The Divine Signal for Ramadan’s Arrival
The sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal) signifies both the beginning and end of Ramadan, starting a month filled with fasting, worship, and spiritual reflection. The second calendar is Islamic and differs from the solar, which follows fixed dates; the Islamic calendar is lunar, with the start of each month marked by the sighting of the new crescent moon.
This event is not merely an astronomical one; it is a sacred moment prescribed for believers in the Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet, peace be upon him (Hadith). It’s a joyful tradition that connects all Muslims around the world, building up an excitement and holiness among Muslims as they prepare for the month of Ramadan.
The Meaning and Religious Importance of Moon Sighting in Islam
1. The Lunar Basis of the Islamic Calendar
Islam uses a lunar calendar, so months are only 29 or 30 days long, based on moon sightings. This is mentioned by Allah in the Qur’an:
“They ask you about the new moons. Say: They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:189)
The month of Ramadan is based on the cycles of the moon as indicated in this verse. Such practice of refraining from food was also confirmed by Prophet Muhammadﷺ when he told muslims to base their motto on the sighting of the moon.
2. The Command to Begin and End Ramadan with the Moon
The commencement as well as the termination of Ramadan is based on the sighting of the moon as clarified by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He said:
“Fast when you see it (the crescent) and break your fast when you see it, and if it is obscured from you, then complete the month as thirty days.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1909, Sahih Muslim 1081)
This Hadith establishes a guideline for all Muslims which will remain in effect as long as the world lasts:
- Ramadan begins if the moon is sighted.
- If the moon is not sighted because of clouds or something else, the previous month (Sha’ban) is accomplished (by counting) to 30 days, and fasting shall begin the next day.
Thus, Islamic timekeeping is simple, precise, and orderly.
The Process of Moon Sighting
1. Who Can Announce the Sighting?
According to a widely accepted Islamic tradition, the crescent moon must be visually sighted with the naked eye or optical aid before the onset of Ramadan can be declared. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“If two just and trustworthy witnesses testify that they have seen the moon, then fast upon their testimony.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood 2342, Sunan al-Tirmidhi 691)
This means:
- The witness of the moon must be a mutabijir ( Aadil).
- Islamic authorities in the region then verify their testimony.
- Once officially confirmed, the announcement is made and fasting starts.
Islamic scholars and moon sighting committees in many Muslim majority countries worship with the responsibility to verify and confirm the crescent moon sightings.
2. The Challenges and Controversies in Moon Sighting
Even though there is clear guidance from the Qur’an and Hadith, moon sighting has been a subject of debate in modern times. Some of the important issues are:
Global vs. Local Sighting
- Some scholars think that if the moon is sighted anywhere in the world, all Muslims should follow it (Global Sighting).
- Others insisted the moon sighting should be local per region, as the visibility of the moon varies based on geographical location (Local Sighting).
This discrepancy is why some countries start Ramadan on different days, which can create some confusion at times.
3. Astronomical Calculations vs. Physical Sighting
Using the advancements, scientists predict the new moon’s birth based on mathematics. But Islamic tradition goes by actual sighting, not just calculations. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not dependent on astronomical methods but taught that:
“Do not fast until you see the crescent moon, and do not break your fast until you see it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1909, Sahih Muslim 1081)
Many scholars believe that calculations can be helpful in ascertaining likelihood of sighting but that they should not take the place of the physical sighting of the moon.
4. Cloudy Skies and Unclear Visibility
What if it’s cloudy and you can’t see the moon? The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us:
“If it is cloudy, complete Sha’ban as thirty days.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1909)
This allows for no confusion in beginning Ramadan too early.
The Spiritual Beauty of Moon Sighting
1. Unity and Collective Worship
The moon sighting is a moment of unification in the whole Muslim Ummah. It brings:
- The search for the crescent and the excitement building among families and scholars.
- Gatherings to witness the announcement together.
- An experience that unites millions of Muslims around the globe.
The sighting of the crescent is symbolic of a new chapter; an opportunity for worship, for forgiveness and for elevation.
2. A Reminder of Allah’s Signs in Creation
The Qur’an often points to celestial bodies as signs of Allah’s greatness:
“And We have set the night and day as two signs, then We erased the sign of the night and made the sign of the day visible, so that you may seek bounty from your Lord and know the number of years and calculation of time.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:12)
Sighting the moon is an act of faith, a chance to see Allah’s celestial system in action.
3. A Reflection on the Passing of Time
Another crescent moon, another month of our lives. It serves as a reminder that:
- Time is short, we need to make the most of it.
- This Ramadan is a gift and we should strike while the iron is hot.
- Just as the moon goes through phases, life reminds us with each phase that this existence is temporary.
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw the new moon, He would say:
“O Allah, let this moon come upon us with security and faith, safety and Islam, and success in all that You love and are pleased with.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3451)
This dua also shows gratitude, faith, and a commitment to using Ramadan for spiritual growth.
Conclusion: Embracing the Tradition of Moon Sighting
When the Ramadan crescent moon is sighted, it is more than a ritual, it is a deeply spiritual and communal phenomenon, the commencement of a holy journey. Through it, we:
- Promote following the Sunnah and Islamic traditions.
- Contemplate the greatness of Allah’s creation.
- Build our relationship to time, faith and the global Ummah.
We are already anticipating Ramadan, so let us do so in the manner of the Sunnah, with sincerity, reflection, and gratitude. May we see the crescent of Ramadan with open hearts searching for Allah’s mercy and guidance.
