Look For the Sighting of the Moon As believers and those observing the month of Ramadan it is very important to know we are commanded by G’D to look for the sighting of the moon in your (local) areas. 2:185-Quran “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful”. Allah makes it very clear that you have to be present to witness the sighting of the moon. That means you can’t start your fast on another countries sighting if it is not in your home area. Even though someone may call you from another and tell you they sighted the moon, if it’s not your home area you’re considered a traveler and you should not fast anyway according to the commands of Allah. The new moon by its very nature is born darkness because the moon itself has no light and can’t be seen with the naked eye; it’s merely a reflection of the sun’s light at different points of rotation. When Allah commands us to look for the sighting of the moon He is not commanding us to look for the new moon, He is commanding us to look for the Light of the moon which is represented by the hilal or the Crescent moon and this is what Muhammad the prophet (saws) searched for. We are to look for the light and not darkness and this is what Allah is teaching us in the sighting. So the month of Ramadan begins with the light of the waxing moon(crescent) not the new moon itself, hence why the crescent represent the symbol Ramadan around the world. The phases between the new moon and the waxing or crescent could take a matter of days depending speed and rotation of each planet. Let us who are believers continue to be patient and follow the light and not do what is convenient for man in his hast by starting the fast from his own wishes even if he claims for unity sake; We can only be unified by following Allah’s command. May Allah reward you with a successful fast!
Posted on: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 03:20:26 +0000