Anticipate the announcement of the start of the holy month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia
As the month of Sha'ban draws to a close, the eyes of the Muslim world turn to Saudi Arabia, awaiting the official announcement of the start of the holy month of Ramadan. In this context, Professor of Climatology Dr. Abdullah Al-Musnad confirmed that weather conditions across most of the Kingdom appear ideal for sighting the Ramadan crescent this evening, based on the latest satellite imagery.
Al-Musnad, a former professor of climatology at Qassim University, explained that his analysis of satellite images taken this afternoon, specifically at 4:40 PM, shows clear skies, free of clouds and dust, across most of the Kingdom's regions where official moon-sighting committees and astronomical observatories are located. This scientific data enhances the chances of a successful visual observation of the new crescent moon, creating ideal conditions for observers to perform their task.
The historical and religious context of sighting the crescent moon
The sighting of the Ramadan crescent is a deeply rooted Islamic tradition and an annual practice of great importance, as it determines the beginning of the month of fasting, which is the fourth pillar of Islam. This process is based on the Prophet Muhammad's saying: “Fast when you see it (the crescent) and break your fast when you see it.” Throughout history, Muslims have combined the legal sighting with the naked eye and precise astronomical calculations. In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court is responsible for calling upon all Muslims to observe the crescent, and its final decision relies on reliable testimonies received from sighting committees spread throughout the country, such as the Tumair and Sudair observatories, which are renowned for the accuracy of their observations.
Tabuk... an exceptional situation amidst clear skies
Despite the generally clear skies, Dr. Al-Musnad made an exception for the Tabuk region, specifically the Halat Ammar observatory, where weather maps showed scattered cloud formations. He indicated that these clouds might somewhat affect visibility in that particular area, potentially posing a challenge for the monitoring teams there. However, this effect remains limited to a small geographical area and does not extend to the other major observatories in the Kingdom.
The local and international significance of the Saudi declaration
The announcement of the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon in Saudi Arabia is followed closely not only locally, but also regionally and internationally. Locally, the announcement marks the beginning of the fasting period and a change in the daily lives of citizens and residents. Internationally, given the Kingdom's religious significance as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, many Islamic countries and Muslim communities around the world await this announcement and follow it to determine the start of the month of fasting, making it a pivotal event that unites millions of Muslims in the timing of their religious observances. The final word rests with the Supreme Court, which will issue its official statement after sunset today, based on confirmed testimonies from accredited moon-sighters.
