In a significant step forward for moon sighting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Tumair Astronomical Observatory its first sighting of the crescent moon of Ramadan from its newly renovated and upgraded location, following its recent inauguration under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf. This event underscores the pivotal importance the Kingdom places on moon sighting, a process that blends rich religious tradition with modern scientific precision.
Historical background and religious significance
The sighting of the new moon is fundamental to determining the beginning of the Islamic months and is of paramount importance in establishing the timings of major Islamic observances such as the start of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially relies on the legitimate sighting of the new moon with the naked eye, which is confirmed by specialized committees spread throughout the country. Their testimonies are submitted to the Supreme Court, which issues the final ruling. The city of Tumair, located northwest of Riyadh, has gained widespread historical renown thanks to its clear skies and the expertise of its observers, making it one of the most trusted locations for observing the new moon for many decades. This legacy is documented by the King Abdulaziz Foundation, which noted the local community's long-standing practice of this task.
Developing the infrastructure to enhance accuracy
The inauguration of the new site for the Tumair Observatory represents a significant development aimed at organizing and enhancing the efficiency of the observation process. The new facility was designed as a comprehensive environment to serve this purpose, offering an ideal geographical location characterized by clear skies and the absence of light pollution, thus improving observation accuracy. The observatory includes modern facilities such as an office dedicated to the moon-sighting committee in coordination with the Supreme Court, reception and waiting areas for observers and other interested parties, and a fully equipped upper observation area. This institutional structure ensures that the observation process is conducted according to established scientific and regulatory principles, solidifying the observatory's position as a recognized and trusted center.
The local and international impact of the new observatory
Locally, the new observatory reinforces the city of Tumair's position as a major center for crescent sighting, serving the community by providing a modern and well-organized facility that supports this cultural and religious heritage. Regionally and internationally, the accuracy and reliability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's announcement of the start of the Islamic months is widely followed throughout the Muslim world. Therefore, developing the infrastructure of key observation sites like the Tumair Observatory contributes to enhancing the credibility of the Saudi crescent sighting process and underscores the Kingdom's commitment to applying the highest standards in this important religious duty. This project, a community initiative in partnership between the Ibrahim bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sultan Charitable Foundation and the Riyadh Municipality, serves as a model of effective collaboration that addresses issues of both religious and intellectual significance.
