Riyadh: During the era of the First Saudi State, society held a deep interest in astronomy and the use of stars for guidance, driven by a concern for agricultural seasons and water availability. Daily life was closely tied to anticipating rain and weather changes, which played a crucial role in their existence.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the Founding Day historical content guide published by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) reveals that people paid close attention to calculating the rising and setting of stars. This practice was linked to predicting rain, clouds, and storms, known as the "science of Anwa," a traditional Arabian weather lore.

The guide elaborates that inhabitants observed the sky for recurring signs to anticipate rainfall. Stars not only served as guiding lights in the desert darkness but also as a reliable means of marking time. This celestial observation was integral for the inhabitants, as they relied on the movements of stars at night and prayer times during the day to calculate irrigation hours for orchards, ensuring efficient water management.

These ancient methods extended beyond agriculture and weather prediction; they were also applied to religious matters. The community used these techniques to determine the start of lunar months like Ramadan and Dhu Al-Hijjah. Additionally, the state employed a sunlight-based instrument known as a "Shakhis" to determine the specific times for the noon and afternoon prayers, illustrating a sophisticated understanding of time and celestial navigation during the First Saudi State.