Ramadan 2022 to start on Saturday: Saudi Supreme Court

Update The world's Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon. (AN Photo/Mohammed Albaijan)
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The world's Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon. (AN Photo/Mohammed Albaijan)
Update The world's Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon. (AN Photo/Mohammed Albaijan)
2 / 6
The world's Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon. (AN Photo/Mohammed Albaijan)
Update The world's Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon. (AN Photo/Mohammed Albaijan)
3 / 6
The world's Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon. (AN Photo/Mohammed Albaijan)
Update The world's Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon. (AN Photo/Mohammed Albaijan)
4 / 6
The world's Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon. (AN Photo/Mohammed Albaijan)
Update The world's Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon. (AN Photo/Mohammed Albaijan)
5 / 6
The world's Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon. (AN Photo/Mohammed Albaijan)
Update The world's Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon. (AN Photo/Mohammed Albaijan)
6 / 6
The world's Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon. (AN Photo/Mohammed Albaijan)
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Updated 02 April 2022

Ramadan 2022 to start on Saturday: Saudi Supreme Court

Ramadan 2022 to start on Saturday: Saudi Supreme Court
  • This will be the first year since 2019 that Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is observed without coronavirus restrictions

RIYADH: Most of the world’s 2 billion Muslims will mark the first day of Ramadan on Saturday after an official sighting of the new crescent moon, the Saudi Supreme Court said on Friday.

The court offered congratulations on the advent of the holy month to King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, all Saudi citizens and expatriates in the Kingdom, and all Muslims.

Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE said Ramadan would also begin there on Saturday, and in Oman it is expected to begin a day later. The starting date is determined by both lunar calculations and physical sightings of a new moon.

This will be the first year since 2019 that Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is observed without coronavirus restrictions.

The crescent signaling the start of Ramadan was sighted on Friday at Hautat Sudair in Riyadh by astronomers from Majmaah University’s Astronomy Observatory Department.

The individual who first observed it was renowned Saudi astronomer Abdullah Al-Khudairi. The head of the Observatory Department at the university, he is known among his peers for his expertise in astronomy and his role in sighting the Ramadan crescent each year.

Although advanced telescopes are in use at the site, Al-Khudairi relies on his eyes alone. His colleagues have said that his vision is extremely acute and on Friday this proved to be the case once more as he spotted the new moon before anyone else. His sighting was confirmed by others using telescopes

“It’s right in front of your eyes, can’t you see it?” he was heard saying. “In the era of the Prophet, peace be upon him, there were no devices like there are now. These are among the blessings of God that we praise and thank Him for. Sighting with the naked eye was the basis for sighting the crescent back then.”

Preparations for the sighting began early in the afternoon as advanced telescopes and cameras were set up and trained on the horizon. People gathered around to observe the methodical approach of the astronomers as they adjusted and fixed the focus of their devices.

Hautat Sudair has been the location used for the sighting the new moon for many years, Al-Khudairi told Arab News.

“This place is far from urban areas, agricultural areas, industrial areas, far from pollution,” he said. “It’s high above sea level, about 900 meters. The land is solid and not subject to excitation.

“It was chosen years ago by King Saud University after we signed a memorandum of cooperation. The region is distinguished not only for moon sighting but for all kinds of astronomical observations.”

Wind speeds were very low in the area, at about 4 kph, which significantly decreased the chance of gusts stirring up dust clouds that might obscure the view of the new moon.

After the sighting and confirmation of the crescent, the gathered astronomers congratulated each other and signed a document as witnesses to the 1443 Hijri Ramadan crescent.

The sighting of the crescent moon is an important component of Islamic astronomical ephemeris, as the Hijri calendar follows the lunar cycle, with a new crescent signaling the start of each month.


Prince Khalid honors air cadets at ceremony in Riyadh

Prince Khalid honors air cadets at ceremony in Riyadh
Updated 23 March 2023

Prince Khalid honors air cadets at ceremony in Riyadh

Prince Khalid honors air cadets at ceremony in Riyadh
  • Several other senior officials attended the ceremony

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of defense Prince Khalid bin Salman attended the graduation ceremony of the 102nd batch of King Faisal Air Academy in Riyadh on Thursday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Khalid was received by the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant-General Fayyad bin Hamid Al-Ruwaili, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, Lieutenant-General Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, as well as the Commander of the King Faisal Air Academy, Major General Pilot Hazim bin Abdulrahman bin Ghashyan.

