The Evidence of Ramadan

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 reported that the Prophet (Peace and Blessings 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 Blessings of Allah be upon him) took great care to determine precisely the beginning of Shaban, 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 Shaban 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 Shaban 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 Saum fasts) that month. . .” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse: 185)

Similarly, Allah’s Messenger (Peace and Blessings 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 Blessings 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 Blessings of Allah be upon him):

“If two just Muslim witnesses testify [that they saw it] then fast or break yourfast”. (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 Blessings 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”.