Qur’anic Verse

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

Translation: “O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa (piety and God-consciousness).”

Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183

Interpretation

Divine Timing: The Qur’an highlights that worship, including fasting, is linked to specific times and divine signs. Observing the new moon (hilal) is a way to align human action with Allah’s decree, starting Ramadan at the correct time.

Spiritual Purpose: Fasting is not only abstaining from food and drink; it is a tool to attain Taqwa, as the verse explains. The night of moon-sighting reminds believers that Ramadan is a time for self-discipline, reflection, and connection with Allah.

The Guidance of the Imams: After observing the moon, believers rely on trustworthy witnesses (Aadil Muslims) to confirm the sighting. This ensures the practice is community-oriented, accurate, and in line with Shariah.

كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ

Translation: “Stand firm for Allah, as witnesses in justice.”

Reference: Surah al-Ma’idah 5:8

This shows that testimony must be honest and just, supporting the requirement of trustworthy witnesses.

Preparation for Worship: The sighting of the moon symbolises the spiritual readiness required to fully embrace the month. It is a reminder to purify the heart, renew intentions, and prepare for Quranic recitation, prayer, and good deeds.

Moon-Sighting for Ramadan

The sighting of the crescent moon (hilal) marks the beginning and end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. In Islam, this process is guided by clear principles from the Qur’an & Hadith. Observing the moon is not only a ritual but also a spiritual opportunity to begin the month with devotion and sincerity.

Recite the Dua When Seeing the Hilal (Crescent)

From Mafatih al-Jinan – Dua for sighting the new moon:

اللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّ هٰذِهِ الشَّهْرِ الْجَدِيدِ، وَالْهِلاَلِ الْمُقْتَرِنِ بِالنُّورِ، أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهُ وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهِ وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهِ

Meaning: “O Allah, Lord of this new month and this crescent paired with light, I ask You for its goodness and the goodness within it, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and what it contains…”

Importance of Moon-Sighting

The moon’s sighting signals the start of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, Quranic recitation, and reflection.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Fast when you see the moon, and stop fasting when you see it; and if it is hidden (e.g. due to clouds), then complete thirty days.”

Reference: Sunan Nasai, Hadith 2118

This hadith emphasises the importance of relying on trustworthy witnesses to determine the correct timing.

Testimony

Testimony is accepted from “Aadil” Muslims:

• Aadil means upright, honest, and righteous.
• Witnesses must perform good deeds, avoid major sins, and be trustworthy in their conduct.
• Both men and women can testify, but scholars differ in opinion on women’s testimony. The key is integrity and credibility.

وَأَشْهِدُوا شَهِيدَيْنِ مِن رِّجَالِكُمْ… أَن تَضِلَّ إِحْدَاهُمَا فَتُذَكِّرَ إِحْدَاهُمَا الْأُخْرَىٰ

Translation: “…Call two witnesses from among your men… so that the testimony is reliable.”

Reference: Surah al-Baqarah 2:282

This verse proves that witnesses must be reliable, honest, and upright, which is the basis of requiring Aadil Muslims for moon-sighting.

Preparations Before Moon-Sighting

Purity (Tahara): Perform Ghusl (ritual bath) to spiritually and physically prepare.

Prayer: Offer a short 2-raka’ah prayer before starting moon observation.

Dua for Moon-Sighting: Recite the recommended dua:

اللّٰهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْيُمْنِ وَالإِيْمَانِ وَالسَّلاَمَةِ وَالإِسْلاَمِ

Translation: “O Allah, let this crescent bring blessings, faith, peace, and Islam upon us, and help us fast, pray, and recite the Qur’an.”

How to Observe the Moon

• Go to a clear and open place with a good view of the horizon.
• Look for the thin crescent (hilal) just after sunset.
• Observation should be done with the naked eye; telescopes can assist, but personal witnessing is preferred.
• If the crescent is seen, two trustworthy witnesses should testify according to Shia fiqh.

After Moon-Sighting

Report the Sighting: Inform the local community, mosque, or family about the sighting.

Recite Dua: After confirming, recite the moon-sighting dua again with sincerity.

Start Fasting: Begin fasting the day after tomorrow.

Intention (Niyyah): Make a sincere intention to fast for Allah’s pleasure.

Spiritual Significance

• Moon-sighting reminds us that Ramadan is a time of renewal and devotion.
• It encourages believers to focus on piety, good deeds, and Quranic guidance.
• Following the Shia practice of witnessing and testimony connects the community and upholds honesty and integrity in religious observance.

