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Ahmed Saleh

Saudi families gather, share ancestral stories on Ramadan crescent sighting

Taif, March 10, 2024, As the arrival of Ramadan draws near in Saudi Arabia each year, families come together to reminisce about ancestral traditions surrounding the sighting of the crescent moon, which signals the commencement of the holy month. These cherished narratives transport listeners to a time before the prevalence of modern astronomy and electronic devices, where communities relied solely on the naked eye to search for the elusive moon, sparking profound joy and celebration upon its sighting.

Elders recount a variety of traditional methods used to spread news of the crescent moon's appearance. In some villages, the echoing sound of gunfire served as a signal, while others relied on bonfires atop mountains, with smoke plumes conveying the message to neighboring communities. The booming of cannons positioned near village squares provided definitive confirmation of the arrival of Ramadan.

Abdul Jaber Al-Sheikh, a nearly centenarian Saudi citizen, shared his reminiscences with the Saudi Press Agency, emphasizing the deep-rooted tradition of moon sighting passed down through generations. He fondly recalls joining his grandparents as a child to eagerly await the moon's appearance, marveling at the changing colors of sunset and twilight before sharing these enchanting experiences with family at home.

According to Al-Sheikh, ancestral knowledge emphasized the importance of sighting the moon with the naked eye, a practice that predates modern observation techniques. Exceptional eyesight was revered, and the sighting of the crescent moon brought about a collective wave of joy and unity among villagers.

Astronomer Mohammed Al-Thaqafi highlighted the evolution of moon sighting practices. Reliable astronomical observatories across Saudi Arabia now utilize specialized tools such as telescopes, electronic cameras, and binoculars to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of confirmation methods, marking a departure from reliance solely on visual observation.


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