Riyadh is fully prepared to welcome the holy month of Ramadan
The Riyadh Municipality announced the completion of all preparations at three main moon-sighting observatories, as part of intensive preparations to observe the crescent moon of Ramadan 1445 AH. These preparations included the observatories in Tumair, Shaqra, and Al-Hariq, which are among the most prominent approved observation points in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supporting the work of the official observation committees and facilitating their religious and national duty.
The development work carried out by the Secretariat included preparing the roads leading to the observatories to ensure easy access and smooth traffic flow, as well as conducting comprehensive maintenance of existing facilities and equipping reception areas and parking lots. Emphasis was also placed on raising safety standards around the observatories and providing full logistical support to the monitoring committees, with the aim of creating a comprehensive regulatory environment that guarantees the accuracy and efficiency of the moon sighting process.
The importance of crescent moon sighting: historical legacy and modern technology
The sighting of the crescent moon for the month of Ramadan holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims. It is not merely an astronomical process, but a religious ritual passed down through generations, based on the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Fast when you see it (the crescent moon) and break your fast when you see it.” Historically, Muslims relied on naked-eye observation. However, with the advancement of science, astronomical observatories in the Kingdom now combine this traditional method with the latest optical technologies and telescopes to ensure the highest degree of accuracy. The observatories in Tamir, Shaqra, and Al-Hariq are considered strategic locations due to their clear skies and distance from urban light pollution, making them ideal for this task.
The local and international impact of the crescent sighting announcement
The sighting of the new moon in Saudi Arabia holds significance that extends far beyond its local borders. Domestically, millions of citizens and residents eagerly await the official announcement from the Supreme Court, which is based on testimonies from accredited committees, marking the beginning of Ramadan and the accompanying changes in daily life and spiritual atmosphere. Regionally and internationally, the eyes of the Islamic world, particularly the Gulf states and many other Arab and Muslim countries, are on the Kingdom, as they generally rely on the Saudi sighting to determine the start of Ramadan and ensure unity. This makes the announcement of the new moon sighting a major media and religious event, affecting more than a billion Muslims worldwide and reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a religious authority in the Islamic world.
These efforts by the Riyadh Municipality reflect its keenness to support this important religious ritual and provide all possibilities for those observing the crescent moon, in line with its comprehensive vision for developing the city and serving its residents, and contributing to organizing religious and national events with the highest levels of efficiency.
