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Mufti Qasim Zia

Moon-sighting and fasting rulings:

Guidance for the Islamic Calendar

“Do not fast till you see the new moon, and do not break fast till you see it; but if the weather is cloudy, then complete the number.”

Sahih Muslim 1080a

When is Ramadan 2027?

Ramadan 2027: Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of 7 February, with the first day of fasting on 8 February. The exact date will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Eid al-Fitr 2027: Eid al-Fitr is expected around 9 or 10 March, marking the end of Ramadan. Muslims will gather for Eid prayers and celebrate with family and friends.

Eid al-Adha 2027: Eid al-Adha is expected around 16 or 17 May. Muslims will observe Eid prayers, give charity and perform Qurbani where applicable.

Moon‑sighting decides when Islamic months begin, including Ramadan and the two Eids. It affects when Muslims start fasting and celebrate. This page explains how moon‑sighting works, why views can differ, and how to follow reliable guidance calmly.

The practice comes from the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, who taught the community to begin and end the fast by sighting the moon. The Qur’an links the month of Ramadan to fasting, and the crescent marks when that blessed month begins.

Meaning of Surah Al‑Baqarah 2:185

When these rulings matter

Moon‑sighting is looking for the new crescent moon to mark the start of a new Islamic month. The Islamic calendar follows the moon, so each month begins when the new crescent is seen, not by a fixed date on the ordinary calendar.

The practice comes from the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, who taught the community to begin and end the fast by sighting the moon. The Qur’an links the month of Ramadan to fasting, and the crescent marks when that blessed month begins.

Meaning of Surah Al‑Baqarah 2:185

When these rulings matter

They matter most for Ramadan and the two Eids, Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha, when the whole community wants to worship together on the correct day. They also affect other special days that depend on the Islamic month, such as certain recommended fasts.

They matter for families planning time off work or school, and for mosques announcing prayers and celebrations. Clear, timely guidance helps everyone prepare with calm, worship on the right day, and avoid the stress of last‑minute or conflicting announcements.

Common Misconceptions

Some think all online religious advice is equally reliable. It is not. Answers can come from people with little training, or from a different school, which may confuse someone trying to follow one tradition faithfully. Knowing the source matters a great deal.

Others believe following a Madhhab means blind copying. In truth, it means trusting the deep, tested scholarship of the great Imams. It gives ordinary Muslims a safe, consistent path, rather than leaving each person to judge complex matters of Islamic law alone.

Last 25 Years Ramdan, Eid al FItr & Eid al Adha Dates

YearDate
200223 Feb
200312 Feb
20042 Feb
200521 Jan
200610 Jan
200731 Dec
20089 Dec
200928 Nov
201017 Nov
20117 Nov
201226 Oct
201315 Oct
20144 Oct
201524 Sep
201613 Sep
20172 Sep
201821 Aug
201912 Aug
202031 Jul
202120 Jul
202210 Jul
202329 Jun
202416 Jun
20256 Jun
202627 May

How to follow reliable guidance

  • 1: Follow your local mosque or a trusted moon‑sighting body that you know follows sound scholarship.
  • 2: Check whether they rely on local sighting or a wider, agreed sighting.
  • 3: Wait for the confirmed announcement rather than guessing from the ordinary calendar.
  • 4: Confirm the start of Ramadan and both Eids from the same trusted source each year.
  • 5: If unsure, ask a qualified scholar for guidance on which position to follow.
  • 6: Keep unity and good manners, even where communities differ on the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Muslims sometimes start Ramadan or Eid on different days?

Because the Islamic calendar follows the moon, the start of a month depends on sighting the new crescent. Communities may rely on local sighting or a wider agreed sighting, so announcements can differ. This difference has existed for a very long time and is not a sign of error. Follow trusted guidance and keep unity of heart.

Can I not just use a fixed calendar for Islamic dates?

Printed calendars give a helpful estimate, but the true start of a month depends on sighting the crescent, so exact dates are often confirmed only close to the time. Use a calendar to plan ahead, but wait for the confirmed announcement from a trusted source before beginning Ramadan or celebrating Eid.

How do I know which announcement to follow?

Follow your local mosque or a trusted moon‑sighting body known for sound scholarship, and use the same source each year for Ramadan and both Eids. If you are unsure which position to follow, ask a qualified scholar. Consistency and trust in a reliable source matter more than reacting to conflicting online reports.

If you would like a scholar to explain which position to follow, you can book a private, confidential consultation. Your questions are welcome.

Get Clear Guidance on Moon-Sighting and Fasting

Get in touch to discuss moon-sighting, Ramadan or fasting-related questions, or submit your questions and receive authentic Islamic guidance.

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