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 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".