{"_id":"668da0190b76658b4c232e1b","title":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"What is the proper way to determine the start of Ramadan?\\n\"}]}","question":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"I heard moonsighting is an established Sunnah and that no one in the entire region/USA has sighted the moon to declare the beginning of Ramadan. It seems to me we are blindly following Saudi in their declaration of the first day of fasting. Sometimes, this is based on their claim to have sighted it in their own country, but usually I think it is based off of some calculation. There is an authentic moonsighting website for North America: \"},{\"attributes\":{\"link\":\"https://hilalcommittee.org/\"},\"insert\":\"https://hilalcommittee.org/\"},{\"insert\":\". You can read the objectives, as well. Is it better to sight the moon or follow a moonsighting committee? Or should I continue to blindly follow in this situation?\\n\"}]}","answer":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"Indeed, the practice of moonsighting is the established Sunnah and is endorsed by the majority of scholars. The calculation of crescent visibility is deemed valid by only a minority of scholars and is permitted on an individual basis. Essentially, it's not permissible for a ruler to declare Ramadan for the entire populace based solely on calculations, but individuals have the option to begin their fasts based on calculations if they choose to do so. However, as a community, it's important for us to uphold the Sunnah and adhere to the majority opinion in most matters, unless there exists a significant need or benefit to follow a minority opinion. \\n\\nOur beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has left us on a clear and illuminated path, with simple instructions. If the crescent moon is sighted, we begin our fast, and if not, we complete Shaban with 30 days. There's no need for confusion or blind following.\\n\"}]}","tags":[{"_id":"668d9fde0b76658b4c232774","tag":"Fasting: Ramadan","count":97}],"createdOn":"2024-07-09T20:39:53.926Z"}