Have you ever been confused about why the start of the Ramadan fast sometimes varies? Some start earlier, some later. Actually, this is not just a difference of opinion, but because there are different methods in determining the start of Ramadan. So that you are not confused, let’s discuss it together!
Why Can the Start of Ramadan Be Different?
There are at least three main factors that can make the start of the fasting month of Ramadan different:
1. The method used – Some use rukyat hilal (seeing the crescent moon directly), some use hisab (astronomical calculations).
2. Crescent visibility criteria – Some countries require the crescent to be visible to the naked eye, while others simply use calculations.
3. Geographical factors and time zones – Differences in location also make the possibility of seeing the crescent different. As explained in the hadith from Kuraib:
حَدَّثَنِيْ كُرَيْبٌ أَنَّ أُمَّ الْفَضْلِ بِنْتَ الْحَارِثِ بَعَثَتْهُ إِلَى مُعَاوِيَةَ بِالشَّامِ، قَالَ: “فَقَدِمْتُ الشَّامَ، فَقَضَيْتُ حَاجَتَهَا وَاسْتَهَلَّ عَلَيَّ هِلالُ رَمَضَانَ، وَأَنَا بِالشَّامِ، فَرَأَيْتُ الْهِلالَ لَيْلَةَ الْجُمُعَةِ، وَرَآهُ النَّاسُ وَصَامُوا وَصَامَ مُعَاوِيَةُ، فَقَدِمْتُ الْمَدِينَةَ فِي آخِرِ الشَّهْرِ، فَسَأَلَنِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عَبَّاسٍ، ثُمَّ ذَكَرَ الْهِلالَ، فَقَالَ: مَتَى رَأَيْتَ الْهِلالَ؟ فَقُلْتُ: رَأَيْنَاهُ لَيْلَةَ الْجُمُعَةِ، قَالَ: أَنْتَ رَأَيْتَهُ لَيْلَةَ الْجُمُعَةِ؟ فَقُلْت: نَعَمْ رَأَيْتُهُ لَيْلَةَ الْجُمُعَةِ، وَرَآهُ النَّاسُ وَصَامُوا وَصَامَ مُعَاوِيَةُ، فَقَالَ: لَكِنَّا رَأَيْنَاهُ لَيْلَةَ السَّبْتِ، فَلا نَزَالُ نَصُومُ حَتَّى نُكْمِلَ ثَلاثِينَ أَوْ نَرَاهُ، فَقُلْتُ: أَوَلا تَكْتَفِي بِرُؤْيَةِ مُعَاوِيَةَ وَصِيَامِهِ؟ فَقَالَ: لا هَكَذَا أَمَرَنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
I was once told by Kuraib that Umm Fadhal bint al-Haris had sent herself to Muawiyah in Syria. Kuraib said, “I have arrived in Syria, I have fulfilled (Ummu Fadhal’s) wish. I also found the Ramadan moon when I was still in Syria. I saw the crescent moon on Friday night. People saw it too. They fasted, Muawiyah did the same. I then arrived in Medina at the end of the month. I was asked by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas, then he mentioned the new moon, then asked, ‘When did you see the new moon?’ I answered, ‘We saw the new moon on Friday night.’ He asked, ‘You saw it Friday night?’ I saw it Friday night. People are the same. They have fasted. Muawiyah was the same.’ He said, ‘However, we (in Medina) saw the new moon on Saturday night so we kept fasting until we completed the month of 30 days, or we saw the new moon (1 Shawwal).’ I asked, ‘Isn’t Muawiyah’s rukyat and fasting enough?’ to us.’” (HR. Khamsah, except Ahmad. This hadith was validated by At-Tirmidhi).
From this hadith, we can see that regional differences have also had an effect on determining the beginning of Ramadan.
Also read: The Virtues of the Month of Ramadan: Time to Harvest Rewards!
How to Determine the Correct Beginning of Ramadan?
The methods often used include:
1. Rukyat Hilal Method
This method is done by looking at the first crescent moon directly, either with the naked eye or using optical aids. The basis is the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ:
God bless you God willing
“Fast for seeing the new moon and break the fast because you see it. If it is blocked by clouds, then complete the month of Sha’ban to thirty days.” (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim)
If the crescent moon is not visible due to clouds or other factors, then the month of Sha’ban is completed to 30 days.
2. Hisab Method
Unlike rukyat hilal, the hisab method uses astronomical calculations to determine when the crescent moon appears. As technology advances, this method is increasingly accurate and is often used as a reference.
Which Should Be Used?
According to many scholars, the method that is most in accordance with the Prophet’s sunnah ﷺ is rukyat hilal, because the Prophet ﷺ himself exemplified this method. In some regions such as Saudi Arabia, the rukyat hilal method is still the main basis for determining the beginning of the Hijriyah month.
Also read: Haven’t Made Up Fasting Until Ramadan Arrives? Here’s the Solution!
The Importance of Unity in Determining the Start of Ramadan
Differences in determining the start of Ramadan sometimes confuse and divide Muslims. In fact, if there is one decision that is obeyed together based on the strongest sharia law standards, it would certainly be easier and more harmonious.
In the past, during the caliphate, the determination of the start of Ramadan was carried out by the caliph, so that Muslims could fast simultaneously. This shows that unity in determining the start of Ramadan is possible and has occurred in Islamic history.
Also read: Utsman bin Affan: Rich Merchant Who Became Caliph
Khatimah
Determining the start of Ramadan is not a trivial matter. There are two main methods, rukyat hilal and hisab, each of which has its advantages and challenges. However, the one that is most in accordance with the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ is rukyat hilal.
This difference in methods often causes the start of fasting to differ in various regions. If there is one leader who makes the decision, Muslims can be more united in carrying out worship according to the sharia of the Prophet ﷺ.
So, now you don’t need to be confused anymore, okay! The important thing is to continue to respect each other and carry out worship with sincere intentions. May this year’s Ramadan bring blessings to all of us!
Also read: Dates: Business Opportunity in Ramadan
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Reference
Muslimah News. (2024). Determining the Beginning of Ramadan and the Methods Used. Accessed from https://muslimahnews.net/2024/02/17/27158/
Imam Taqiyuddin an-Nabhani. (1994). Ash-Shakhshiyyah al-Islamiyyah. Beirut: Dar al-Ummah.
Bukhari & Muslim. (n.d.). Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim. Accessed from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/muslim/1809
