Sighting of the Moon

By adminFebruary 7, 20260 Comments

Sighting of the Moon

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fast when you see it, and break your fast when you see it. If it is hidden from you, then complete thirty days.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari
— Sahih Muslim

What Does Islam Say About Moon Sighting?

- - - - We begin Ramadan by sighting the crescent.
      - We end Ramadan by sighting the crescent.
      - If visibility is unclear, we complete 30 days.

Local vs Global Moon Sighting

Moon sighting differences have existed since the time of the Companions. Even during the time of Ibn Abbas (RA), regions followed different sightings.

Do not let a crescent divide hearts.

Whether Ramadan begins on one evening or the next, what matters is that you enter it with sincerity.

This difference is recognized in Islamic scholarship and is based on valid juristic reasoning.

What matters most is:

Unity. Respect. Avoiding division and debates.

When the new moon is confirmed:

- - - - Make du‘a.
      - Renew your intention.
      - Plan your worship.
      - Enter the month with humility.

The Prophet ﷺ would say upon seeing the new moon:

“O Allah, let it come upon us with security and faith, safety and Islam…”

— Jami at-Tirmidhi

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:"He who utters ten times: 'La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahulmulku wa lahulhamdu, wa Huwa 'ala kulli sha'in Qadir' he will have a reward equal to that for freeing four slaves from the progeny of Prophet Isma'il."[Sahih Muslim]

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "There are two statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the Merciful: 'Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil-Azim [Glory be to Allah and His is the praise, (and) Allah, the Greatest is free from imperfection]'. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to me: "Shall I not guide you to a treasure from the treasures of Jannah?" I said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah!" Thereupon he (ﷺ) said, "(Recite) 'La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah' (There is no change of a condition nor power except by Allah)."[Sahih al-Bukhari]