Is going out and looking for the new moon to start fasting Ramadan a Sunnah?

One of the forgotten Sunnah’s of Ramadan is to go out moon-sighting and to seek the new moon of Ramadan. Abu Hurayra reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

صُومُوا لِرُؤْيَتِهِ وَأَفْطِرُوا لِرُؤْيَتِهِ

“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)

Meaning, we should fast when we see the new moon of Ramadan and we should break our fast when we see the new moon of Shawwal. The Prophet ﷺ also taught us that when we do see the new moon we should say:

‏اللهم أهله علينا بالأمن والإيمان والسلامة والإسلام، ربي وربك الله، هلال رشد وخير

“O Allah, make the new moon shine on us with security, belief, safety and Islam! My Lord and your Lord is Allah. It is a new moon of guidance and good.” (Tirmidhi)

It is important to remember that not all Muslims in the world will start fasting in Ramadan, or end the fasting of Ramadan on the same day. In fact, it is not possible due to the geographical differences around the world and time differences. People will inevitably see the new moon at different times and then start fasting as ordered by Allah. Allah says in the Quran:

“…So whoever sights (the new moon of) the month (of Ramadan), let him fast it…” (al-Baqarah 2:185)

As well, there will be differences of opinion followed within a country or even a city.  Don’t let this concern you or take anything away from your experience. Simply ask Allah to guide you and follow the Sunnah, and be happy for yourself and all Muslims that we have the chance to receive Allah’s great forgiveness, mercy, and blessings this month. Go moon-sighting this month and #ReviveRamadan.