How is the month of Ramadan determined?
Table of Contents
The month of Ramadan is determined by one of two methods:
- Sighting the new crescent moon of Ramadan with the naked eye.
- Completing thirty days of the month of Sha‘ban.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“When you see the crescent (of Ramadan), then begin fasting, and when you see it (of Shawwal), then end fasting. If the sky is cloudy, then complete thirty days of Sha‘ban.”
(Reported by al-Bukhari)
According to the Shafi‘i school of thought, the sighting of the crescent moon is confirmed by the testimony of one upright and trustworthy witness, whether the sky is clear or cloudy; there is no difference between the two.
According to the Hanafi school, if the sky is clear, a large number of people must have sighted the crescent—enough that it would be impossible for them to agree upon a lie. This number may be fifty, sixty, more, or less, depending on the judgment of the judge.
Is it permissible to fast or celebrate Eid based on astronomical calculations without sighting the crescent moon?
According to the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought, observing the fast of Ramadan and celebrating Eid based solely on calculations is not permissible.
However, among scholars of the Shafi‘i school, such as Ibn Surayj, al-Qaffal, al-Qadi Abu al-Tayyib, Muhammad ibn Muqatil, and Muhammad Ramli, it has been stated that a person who is confident in the accuracy of astronomical calculations may observe fasting or celebrate Eid according to observatory calculations, even without personally sighting the crescent moon. For such a person, it is considered an obligation (wajib) to do so.
If the crescent moon is sighted in one country, are Muslims worldwide required to fast?
According to the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought, if the sighting of the crescent moon is confirmed in any country in the world, then all Muslims are required to fast and celebrate Eid.
According to the Shafi‘i school, if the crescent moon is confirmed in one country, this ruling applies only to areas within a distance of 144 kilometers. If the distance exceeds 144 kilometers (which, according to the Shafi‘i school, is the distance that permits shortening prayers while traveling), then it is not obligatory to follow that sighting regarding fasting and Eid.
For example, if the crescent moon is sighted in Libya and Tunisia, Muslims in Turkey are not required to follow it.
However, if in a certain country the crescent moon is confirmed and the ruler or authority issues an order to fast or celebrate Eid, then everyone under that authority—including followers of the Shafi‘i school—is required to comply with that order.
But for those who follow the Shafi‘i school and are not under the same authority, if they are separated by a distance of 144 kilometers or more, they are not required to follow that order.
For example, if the crescent moon is confirmed in Saudi Arabia, due to differences in methodology and because Shafi‘i followers in other countries are not under its authority, they are not required to follow it in matters of fasting and Eid.
It is important to emphasize that in matters of ijtihad (scholarly interpretation), it is inappropriate for Muslims to argue and dispute.
Something may be impermissible in one school but permissible in another, because all four schools are valid. Therefore, extreme rigidity in following one view is incorrect.
For example, what is considered inappropriate in the Hanafi school may be acceptable in the Shafi‘i school.
Why is the issue of crescent moon sighting constantly debated?
Throughout history, the struggle between “truth” and “falsehood” has continued without interruption. Sometimes the forces of righteousness prevail, and sometimes the forces of injustice prevail.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Islamic world became very weak and was occupied by major world powers. Many Muslim lands came under foreign rule.
Later, when military occupation became too costly, the enemies shifted to “cultural warfare” and “ideological warfare,” seeking to dominate the minds and thinking of Muslims.
As a result, some people in the Muslim world began to think according to the enemy’s ideology.
For example, the past influence of Russia over many Muslim countries, including cases such as Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, and others.
Methods Used by Enemies to Undermine Muslims
- Media Weapon
Using media, films, dramas, news, and videos to distract Muslims and make them neglect their religion. - Weapon of Desires
Spreading obscenity and immorality to destroy the moral character of the younger generation. - Weapon of Defaming Religion
Accusing religious education and Qur’an teaching of being extremist and a threat to society. - Weapon of Division
Inciting Muslims to divide and fight among themselves, as seen in places such as Iran, Iraq, Palestine, and Lebanon.
Major Problems in the Present Time
The author compares the current situation to the time when Hulagu’s army invaded Baghdad, while scholars were busy arguing over minor issues instead of uniting to defend Islam.
Today, Muslims argue over issues such as:
- Is Friday prayer obligatory?
- Is a religious leader an apostate?
- Must Muslims follow Saudi Arabia in moon sighting?
These are matters that should not cause division.
The Proper Attitude Toward Differences of Opinion
The author emphasizes that:
These issues are matters of ijtihad (scholarly interpretation).
One school may consider something permissible, while another may consider it impermissible.
All four schools are valid in principle.
Therefore, Muslims should not attack one another over such differences.
Examples include:
- Reciting al-Fatihah in prayer
- Whether Witr is obligatory or Sunnah
These matters differ among schools, and so does the issue of moon sighting.
Summary of Moon Sighting According to the Schools
Hanafi
- Clear sky → Large number of witnesses required
- Cloudy sky → Two witnesses are sufficient
Maliki
- Two witnesses are required
Hanbali
- One witness may be sufficient (in some cases)
Shafi‘i
- Emphasizes actual sighting
- Applies regional distance (about 144 km)
The Ruler’s Decision
If a country’s ruler makes an official declaration,
the people in that country must follow it.
However, such a ruling applies only within his jurisdiction.
Astronomical Calculations
Some Shafi‘i scholars permit the use of calculations,
similar to how prayer times are calculated.
Final Conclusion
The author’s view is:
- Muslims should not argue over moon sighting.
- It should not be used as a tool for division.
- It should not be used for gossip or slander.
- Unity should be preserved.
If the Islamic world were united as one country, this problem would not exist.
But because it is divided into many countries, differences of opinion have arisen.