Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest exporter of oil, is one of the Middle East’s most powerful countries. An important part of its culture is the annual holy month of Ramadan, celebrated by Muslims around the world. Annual questions arise concerning the exact start date of this holy month. Saudi Arabia’s religious authority is responsible for declaring Ramadan’s start date. This year, there has been some confusion as to whether the Saudi religious authority announced that Ramadan starts today or tomorrow.
The date of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon. Normally, Saudi astronomical calculations used to specify the start date of Ramadan and the feast of Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan are very reliable and there is an agreement among all Muslim countries. However, due to the pandemic, it was uncertain whether the result of the astronomic calculations or the actual sighting of the new moon would determine the start date of Ramadan.
The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs explained that in order to maintain the unity of Muslim countries, they are still relying entirely on astronomical calculations to determine Ramadan. This announcement led some experts to interpret that the start of Ramadan would be announced earlier than usual.
Because the new moon was sighted in some countries like Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan and Qatar on the evening of Monday, it was thought that Saudi Arabia would declare the start of Ramadan to be on Tuesday. This notion was strengthened as some prominent Islamic authorities in Saudi Arabia had declared that Ramadan had started.
However, the decision taken by the Saudi religious authorities was based on the results of the astronomical calculations rather than on the sighting of the new moon. As a result, they delayed the start of Ramadan for a day, and declared it to begin on Wednesday. Some experts argue this was done so as to maintain unity with fellow Muslim nations that had declared the start of Ramadan a day later.
This decision has divided experts into two opposing camps. The supporters of the official view argue that the astronomical calculations must be followed in order to maintain Muslim unity. Meanwhile, the opponents of this official view suggest that the sighting of the new moon should be followed in order to remain in harmony with the Islamic tradition, as well as to avoid any possible worldly disputes which could potentially arise in the future.
Saudi Arabia’s decision has also caused confusion for expats living in the country, as many of them had already started Ramadan according to the sighting of the new moon. Even though some international fatwas support the decision of the Saudi religious authority, expats living in the country insist that this decision may have a negative impact on their religious obligation and commitment to follow the sighting of the new moon.
The Relationship Between The Saudi Government And Muslim Nations
The relationship between the Saudi government and Muslim nations has been further complicated by the announcement of the start of Ramadan. Many citizens and international observers have noted that Saudi Arabia’s decision was impacted by the current international political dynamics. Some argued that Saudi Arabia’s decision was strongly associated with the geopolitical interests of some leading Muslim nations.
Still, while these events have caused some tension between Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations, it is important to remember that the definition of Islamic unity, which is based on shared religious beliefs and practices, should always take precedence over politics. The disagreements between certain countries should not distract us from the main focus of the holy month of Ramadan – growing spiritually closer to Allah and increasing our bond with the Creator.
For this reason, it is important to remember that although some geopolitical tensions may have driven Saudi Arabia’s decision, the importance of unity among Muslims should always take precedence. As Muslims, we should strive to show love and respect towards each other and engage in constructive dialogue regardless of any political and cultural differences. Only this way can we truly embody the spirit of Islamic unity.
The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on Ramadan. In most countries, mosques have limited the number of worshippers due to social distancing rules imposed by the government. In addition, the restrictions on travel have prevented some Muslims from taking part in traditional Ramadan activities such as visiting family and friends.
This has led to a feeling of loneliness among many Muslims during this special time of the year. To counteract this, many countries have organized virtual Iftar events and Islamic lectures to provide an opportunity for Muslims to connect despite the distance. In addition, some mosques have opened their yard for worshipers to perform their prayers in a safe and socially-distanced environment.
Despite these challenges, the spirit of Ramadan remains strong. Muslims have come together virtually to observe and celebrate the holy month. In many countries, Islamic organizations have followed up on the call to action of various leaders to make a difference and help the vulnerable during the festive season. Muslims around the world have responded in kind, donating food, medical resources and money, and have organized collective kitchen activities to feed the needy in their communities.
Moreover, several well-known Muslim personalities have come forward to hold online lectures, lectures and activities to guide and encourage Muslims around the world to make the most out of this holy month. Through their inspirational words, people have been empowered to stay strong and motivated to observe the rules of Ramadan, even in the midst of a global pandemic.
The Role of Technology in Ramadan
Throughout history, technology has had an important role in Muslim societies. This is especially true in the current times, when technology is helping people around the world to observe the holy month of Ramadan from the comfort of their homes.
Increased access to the internet and new social media tools has enabled Muslims to quickly find religious teachings, engage in online religious discussions and follow virtual Ramadan events. For example, some Muslim scholars have been using platforms such as Instagram and Twitter to educate people, answer their questions, and invite them to join Ramadan events from their homes.
In addition, technology has created new opportunities to connect with fellow Muslims. For example, several mobile apps have been specifically invented to allow people to virtually fraternize and observe the holy month of Ramadan. These apps provide platforms for Muslims to share their stories, exchange religious advice and participate in virtual Iftar gatherings.
Furthermore, streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube have also made it easier for people to watch religious shows and movies. This has allowed families to learn about the complex history and culture surrounding Ramadan while spending an evening together. This has enabled people to deepen their understanding of Ramadan and its importance to Islamic culture.
Conclusion And Future Prospects
Overall, it is clear that despite the current uncertainty surrounding the start date of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, the spirit of the holy month continues to be strong amongst Muslims around the world. New technologies have enabled people to connect virtually and observe the month with their family and friends, even in crisis times.
Looking towards the future, it is likely that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority nations will remain strong, as the importance of Islamic unity will remain in the forefront. This will be further strengthened by the rising use of technology, which will enable Muslims to connect in a meaningful and meaningful way despite social and physical distance.
