'Umar b. 'Abd al-'Aziz wrote (a letter) to the people of Basrah: It has reached us from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), like the tradition narrated by Ibn 'Umar from the Prophet (ﷺ). This version adds: The best calculation is that when we sight the moon of Sha'ban on such-and-such date, fasting will being on such-and-such dates, Allah willing, except they they sight the moon before that (date).
Hadith Text
'Umar b. 'Abd al-'Aziz wrote (a letter) to the people of Basrah: It has reached us from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), like the tradition narrated by Ibn 'Umar from the Prophet (ﷺ). This version adds: The best calculation is that when we sight the moon of Sha'ban on such-and-such date, fasting will begin on such-and-such dates, Allah willing, except that they sight the moon before that (date).
Source Reference
Book: Fasting (Kitab Al-Siyam)
Author: Sunan Abi Dawud
Hadith: Sunan Abi Dawud 2321
Scholarly Commentary
This narration demonstrates the early Islamic methodology for determining the beginning of Ramadan. 'Umar b. 'Abd al-'Aziz, being a righteous caliph, transmitted the Prophetic practice of moon sighting to establish the fasting month.
The phrase "best calculation" refers to astronomical estimation as a preparatory measure, while maintaining that actual visual sighting takes precedence. This shows the balance between using scientific knowledge and adhering to the Sunnah requirement of physical moon sighting.
The exception clause "except that they sight the moon before that" emphasizes that calculated dates are only estimates, and the actual sighting overrides any preliminary calculations. This preserves the literal application of the Prophetic command to begin fasting upon visual confirmation.
The inclusion of "Allah willing" reflects proper Islamic etiquette, acknowledging that all matters are ultimately in Divine control, and human calculations are subject to Allah's will.
Legal Rulings
The primary method for determining Ramadan remains actual moon sighting by trustworthy witnesses.
Astronomical calculations may be used as supportive evidence but cannot completely replace physical sighting according to the majority of classical scholars.
If the moon is sighted earlier than calculated estimates, the sighting takes immediate effect, and fasting becomes obligatory.
This tradition establishes that regional authorities should coordinate moon sighting efforts and communicate findings to ensure unified observance.