The initiative forms part of the Centre's efforts to employ visual arts to enrich the experience of guests at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and strengthen their connection with Islamic cultural and civilisational heritage. The experience features a light display that tells the story of the moon and its phases in a visual spectacle harmonising with the unique architectural character of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It highlights the close relationship between astronomical movement and the Hijri calendar, which the Centre issues annually in accordance with the highest scientific standards as a reference based on precise astronomical calculations. The visual display embodies the meaning conveyed in the Qur'anic verse, "He is the One Who made the sun a radiant source and the moon a reflected light, with precisely ordained phases, so that you may know the number of years and calculation of time.” It highlights the connection between the phases of the moon and the calculation of time under the Hijri calendar, translating these Qur'anic meanings into a contemporary light experience that combines visual beauty with scientific knowledge. In doing so, it reflects an aspect of Islamic civilisation's contribution to the observation and measurement of time. The display condenses the Mosque's lunar illumination experience, which extends over an entire lunar month, into a five-minute visual journey. The illumination transitions from deep blue at the beginning of the lunar month and the appearance of the crescent moon, gradually becoming brighter until it reaches white at the full moon in mid-month. It then gradually returns to deep blue, signalling the end of the lunar...