Al-Khudairi: The eclipse will hinder the sighting of the Ramadan crescent, and the decision rests with the Supreme Court
Renowned astronomer Abdullah Al-Khudairi confirmed that the weather conditions at the Hawtat Sudair Observatory are ideal in terms of clarity. However, he noted that rare astronomical challenges may hinder the sighting of the Ramadan crescent this year. Al-Khudairi pointed out that the coincidence of the observation with the annular solar eclipse creates a complex situation that makes visual sighting extremely difficult, leaving the final decision to the Supreme Court.
Details of the astronomical challenges in Sudair
Al-Khudairi explained that the crescent sighting coincides exceptionally with an annular solar eclipse, the phases of which will end at 5:27 PM. He indicated that astronomical data points to critical figures, where the elongation angle between the centers of the sun and moon does not exceed one degree. He revealed precise calculations by the astronomical observatory indicating that the time interval between the center of the crescent and its arc ranges from only 70 to 75 seconds, describing these figures as presenting technical "issues" that may prevent clear visibility with the naked eye or even with binoculars.
The importance and historical significance of the Hawtat Sudair Observatory
The statements of astronomer Abdullah Al-Khudairi carry particular weight given the prestigious status of the Hawtat Sudair Observatory, one of the most prominent astronomical observatories in Saudi Arabia. Located in a region characterized by its high altitude and clear skies, the observatory has historically served as a key reference point for observing the new moon and determining the beginnings of the Islamic months. For many years, Al-Khudairi and his team have provided accurate credible evidence upon which the Supreme Court has based its rulings, lending significant weight to his current warnings regarding the difficulty of sighting the new moon.
Procedures followed and the impact of the event
The eyes of the Islamic world are turned towards Saudi Arabia to sight the crescent moon of Ramadan, as its sighting determines the first day of fasting. Based on the information provided by Al-Khudairi, the likelihood is increasing that the crescent will not be visible, which could lead to the completion of the month of Sha'ban as a 30-day month, in accordance with the Islamic legal principle: "Fast when you see it (the crescent moon) and break your fast when you see it. If it is obscured from you, then complete the count (of 30 days).".
Al-Khudairi stressed at the end of his speech that the decision to prove the beginning of the month is exclusively up to the Supreme Court, the body authorized by Sharia and the system to announce the beginning of lunar months, especially in light of the existence of these complex astronomical data that may raise doubts about the possibility of visual sighting, stressing his full commitment to what is issued by the official authorities.
