"the Messenger of Allah said: 'Fast when you see it and stop fasting when you see it, and if it is obscured from you (too cloudy), then count it as thirty (days). "'
The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2117
"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Fast when you see it and stop fasting when you see it, and if it is obscured from you (too cloudy), then count it as thirty (days).'"
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith establishes the fundamental principle for determining the beginning and end of Ramadan through physical sighting of the crescent moon (hilāl). The phrase "fast when you see it" refers to sighting the Ramadan crescent, while "stop fasting when you see it" indicates sighting the Shawwāl crescent.
The instruction employs repetition for emphasis, underscoring the primacy of visual confirmation in Islamic lunar calendar determination.
Legal Rulings
Scholars agree this hadith makes moon sighting obligatory (wājib) for commencing and concluding Ramadan. The ruling applies to each locality according to their sighting.
When clouds prevent sighting, Muslims must complete thirty days of Sha'bān before Ramadan and thirty days of fasting before Eid. This precaution ensures we do not fast less than the complete month.
Spiritual Wisdom
This method teaches reliance on divine signs rather than human calculation alone. The physical effort in moon sighting embodies the Islamic principle of combining spiritual intention with physical action.
The contingency plan for cloudy weather demonstrates Allah's mercy in providing clear guidance for all circumstances, ensuring the Ummah remains united in worship.