To Determine Islamic Matters
In today’s world of high-speed data and precise astronomical tools, it may seem unusual that Muslims around the globe still wait to see a thin crescent moon before declaring the start of a new month. But for Muslims, moon sighting isn’t just a quaint tradition — it’s a divine command, a prophetic practice, and a spiritual experience that links heaven to earth.
Why is it that Ramadan, Eid, and other Islamic events seem to “move” on the calendar each year? Why can’t Muslims fix their dates the way the rest of the world does? The answer lies in Islam’s deep-rooted reliance on the lunar calendar, and more specifically, actual moon sighting.
A DIVINE SYSTEM WRITTEN IN THE SKY
Islam teaches that the moon was appointed by Allah as a natural tool for marking time. This belief comes directly from the Qur’an: “They ask you about the new moons. Say: They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:189) “It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases — that you may know the number of years and calculation [of time].”
(Surah Yunus 10:5).
Unlike modern systems created by humans, the lunar calendar is a God-given calendar, with each new month beginning when the crescent moon is sighted in the sky.
NOT JUST CULTURAL — A PROPHETIC PRACTICE
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) personally taught and practiced this method. When it came to sacred times like fasting in Ramadan or celebrating Eid, he didn’t rely on calculations — he looked to the sky.
He famously said: “Fast when you see it (the crescent) and break your fast when you see it. If it is hidden from you, then complete the month of Sha’ban as thirty days.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Muslim).
This makes moon sighting not just a method, but a Sunnah — a prophetic tradition infused with spiritual meaning.
THE WISDOM OF WATCHING THE MOON
There’s a timeless beauty in relying on the moon. It reflects:
Simplicity: Anyone, anywhere — whether in a desert village or a bustling city — can observe the moon. No apps or satellites required.
Equality: Rich or poor, educated or unlettered — everyone sees the same sky.
Unity: Muslim communities around the world are spiritually linked as they await the same heavenly sign.
Reflection: Watching the moon’s phases is a humbling reminder of Allah’s mastery over time and creation.
WHY THE MOON — NOT THE SUN — DETERMINES MONTHS
In Islam, the moon governs months, while the sun governs days and prayer times. The moon follows a visible 29–30 day cycle — waxing, waning, disappearing, and reappearing as a crescent, signaling the start of a new month.
Even linguistically, the word “month” is derived from “moon-th.”
By contrast, the sun rises and sets daily, but offers no visible sign for the start or end of a month. It lacks the cyclical phase pattern that makes the moon perfect for timekeeping in months.
CALCULATIONS HELP, BUT CANNOT REPLACE SIGHTING
Today’s astronomers can calculate exactly when the moon is born and when it might be visible. Some Muslims, especially in Western or scientific circles, suggest using these calculations to avoid confusion or disputes.
BUT MOST ISLAMIC SCHOLARS DISAGREE
The Prophet (peace be upon him) clearly said “see it,” not “calculate it.” Even in his time, rudimentary astronomy existed, yet he chose to prioritize sighting, not science. Scholars such as Imam Malik, Shafi’i, Ahmad, and Abu Hanifa affirmed that visual sighting is the valid method.
Islam is a universal religion — not limited to those with advanced tools or education. The moon is a sky-wide signal every believer can access.
THE ENDURING POWER OF SIGHTING
Even in the age of technology, the majority of Muslims continue to sight the moon — and for good reasons:
Obedience: Honoring the Prophet’s example.
Humility: A reminder that divine commands aren’t always upgraded by modernity.
Spirituality: Looking up at the sky builds a unique sense of awe, reflection, and readiness.
Moon sighting, then, is more than timekeeping. It’s an act of devotion — a living connection to God’s creation, the Prophet’s tradition, and the global Muslim community. In a world that often rushes forward, this simple act of pausing to look upward fosters stillness, unity, and purpose.
So the next time you hear that Muslims are waiting for the crescent moon to declare Ramadan or Eid, understand — it’s not uncertainty. It’s surrender. It’s faith in motion. It’s a sacred rhythm written in the stars.
Jamiu Abubakar
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