Makkah uses a semi-automatic cannon on Abu Al-Madfa’ mountain near the Grand Mosque to signal the start of Ramadan, Iftar, and Suhoor. Approximately 150 shots are fired during Ramadan and Eid, including seven sound blanks to mark the commencement of the holy month.
According to SPA, the cannon in Makkah is operated by security personnel using blank ammunition produced by gunpowder combustion, which creates visible smoke and audible sound across the city. The manual version of the cannon has been replaced by a semi-automatic model to simplify the firing process.
In Madinah, the cannon was reinstated following royal approval in Ramadan 1436 AH to revive the historical legacy. In Jeddah, the cannon is fired from a highland location to mark the beginning of Ramadan, Iftar, and Suhoor, contributing to the atmosphere of Jeddah Season events in Al-Balad.
The source did not specify the exact weight or size of the cannons used in the different cities.
How is the Ramadan cannon operated in Makkah? The cannon in Makkah is located on Abu Al-Madfa’ mountain near the Grand Mosque and is operated by security personnel. It uses blank ammunition created by gunpowder combustion to produce smoke and sound. While a manual version was used in the past, a semi-automatic cannon has now replaced it to make the firing process simpler.
What are the specific firing patterns for the cannon in Makkah? In Makkah, seven sound blanks are fired specifically to mark the commencement of Ramadan. Throughout the holy month and during Eid, approximately 150 shots are fired in total to announce the times for Iftar, Suhoor, and the end of the fast.
Where is the Ramadan cannon used in other Saudi cities? In Madinah, the cannon was reinstated after royal approval in Ramadan 1436 AH to fulfill the residents’ desire to revive the legacy. In Jeddah, the cannon is fired from a highland location to mark Iftar, Suhoor, and the start of Ramadan, adding to the Jeddah Season events in Al-Balad.