Sighting the Ramadan crescent (Hilal) is a beautiful tradition that blends ancient astronomical observation with spiritual anticipation. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, the start of the holy month depends on when that first silver sliver of the moon becomes visible.
Here is a breakdown of the rules and methods used to determine the start of Ramadan.
1. The Timing: The 29th Day
The search for the crescent begins on the evening of the 29th day of Sha’ban (the month preceding Ramadan).
If the moon is sighted: Ramadan begins the following morning.
If the moon is NOT sighted: Sha’ban is completed as a 30-day month, and Ramadan begins the day after that.
This follows the Prophetic guidance: “Fast when you see it [the crescent] and break your fast when you see it.”
2. Methods of Verification
While the traditional method is “naked eye” sighting, modern scholars and countries use different approaches:
Methods and Description
Local Sighting: Religious authorities look for the moon within their own borders.
Global Sighting: If the moon is sighted anywhere in the world, all Muslims begin fasting.
Astronomical Calculation: Using science to predict the exact birth of the new moon. Many regions use this to set calendars in advance, while others use it only to “confirm” physical sightings.
Optical Aids: The use of telescopes or binoculars is generally accepted today to assist the human eye.
3. Witness Requirements
To ensure accuracy and prevent false reports, most Islamic legal frameworks require:
A Trustworthy Witness: The person must be an adult Muslim of sound mind and good character (Adl).
Number of Witnesses: Typically, one reliable witness is sufficient to start the fast (Ramadan), but two witnesses are usually required to end the fast (Eid al-Fitr).
4. Atmospheric Conditions
If the sky is cloudy or dusty, making it impossible to see the moon even if it is technically “there,” the rule is simple: Complete the 30 days of the current month. This prevents confusion and ensures everyone starts on a unified count.
A Note on Science vs. Tradition
In 2026, the debate between purely visual sighting and astronomical calculation continues. Most countries now use a hybrid approach: they use calculations to determine when and where the moon is likely to appear, then send out official committees to verify it with their own eyes.
Fun Fact: The moon must stay above the horizon for a certain amount of time after sunset to be visible. If it sets before or at the same time as the sun, a sighting is physically impossible.