Sunnahs are the sacred wordings of Prophet Muhammad transmitted verbally through generations. It is the body of traditional social and legal custom and practice of the Islamic community based on the verbally transmitted record of the teachings, deeds and sayings, silent permissions(or disapproval) of the Prophet Muhammad as well as various records of his companions. It is ‘a path, a way, a manner of life’ and ‘all the traditions and practices’ of Prophet Muhammad that have become models to be followed by Muslims.
So on this pious occasion of fasting, let’s check out one of the forgotten Sunnah’s of Ramadan. It is about going out for moon- sighting and to seek the new moon of Ramadan.
Abu Hurayra reported Allah’s Messenger as saying :
“Observe fast on sighting it (the new moon) and break (fast) on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy for you, then complete the number (of thirty).”
(Muslim)
It means one should fast when she/he sees the new moon of Ramzan and break the fast when the new moon of ‘Shawwal’ is sighted.
Then when one can see the new moon, its also taught by Prophet
“O Allah, make the new moonshine on us with security, belief, safety, and Islam! My Lord and your Lord is Allah. It is a new moon of guidance and good.”
Due to the geographical differences, not all the Muslims in the world will start fasting in Ramadan, or end the fasting of Ramadan on the same day. As ordered by Allah, people should start fasting when they see the new moon.
Allah says in Quran:
“…So whoever sights (the new moon of) the month (of Ramadan), let him fast it…”
(al-Baqarah 2:185)
All though there will be differences of opinion followed in a country or a city, ask Allah to guide you and follow the Sunnah. Happiness truly lies in the chance one will get to receive Allah’s great forgiveness, mercy, and blessings this month. Happy Ramadan.
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