Riyadh: Throughout history, the imams of the Saudi state have demonstrated a profound dedication to the blessed month of Ramadan since the nation's founding. Stemming from their deep commitment to Islamic Sharia, they prioritized congregational prayers, encouraged fasting, and solidified the status of Zakat as a pillar of Islam and a crucial tool for social solidarity. By actively supporting religious study circles, scholar gatherings, youth education, and assistance for the vulnerable, these leaders successfully consolidated enduring religious and social values within society.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the imams of the Saudi state placed immense importance on acts of charity and benevolence, particularly during religious seasons such as Ramadan and Hajj. Historians have recorded numerous examples of their generosity. Imam Abdulaziz bin Muhammad bin Saud was widely recognized for his dedication to supporting the needy and students. He allocated public treasury funds for the poor, scholars, imams, and muezzins, and even provided stipends to purchase coffee for those leading night prayers in mosques across various regions. During his era, Ramadan became a season when the needy flocked to Diriyah to receive food, clothing, and financial assistance. Following this exemplary path, Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Muhammad hosted large numbers of people for daily iftar meals at his palace, clothed the needy during the last 10 days of Ramadan, and distributed wealth even more generously on the 27th night.
owments (waqf) constituted a prominent manifestation of social solidarity, with diverse applications ranging from caring for orphans to building mosques, providing iftar meals, copying books, and maintaining the two holy mosques. Endowment documents highlight the imams' dedication to scholarly pursuits. A prominent charitable effort was the "Sbalat Modhi," established by Imam Abdulaziz in Diriyah's At-Turaif district in honor of his mother, providing essential shelter and water for travelers.0Across the diverse regions of Saudi Arabia, the arrival of Ramadan was greeted with warmth and meticulous early preparation, from cleaning homes and mosques to stocking provisions. The sighting of the new moon was traditionally announced by lighting fires on high ground or firing cannons in major cities.
In Makkah and Madinah, the holy month acquired an elevated spiritual significance. Lamps illuminated the arcades of the Grand Mosque, and fasting individuals gathered in scenes of profound devotion, as documented by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in the early 19th century, who noted the community's strict adherence to fasting and their widespread spirit of charity.
Ramadan brought a remarkable surge in religious activity. Daily life typically began with the Fajr prayer and continued until just before noon, pausing until late afternoon, when markets would fill and neighborhoods would gather in mosques to break their fast with dates and milk.
The nights were brought to life with Taraweeh and night prayers, widespread Quran recitation circles, and culminating supplications. These Ramadan traditions reflected the rich diversity of the First Saudi State while sharing core values of solidarity and compassion.
Prominent customs included the pre-dawn caller (Musaharati) in Al-Ahsa and the exchange of food between families. In coastal areas like Farasan, Ramadan coincided with the return of sailors from pearl diving expeditions, while the people of Tihama maintained their daytime labor with remarkable patience, seamlessly balancing their livelihoods with increased nocturnal worship.
Ultimately, this historical landscape reflects the enduring significance of Ramadan in the hearts of Saudi society-a season of devout worship, a space for deep solidarity, and a foundational pillar for the religious and social values that have shaped the Saudi state across its various eras.