Deep Dive: Jordan's Mufti States No Political or Security Role in Determining Ramadan Start

Jordan's Grand Mufti, as the highest religious authority, has explicitly ruled out any political or security interventions in the determination of Ramadan's start, reinforcing the traditional reliance on moon sighting by religious scholars. This stance is rooted in the Hashemite Kingdom's unique position as custodians of Islamic holy sites, blending monarchy with religious legitimacy. Historically, Jordan has navigated tensions between state interests and religious practices, particularly during Ramadan, which unites over 97% Sunni Muslim population in fasting and prayer. The Mufti's declaration prevents potential disputes that could arise from government involvement, preserving communal harmony. Geopolitically, this reflects Jordan's strategy to maintain internal stability amid regional volatility, including conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Gaza. By insulating religious timings from security considerations—such as border threats or counterterrorism—the kingdom avoids accusations of politicizing faith, which could alienate conservative elements or Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, active in Jordanian politics. Key actors include the Royal Hashemite Court, which appoints the Mufti, and security apparatus led by the Public Security Directorate, both with interests in national cohesion during high-stakes periods like Ramadan. Cross-border implications extend to the Arab world, where Ramadan synchronization affects pilgrimage, trade, and media broadcasts. Neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt often align sightings, influencing Jordan's 10 million citizens and 2 million Palestinian refugees. Globally, Muslim diasporas in Europe and North America follow regional fatwas, impacting productivity in multicultural workforces. This non-intervention preserves Jordan's soft power as a moderate Islamic voice, countering extremist narratives that decry state overreach in religion. Looking ahead, this policy signals continuity in Jordan's model of controlled religious pluralism, potentially stabilizing society as economic pressures from hosting refugees mount. However, challenges persist if astronomical predictions clash with traditional sightings, testing the Mufti's authority against modern pressures.