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Imam's Corner
Various Topics
Islamic Guidelines for Determining the Beginning and End of Ramadan
(Adopted by the Islamic Center of Raleigh, NC since March 23, 1987)
Just as fasting the month of Ramadan is a pillar of Islam, the criteria that marks
the start and end of Ramadan is set by Islam as well. The new crescent marks the
beginning of each lunar month in Islam, as Allah stated in the Quran in what may
be translated as, "They ask you [O Muhammad] about the new crescents, Say, 'They are
measurements of time for the people and for hajj (pilgrimage).'" [Surat Al-Baqarah, verse 189]
Therefore, the Islamic Center of Raleigh has adopted the following guidelines for determining the
beginning and end of the month of Ramadan:
- To confirm the beginning of Ramadan, there must be a visual sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan.
In several hadiths, Prophet Muhammad directed Muslims to follow this procedure to determine the beginning
of Ramadan and the end of it. Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet said, "Fast after you have seen
it [the new crescent] and end the fast [at the end of the month] when you see it. If it is hidden from you,
then wait until the thirty days of Sha'baan have passed." [Recorded by Imams al-Bukhari and Muslim]
- Any sighting of the new crescent, anywhere in the world, is considered valid and acceptable for
determining the beginning and end of the month of Ramadan. Most Muslim jurists
including Imam Abu
Haneefah, Imam Maalik and Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal. have adopted this opinion. In other words, if the new
crescent is seen anywhere in the world, it becomes obligatory for all Muslims to begin fasting, as the
Prophet said, "Fast after you have seen it [the new crescent] and end the fast [at the end of the month]
when you see it." This hadith is a general address directed to the whole Muslim world. That is, if anyone
sees the new crescent in any place, then this will be a valid sighting for all Muslims.
- The sighting of the new crescent by a single Muslim is sufficient evidence for the beginning of the month
of Ramadan. Ibn 'Umar said, "The people were looking for the new crescent and when I reported to the Messenger
of Allaah that I had seen it, he fasted and ordered the people to fast." [Authentic hadith recorded by Imams
Abu Dawud, Al-Hakim and Ibn Hibban]. However, for the sighting of the new crescent of Shawwal, the visual
sighting of the moon by two Muslims is required as has been adopted by some Muslim Jurists. Two Muslim
witnesses would be required because at that time Muslims would be involved in the act of worship, which is
fasting, and to stay on the safe side without any doubt that the new crescent was surely sighted. This is
required to insure that Muslims will not end their act of worship without being certain.
- For the visual sighting to be valid, the sighting must take place after the sunset of the twenty-ninth day
of the lunar month. Therefore, any report claiming the new crescent was spotted before sunset is invalid.
- At the Islamic Center of Raleigh, reliable individuals will attempt to sight the new crescent locally
within the above mentioned time. If the new crescent is seen locally by any reliable Muslim, then we will
abide by it. Otherwise, we will contact individuals and Islamic organizations around the U.S. and abroad to
confirm the moon sighting. If there is confirmation that the new crescent has been sighted, we will adopt it.
If no new crescent is seen or reported during the above mentioned time, then we will complete the current lunar
month to the maximum of thirty days, as prescribed in the authentic hadith of the Prophet.
- We at the Islamic Center of Raleigh do not depend solely on astronomical data to determine the completion of
a lunar month. However, astronomical data can be used along with the visual sighting of the new crescent. There
are two instances in which astronomical data can be used: first, to assist with the possibility of a moon sighting;
second, to help with the impossibility of a moon sighting. That is, we reject a moon sighting if the data indicate
one of the following two facts: the new crescent has not yet been born, or the crescent has set before sunset. In
other words, if the crescent has not yet been born or if the crescent sets before the sun then it is scientifically
impossible to sight it and that is why that sighting is rejected.
We ask Allah to guide us in our efforts to adopt these guidelines to unify the local Muslim community on these two special occasions. Ameen.
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