Abu Shar'an, Beloved Bedouin Astronomer Of Saudi Arabia, Dies At 96
Saudi Arabia is mourning the death of Malfi bin Shar'an Al Oreimah Al Harbi, widely known as 'Abu Shar'an,' one of the Kingdom's most respected figures in traditional astronomy and weather forecasting.
Born around 1929 among the Bedouin communities of Hail, Abu Shar'an spent nearly a century studying the stars and interpreting climate patterns amid the desert sands.
Preferring the simplicity of desert life over the city's noise, he believed no roof was kinder than the open sky, and no companion more loyal than his herd.
From the dunes stretching between Hail and Al Zulfi, he developed a deep knowledge of the stars and their connection to rainfall, becoming a trusted reference for Bedouins, city dwellers, researchers, and scholars alike.
For decades, Abu Shar'an mapped star movements across the desert sands, living by the old wisdom: 'Whoever knows the lunar mansions will not miss the rain.'
His passing has sparked widespread tributes. Saudi astronomer Dr. Khalid Al Zaaq, his former student, wrote: 'My first teacher has passed, the one who taught me how to calculate the stars when I was just 13 years old.'
Although Abu Shar'an had partially recovered from a stroke three years ago, his health had recently deteriorated. Despite efforts at King Fahd Specialist Hospital, he passed away following complications.
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