EsinIslam
Ramadan
Ramadan Explorer
Dr. Abdul Karim Awad
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, which is based on the moon
(Lunar). The Lunar calendar months are made of 29 or 30 days. Ramadan is
therefore, either 29 days or 30 days. Ramadan is certain in one of the
following cases:
1. When Shaban (the 8th month of the Islamic calendar) completes thirty days.
It has been reported that the Prophet (Peace and Blessing of Allah be upon
him) said:
"Fast (Muslims) when you see the crescent.
If it is obscure to you, then complete thirty days in the count of Sha'ban.''
(Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Allah's Messenger (Peace and Blessing of Allah be upon him) took great care to
determine precisely the beginning of Sha'ban, because one can then count
twenty-nine days and watch for the crescent of Ramadan or complete thirty days
before starting to fast. This is indicated in the Hadeeth narrated by Aishah
(may Allah be pleased with her):
"The Messenger (Peace
and Blessing of Allah be upon him) used to be more concerned about determining
the beginning of Sha'ban than about other months. Then he used to fast at the
sighting of the crescent of Ramadan. If it were obscure, he would count thirty
days of Sha'ban and then fast". (Reported by Abu Dawud and Ahmad)
2. Sighting of the crescent: Allah the Most High has set crescent sighting as
the only means for determining dates of various Islamic occasions such as
Ramadan, Eids and Hajj. He said:
''They ask you (O
Muhammad) about the new moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of
time for mankind and for the Hajj (pilgrimage)''. (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse:
182)
Regarding Ramadan, He the Most High said:
''So whoever
of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e.
is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month ...'' (Surah
Al-Baqarah, Verse: 185)
Similarly, Allah's Messenger (Peace and Blessing of Allah be upon him)
emphasized that crescent sighting is required in determining the beginning and
the end of the month of Ramadan. This is also indicated in the Hadeeth
narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), Allah's Messenger
(Peace and Blessing of Allah be upon him) said:
"Observe fasting upon sighting the crescent and break your fast upon sighting
it (the new moon). But if it is not possible to sight it, complete the month
of thirty days". (Reported by Al- Bukhari and Muslim)
In addition, it has been agreed that witnesses are needed to establish the
Sighting:
Two trustworthy Muslim witnesses
This is indicated in the saying of the Prophet (Peace and Blessing of Allah be
upon him):
"If two just Muslim witnesses testify [that
they saw it] then fast or break your fast". (Reported by Ahmad, an-Nassa'i and
ad-Daraqutni)
One reliable and trustworthy Muslim witness can be accepted
This is indicated in the Hadeeth narrated by Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased
with him):
"People were looking out for the crescent
of Ramadan. I informed the Prophet (Peace and Blessing of Allah be upon him)
that I saw it. So he fasted on the following day and ordered people to fast".
(Reported by Abu Dawud)
The above discussion highlights a general command to all Muslims to abide by
crescent sighting of two or one trustworthy Muslims. Anyone who rejects this
would indeed disregard the consent of the Muslim scholars and would be
attempting to spoil the beauty and simplicity of this religion, and, worst of
all, would be directly and openly disobeying Allah's Messenger (Peace and
Blessing of Allah be upon him). As long as the witnesses are apparently
acceptable and trustworthy Muslims then we must follow their testimony and
fast (or end the fasting).
It is recommended that whoever sights the crescent (Hilal) of Ramadan, or any
other month for that matter, or being informed about new crescent, should say:
"Allah is Greatest. O Allah, make it the beginning, the beginning of
prosperity, faith, peace, and total submission to Allah. Your Lord and mine is
Allah".
Source: Fasting In Ramadan
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Ramadan
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