Turaif maintains the traditional practice of the Ramadan cannon to announce the start of the holy month. According to SPA, this custom serves as a symbol of rituals known by the people of Turaif and has been practiced for many decades.
The cannon signals the times for Iftar, Suhoor, and Imsak before the Fajr prayer. Historian Mamdouh Al-Khamsan stated that security personnel were responsible for cleaning and maintaining the cannon during the month. The process involved placing gunpowder inside the tube, sealing it with cut sacks of fabric, and packing it tightly.
The person in charge ignited the fuse upon hearing the mosque’s muezzin call to prayer, creating a loud explosion audible throughout the district. This practice preceded the widespread use of modern communication tools for fasting announcements.
What is the purpose of the Ramadan cannon in Turaif? The Ramadan cannon in Turaif is a symbol of traditional customs and rituals that announces the arrival of the holy month. It specifically signals the times for Iftar, which is the breaking of the fast, and Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, as well as the time for Imsak before the Fajr prayer.
How was the Ramadan cannon prepared and fired? Preparation involved placing gunpowder inside the cannon tube and sealing it with tightly packed pieces of cut fabric sacks. The person in charge would ignite the fuse after the mosque’s muezzin gave the call to prayer, resulting in a loud explosion heard across the district.
Who was responsible for the cannon and why was it used? Security personnel were assigned to clean and maintain the cannon throughout the holy month. This tradition dates back many decades and was the primary method of informing people about fasting periods before the widespread use of modern communication and announcement tools.