Crescent sighting observatories in Saudi Arabia: A rich history and modern technologies
sighting of the new moon receives widespread Islamic and international attention, as the Kingdom is home to the Two Holy Mosques and the Muslim world relies on it to determine the timing of major religious observances, such as the start of Ramadan, the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha holidays, and the Hajj pilgrimage. This process is not merely a routine procedure, but rather a comprehensive system that blends historical religious tradition with modern astronomical techniques to ensure the most accurate results.
The historical roots of astronomical observation
The Kingdom's interest in astronomy and astronomical observation is not new; it extends back decades. The first astronomical observatory in Mecca was established in 1948 atop the Mount Abu Qubays during the reign of the founding King Abdulaziz Al Saud (may God have mercy on him), serving as the foundation for determining prayer times. With urban development, the functions of this observatory evolved and expanded, culminating today in the Clock Tower in Mecca, which houses one of the most precise astronomical observation centers in the world.
In 1957, the Madinah Global Observatory was established, followed by a major expansion that included the establishment of scientific observatories in Saudi universities, such as the King Abdulaziz University Observatory in 1975 and the King Saud University Observatory in 1984, which enhanced the scientific accuracy in observing the crescent moon.
The most famous sighting sites: Sudair and Tamir
The Kingdom's diverse geography has resulted in strategic locations renowned as ideal observation sites due to their clear skies and high altitudes. Among these are Sudair and Tamir , which have become annual landmarks eagerly awaited by Muslims. Other regions also actively participate in this system, such as Riyadh, Medina, Qassim, Dhahran, Shaqra, Hail, and Tabuk, where observation committees are deployed to cover various horizons.
Supreme Court mechanism and medical standards
The observation process is conducted under the auspices of the Supreme Court , which ensures the reliability of the results through rigorous standards. Only those with exceptional visual acuity are permitted to sight the crescent moon; observers undergo thorough medical examinations and extensive practical tests to confirm their ability to distinguish it. Field committees operate under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Justice and in cooperation with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology to ensure the integration of the religious sighting with astronomical calculations.
Modern technology in the service of Sharia vision
With the technological revolution, observation is no longer solely dependent on the naked eye. Advanced telescopes and electronic binoculars have become essential components of the process. Astronomers today use precise calculations to determine the moon's coordinates, its angle of inclination from the sun, and sunset times with extreme accuracy, thus minimizing human error and enhancing the certainty of the sighting. The Clock Tower Center in Mecca is now a global model, housing a network of advanced binoculars that contribute to crescent moon observations not only for the Kingdom but also serve as a reference point for several other Islamic countries.
This integration between the Sharia vision and modern science reflects the Kingdom’s keenness to perform this trust with high responsibility, due to the acts of worship and rituals that concern more than two billion Muslims around the world.
