Historical records highlight Ramadan traditions and charitable legacy in early Saudi state
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Riyadh, February 22, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Historical accounts show that the imams of the Saudi state placed strong emphasis on religious observance and charitable giving during the month of Ramadan since the nation’s founding.
Records indicate they prioritised congregational prayers, encouraged fasting and reinforced the importance of Zakat as a pillar of Islam and a mechanism for social solidarity. Support was extended to religious study circles, scholars, youth education and vulnerable groups.
Historians document charitable efforts by Imam Abdulaziz bin Muhammad bin Saud, who allocated funds from the public treasury to assist the poor, scholars, imams and muezzins. During his era, Ramadan drew the needy to Diriyah to receive food, clothing and financial assistance. Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Muhammad continued similar practices, hosting daily iftar meals and distributing support during the last ten days of Ramadan.
Endowments, or waqf, also played a role in social support, funding mosques, iftar meals and services for travellers. Among documented initiatives was “Sbalat Modhi” in Diriyah’s At-Turaif district, established to provide shelter and water for travellers.
Across different regions of the Kingdom, Ramadan preparations historically included cleaning mosques and homes and stocking provisions. The sighting of the new moon was traditionally announced in some areas by lighting fires or firing cannons.
In Makkah and Madinah, accounts describe illuminated arcades at the Grand Mosque and gatherings of worshippers. Daily routines centred on prayers, fasting and markets reopening before iftar, with nights marked by Taraweeh prayers and Quran recitation.
Regional customs included pre-dawn callers in Al-Ahsa and food exchanges between families, reflecting diverse local traditions within shared religious practices.