Several other senior officials attended the ceremony, where Prince Khalid honored the cadets.


King Salman, Crown Prince congratulate President Arif Alvi on Pakistan national day

King Salman, Crown Prince congratulate President Arif Alvi on Pakistan national day
Updated 23 March 2023

King Salman, Crown Prince congratulate President Arif Alvi on Pakistan national day

King Salman, Crown Prince congratulate President Arif Alvi on Pakistan national day

RIYADH: King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to President Arif Alvi of Pakistan on Thursday on the anniversary of his country’s National Day.

The king expressed his best wishes for the president’s good health and happiness, and for the government and people of Pakistan steady progress and prosperity.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also congratulated President Alvi on the Pakistani national day, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke with his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. 

During their phone call, they reviewed the strong relations between their countries and ways to support and enhance them to serve common interests.

 

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General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announces itikaf registration

General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announces itikaf registration
Updated 23 March 2023

General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announces itikaf registration

General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announces itikaf registration
  • The registration is to be made through the Nusuk application

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has announced the registration of itikaf service, or secluded devotion for the last 10 days of Ramadan.
The registration is to be made through the Nusuk application, and it will end when the permitted number is completed, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The agency has prepared the sites to receive about 2,500 worshippers for itikaf service, according to its operational plan for Ramadan this year.
The plan includes all services and facilities for those who register for itikaf service, from their entry to their exit from the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.


Ithra to host sixth annual ‘Cultural Majlis’ this Ramadan

Ithra to host sixth annual ‘Cultural Majlis’ this Ramadan
Updated 23 March 2023

Ithra to host sixth annual ‘Cultural Majlis’ this Ramadan

Ithra to host sixth annual ‘Cultural Majlis’ this Ramadan

DHAHRAN: The Cultural Oasis at Ithra will host its sixth annual “Cultural Majlis” during Ramadan.

Three different panel discussions will be held on March 27, April 3 and April 10 under the theme of “Travel Literature.”

In a statement, Ithra said that it hopes to help modern travelers become acquainted with carvings and newly discovered monuments by hosting a group of specialists in panel discussions.

Talks will be in Arabic, and will target those interested in Arabic literature and over the age of 16.

Guest speakers will delve into classic and contemporary travel literature, showing how travelers have represented their adventures and discoveries through stories.

The first session will feature Syrian author and poet Nouri Al-Jarrah, superintendent of the Ibn Battuta Award for Travel Literature Abdullah Al-Khudayyer, and Moroccan novelist Shuaib Halifi.

This will be followed by the book signings of “The Stone Serpent” by Al-Jarrah, “Estrangement with the Taste of Karthala” by Al-Khudayyer, and “Travels That Don’t Fear Imagination” by Halifi.

The second panel discussion will feature travelers Thawab Alsubaie and Saud Al-Eidie, along with travel photographer Hussain Daghriri. The three will discuss different approaches to travel under the title “Memory of a Place.”

In the third session, author and historian Sulaiman Al-Theeb and researcher of history and civilization Mishari Al-Nashmi will be interviewed by author and journalist Ali Zaalah under the title “Tales of Cities: Legacy and Heritage.”

Visitors will also have a special guided tour of the Hijrah Exhibit, where they will see the migration journey of the Prophet Muhammad from a modern perspective. Entry will be free.

The Cultural Majlis is a complimentary event. Tickets are not required to attend the book signings, and signed books will be distributed free of charge. Also, tickets are not required to enter the panel discussion. A free photography event will also be hosted in conjunction with the talks.

Panel discussions run from 10 p.m. until midnight.


Saudi, Iranian FMs set meeting on reopening of embassies, consulates

Saudi, Iranian FMs set meeting on reopening of embassies, consulates
Updated 23 March 2023

Saudi, Iranian FMs set meeting on reopening of embassies, consulates

Saudi, Iranian FMs set meeting on reopening of embassies, consulates

RIYADH: The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran will meet soon to pave the way for reopening embassies and consulates in the two countries, Saudi state media said early Thursday.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, arrived at the agreement during a phone call, the Saudi Press Agency and Al-Ekhbariyah said in separate reports.

The diplomats also exchanged greetings on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Kingdom and Iran agreed on March 10 to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies within two months following years of tensions.

Amirabdollahian said on Sunday that three locations have been proposed for the meeting.