The importance of sighting the new moon in Islam and the Kingdom
The observation and sighting of the new moon is a fundamental pillar of the Islamic calendar and the determination of the timings for major Islamic observances, such as the beginning of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Hajj, and Eid al-Adha. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the heart of the Islamic world and home to the Two Holy Mosques, this process is of paramount importance, followed by millions of Muslims worldwide. The Kingdom's methodology combines the traditional practice of naked-eye observation with the modern application of state-of-the-art astronomical observatories and precise mathematical calculations.
Historical background: The development of lunar observatories in Saudi Arabia
The journey of institutional astronomical observation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia began in 1948, when the first astronomical observatory was established in Mecca, atop the historic Mount Abu Qubays, during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud. This observatory was a pioneering step in organizing the sighting of the new moon, which had previously relied on individual efforts. Over time, the Kingdom kept pace with scientific advancements, witnessing the establishment of more advanced observatories, such as the Medina International Observatory in 1957, which played a pivotal role in observing the crescent moons of important months.
With the expansion of higher education and scientific research, Saudi universities have embraced astronomy, establishing the King Abdulaziz University Observatory in 1975, followed by the King Saud University Observatory in 1984, and the King Fahd Astronomical Observatory in Al-Ula in 1985. The establishment of the Al-Biruni Astronomical Observatory by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in 1990 marked a significant turning point, as it was named after the renowned Muslim scholar Abu Rayhan al-Biruni in recognition of his astronomical and geographical contributions. This progress culminated in the establishment of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Center for Crescent Sighting and Astronomy atop the Makkah Clock Tower in 2003, which is considered one of the largest astronomical observatories in the world.
The adopted mechanism: Legal and scientific accuracy
The Kingdom follows a precise and organized mechanism for observing the new moon, beginning with a call from the Supreme Court to all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon on the evening of the 29th of each lunar month. Official observation committees are deployed to carefully selected locations, most notably the observatories of Tumair and Sudair, renowned for their clear skies and the expertise of their observers, in addition to other observatories in Riyadh, Medina, Qassim, Dhahran, Shaqra, Hail, and Tabuk.
These committees comprise judges, astronomers, and certified sighters who undergo rigorous medical examinations to ensure visual acuity. The sighting, whether with the naked eye or through binoculars, is combined with precise astronomical data and calculations provided by observatories to determine the times of sunset and moonset, as well as the angle of visibility. If the sighting is confirmed, the documented testimonies are submitted to the Supreme Court, which then officially announces the beginning of the new month.
The local and international impact of the Kingdom's decision
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's announcement of the start of the Islamic months, particularly Ramadan, Shawwal, and Dhu al-Hijjah, is followed closely both domestically and internationally. Domestically, the official announcement unifies the commencement of religious observances across the country, eliminating any ambiguity and ensuring the unity of Muslims in their worship. Internationally, given the Kingdom's religious standing, many Islamic countries and Muslim communities worldwide rely on its announcement as a primary reference, reflecting the high level of confidence in the accuracy of the Kingdom's mechanism, which skillfully balances religious requirements with modern scientific principles.
