The start of the holy month of Ramadan was marked by Sergeant Mastour Al-Nahari firing seven bullets from the “Ramadan Canon” situated on top of Al-Medf'a Mountain in Makkah. The firing of the canon is an annual event every Ramadan. Al-Nahari said he has been operating the canon for 10 years. Two days before the advent of every Ramadan the canon is fetched and fixed on top of “Medf'a Mountain. He said he secures the necessary ammunition and on the sighting and announcement of the crescent moon by the Supreme Judiciary Council, seven capsules filled with ammunition are shot. Each bullet contains 1.5 kg of ammunition powder. He said canons are all over the Kingdom are shot when the sun sets and at breakfast time to coincide with the Adhan. In addition two capsules will be shot at 2 A.M. to inform people in Makkah to take their Suhoor and before the dawn Adhan another two capsules will be shot marking the end of Suhoor time. In the past, the canon was filled with pieces of jute and clothes but nowadays live ammunition is used, he said.