Complete A’maal for Moon-Sighting Night

1. Recite Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness) – 100 times

أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ رَبِّي وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

Transliteration: Astaghfirullāha rabbī wa atūbu ilayh

Translation: “I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, and I turn to Him in repentance.”

2. Special 2-Raka’at Namaz

Recite 2 raka’at namaz with the intention of “Namaz of the last night of Sha’ban – Qurbatan ilAllah”

3. Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (AS)

Recite 2 raka’at namaz for Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (AS), then recite the Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (AS).

4. Special Duas for the Night

First Dua:

ALLAHUMMA LA TAJ ALHU AAKHIRAL AHDI MIN SIYAMI LI SHAHRI RAMADANA WA AAOOZU BIKA AN YATLUA FAJRU HAZIHIL LAYLATI ILLA WA QAD GHAFARTA LI

Second Dua:

ALLAHUMMA HAZA SHAHRU RAMDAN AL LAZI ANZALTA FEEHIL QURAAN WA QAD TASARRAMA WA AAOOZU BI-WAJHAKAL KAREEM YA RABBE AN YATLU AL FAJRU MIN LAYLATI HAZIHI AO YATASAR-RAMA SHAHRU RAMADANA WA LAKA QIBALI TABEATUN AO ZANBUN TUREEDU AN TUAZ-ZIBUNI BEHI YAUM AL QAKA

5. Special 10-Raka’at Prayer

Recite 10 raka’at namaz in sets of 2 raka’at each:

• In each raka’at, recite Surah al-Hamd (once) and Surah Tawheed (10 times)
• In each ruku and sajood, recite 10 times: “Subhanallahi wal hamdolillahi wa la ilaha illallaho wallaho Akbar”

6. Recite Salawat (Durood) – 100 times

اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّد

Transliteration: Allāhumma ṣalli ‘alā Muḥammadin wa āli Muḥammad

Translation: “O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.”

Greatly emphasised in Mafatih al-Jinan for blessed nights.

7. Recite Surahs from the Qur’an

Recommended Surahs for the Moon-Sighting Night:

• Surah Yaseen
• Surah An’am
• Surah Kahf (highly recommended at the start of Ramadan)

8. Dua for Entering Ramadan

اللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْهُ شَهْرَ الْبَرَكَةِ وَالْمَغْفِرَةِ وَالتَّوْفِيقِ، وَأَعِنِّي فِيهِ عَلَى الصِّيَامِ وَالْقِيَامِ وَتِلاَوَةِ الْقُرْآنِ

Translation: “O Allah, make this a month of blessings, forgiveness, and success. Help me in fasting, praying, and reciting the Qur’an.”

9. Final Prostration Dua

Finally, prostrate and recite:

YA HAYYU YA QAYYUMU YA ZAL JALALE WAL IKRAM YA REHMAN AD-DUNYA WAL AAKHIRA WA RAHEEMA HUMA YA AR-HAMAR RAHIMEENA YA ILAHAL AW WALEENA WAL AAKHIREENA IGHFIR LANA ZANOOBANA WA TAQABBAL MINNA SALATANA WA SIYAMANA WA QIYAMANA

10. Charity (Sadaqah) for Protection

Scholars recommend giving a small amount of sadaqah on this night so that:

• The new month begins with mercy
• Hardships are repelled
• Barakah enters the home
• Even giving a single rupee or sharing food counts

11. Renew Your Niyyah (Intention) for Ramadan

One general intention for the entire month is enough, but renewing it every night is recommended.

Simple intention: “I fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan for the pleasure of Allah.”

A’maal Summary (Easy Checklist)

• Perform Ghusl
• Pray 2 rak’ahs
• Recite the moon-sighting dua
• Recite the dua for the new crescent
• Recite Istighfar (100x)
• Recite Salawat (100x)
• Recite Surah Qadr, Yaseen, Rahman, Mulk
• Give Sadaqah
• Make Niyyah for fasting

Final Note

The sighting of Ramadan’s crescent is both a religious duty and a spiritual opportunity. Following these guidelines ensures correctness, honesty, and devotion. By adhering to these steps, Muslims begin the holy month with purity of intention and a heart ready for worship, reflection, and Allah’s mercy.

For complete guidance and support in performing ziyarat during Ramadan, we are here to help you plan your spiritual journey.

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