Officially, Wednesday is the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Royal Court announced in an official statement this evening that the Supreme Court has determined that tomorrow, Wednesday, will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, following the confirmed sighting of the new moon at several observatories throughout the Kingdom. This announcement settles the debate surrounding the start of the holy month, reaffirming the Kingdom's commitment to precise Islamic and astronomical criteria for determining the beginning of the lunar months.
Details of the Supreme Court statement
The Supreme Court stated in its announcement that it convened on Tuesday evening, the 29th of Sha'ban, to review reports received from courts and moon-sighting committees across the Kingdom. After examining the testimonies confirming the sighting of the crescent moon of Ramadan, both with the naked eye and through binoculars, in several locations, the Court issued its decision declaring the beginning of the holy month, and congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Crown Prince, and all Muslims on this auspicious occasion.
Crescent sighting mechanism and approved criteria
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia employs a unique and meticulous methodology for moon sighting, combining traditional methods with modern technology. The observation process is conducted under direct judicial supervision, requiring observers to possess sharp eyesight and the ability to distinguish between crescents. They undergo regular medical examinations to ensure their visual acuity. The moon-sighting committees work in coordination with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and astronomical observatories to guarantee the accuracy of the results.
The “crescent sighting” process is considered an institutional procedure in Saudi Arabia, where testimonies are documented before judges. Astronomical calculations are not relied upon alone as an alternative to sighting, but rather as an aid to unify efforts and direct those who sight to the appropriate places and times for observation, which enhances the credibility of announcements issued by the Royal Court.
Religious significance and regional impact
The announcement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of the start of Ramadan holds special significance that transcends its geographical borders, given its status as the Qibla for Muslims and its custodianship of the Two Holy Mosques. Many Arab and Islamic countries, as well as Muslim minorities around the world, often follow the Kingdom's announcement in determining the beginning of the fast, thus lending the event a broad sense of Islamic unity.
With the arrival of the holy month, the Kingdom is witnessing huge preparations to receive pilgrims and visitors in Makkah and Madinah, as all state agencies are harnessing their capabilities to serve the guests of God during the Umrah season, which reaches its peak in this month, amidst a high atmosphere of faith and spirituality.
