Moon Sighting in Ramadan
What is Moon SIghting in Ramadan?
Moon Sighting in Ramadan:
Moon sighting plays a very important role in determining the start and end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam. The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, meaning it follows the cycle of the moon.
How It Works:
- Lunar Calendar:
- The Islamic month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon (known as “Hilal”).
- Ramadan starts when the crescent moon is seen after the sunset on the 29th day of the previous month, Sha’ban.
- If the moon is not visible on the 29th day due to clouds or other reasons, the month of Sha’ban is completed as 30 days, and Ramadan begins the following day.
- Why Moon Sighting is Important:
- It is based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who instructed Muslims to begin fasting upon seeing the crescent moon and end it similarly for Eid.
Challenges of Moon Sighting:
- Sometimes, weather conditions or geographical locations make it hard to see the moon.
- Different regions might start Ramadan on different days because the moon may be visible in some places and not in others.
- This has led to discussions about whether to rely on local sightings or global astronomical calculations.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Fast when you see the crescent and stop fasting when you see it. If the sky is cloudy, then complete 30 days of Sha’ban.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1909)
Conclusion:
Moon sighting for Ramadan connects Muslims to the natural lunar cycle, fostering a sense of unity and tradition. While modern technology can predict moon phases, many Muslims still follow the traditional method of physically sighting the crescent moon to determine the start of Ramadan.
Quran & Hadith References
Quranic References:
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185):
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the crescent of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship…”- This verse establishes that fasting in Ramadan begins upon the sighting of the crescent moon.
Hadith References:
- Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 1909):
“The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Fast when you see the crescent (of Ramadan), and stop fasting when you see the crescent (of Shawwal). If it is cloudy, complete thirty days of Sha’ban.'” - Sahih Muslim (Hadith 1080a):
“Do not fast until you see the crescent moon, and do not break your fast until you see it. If the sky is cloudy, then complete the counting of thirty days of Sha’ban.” - Sunan Abu Dawood (Hadith 2324):
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘The month consists of twenty-nine days, so do not fast until you see it (the crescent moon), and if it is cloudy, then complete the number of thirty days.'” - Jami’ At-Tirmidhi (Hadith 684):
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘The month is twenty-nine days, but it may also be thirty. Do not begin fasting until you see the crescent or complete thirty days, and do not stop fasting until you see the crescent or complete thirty days.'”
Key Points from the References:
- From the Quran:
- The Quran explicitly states that fasting begins upon the sighting of the crescent moon of Ramadan.
- The principle of ease (facilitated by moon sighting) is emphasized in Surah Al-Baqarah.
- From the Hadith:
- The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ outlined clear instructions on starting and ending the fast based on moon sighting.
- If visibility is hindered (e.g., clouds), then completing 30 days of the current month is prescribed.
Conclusion:
The practice of moon sighting is rooted in both the Quran and Hadith, highlighting its importance as a traditional method for determining the start and end of Ramadan. It fosters unity among Muslims and adheres to the natural lunar cycle established by Islamic teachings.
