The Saudi Royal Court announced in an official statement that the Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow, Wednesday, is the first day of the holy month of Ramadan for this year, after the sighting of the crescent moon of the holy month was confirmed on Tuesday evening, corresponding to the twenty-ninth of Sha’ban.
The Supreme Court's decision came after it received testimonies from several official committees and credible citizens across the Kingdom who were able to sight the crescent moon with the naked eye and through astronomical telescopes. Based on these documented testimonies, the religious ruling was issued to begin fasting starting at dawn on Wednesday.
General context and mechanism for sighting the crescent moon in the Kingdom
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relies on the sighting of the new moon to determine the beginning of the lunar months, particularly Ramadan, Shawwal, and Dhu al-Hijjah, based on the Prophetic tradition: “Fast when you see it (the new moon) and break your fast when you see it.” The Kingdom follows a precise and organized mechanism to ensure the accuracy of the sighting, with the Supreme Court calling upon all Muslims throughout the country to look for the new moon on the evening of the 29th of each lunar month.
Official moon-sighting committees, comprised of judges and astronomers, are deployed to several major observatories, such as the Sudair and Tumair observatories, as well as other locations known for their clear skies and favorable visibility. The testimony of each person claiming to have sighted the crescent moon is examined to verify their eligibility and eyesight before the documented testimonies are submitted to the Supreme Court, which makes the final decision and announces it through the Royal Court.
Religious significance and regional and international influence
The announcement of the start of Ramadan holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide, as this month is one of fasting, prayer, and worship, and holds a special place in the hearts of over two billion Muslims. The announcement from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the direction of prayer for Muslims, is a pivotal moment awaited by millions.
Locally, the announcement alters daily life in the Kingdom, ushering in a unique spiritual atmosphere, adjusting working hours in both the public and private sectors, and intensifying religious and social activities. Regionally and internationally, many Arab and Islamic countries, particularly in the Gulf region, follow the Kingdom's announcement and begin fasting on the same day, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among Muslim communities. Muslim communities around the world also eagerly await this announcement to determine the start of their own fasts, making it a truly global event.
