Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “Fast when you see it and break your fast when you see it, and if the weather is cloudy treat Sha‘ban as having thirty days.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Command of Moon Sighting
This hadith establishes the fundamental principle of beginning and ending Ramadan based on actual moon sighting. The phrase "when you see it" refers to the crescent moon (hilal) marking the commencement and conclusion of fasting.
The instruction emphasizes physical sighting over astronomical calculations, reflecting the Islamic legal principle of making religious obligations accessible to common people without requiring specialized knowledge.
The Case of Cloudy Weather
When clouds obscure the moon, the Prophet instructed to complete Sha'ban as thirty days. This demonstrates the wisdom of Islamic law in providing practical solutions for uncertain circumstances.
Completing thirty days of Sha'ban ensures certainty in determining Ramadan's beginning, preventing confusion and maintaining unity among Muslims in observing this sacred month.
Legal Implications and Scholarly Consensus
Scholars unanimously agree that a single trustworthy Muslim's testimony of moon sighting is sufficient for establishing Ramadan's beginning, based on numerous supporting narrations.
This ruling applies equally to starting and ending the fast, maintaining consistency in the application of this divine ordinance throughout the blessed month.
Spiritual Wisdom Behind the Ruling
The emphasis on physical sighting cultivates community awareness and collective observance, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood as Muslims unite in this act of worship.
This method also teaches reliance on divine signs in nature and acceptance of God's decree, whether through clear sighting or completing the month's count.