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In Saudi Arabia, moon sighting holds significant religious and cultural importance, particularly for determining the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, so the start of Ramadan is marked by the sighting of the new moon (crescent moon), which signals the commencement of the fasting period.

How Moon Sighting for Ramadan Works in Saudi Arabia:

1. Islamic Lunar Calendar:

   • The Islamic or Hijri calendar is based on the moon's phases, meaning months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the visibility of the new moon. Each month starts with the sighting of the crescent moon.
   • Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is determined by the new moon’s sighting.

2. Official Moon Sighting Committee:

   • In Saudi Arabia, an official moon sighting committee is responsible for confirming the sighting of the new moon. This committee consists of religious scholars, astronomers, and local citizens. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announces the beginning of Ramadan based on their observations.
   • The moon is typically observed from designated locations across the country, including areas with clear skies and minimal light pollution to ensure a proper sighting.

3. Role of Astronomical Calculations:

   • While Saudi Arabia primarily relies on naked-eye sighting of the moon, they also take into account astronomical calculations to determine the likelihood of the moon being visible. However, the official decision is made only after the moon is physically sighted.

4. Start of Ramadan:

   • The sighting of the crescent moon after Maghrib (sunset) marks the start of Ramadan. If the moon is sighted, an official announcement is made, and fasting begins the next day.
   • If the moon is not visible (due to weather conditions or other reasons), the month of Sha'ban (the month before Ramadan) is completed as 30 days, and Ramadan begins the following day.

5. Eid al-Fitr Moon Sighting:

   • Similarly, the moon sighting at the end of Ramadan determines the day of Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated as the conclusion of the fasting month. The same moon sighting process is followed to declare Eid.

6. Global Influence:

   • Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting announcement often holds significance for many other Muslim-majority countries and communities around the world, especially in the Middle East and parts of South Asia. However, some countries may rely on their own local moon sighting or astronomical methods.

Key Locations for Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia:

• Mecca and Madinah are two of the most important locations where the moon is observed due to their religious significance.
• Other key regions include Riyadh, Tabuk, Hail, and Al-Qassim where moon sighting committees are present.

Role of Technology:

• In recent years, technological advancements like high-powered telescopes and astronomical software have been used to assist with moon sighting, though traditional methods (naked-eye observation) remain the primary approach.

Tradition and Spiritual Significance:

• Moon sighting holds great spiritual significance for Muslims as it marks the beginning of one of the most sacred months in Islam, a time for fasting, prayer, charity, and self-reflection.
• The community eagerly awaits the announcement and begins preparing for Taraweeh prayers (special night prayers during Ramadan) after confirmation.

This combination of tradition and science helps ensure the proper observation of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia.