Introduction
Dua for Moon Sighting The observation of the new moon (hilal) has been a special one with respect to Islam. Not only does it mark the start of every new lunar month, but it is also a reminder of the perfect timing system of Allah. The sighting of the crescent moon determines important Islamic holidays like Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Dhul Hijjah, and Hajj.
In the contemporary world, where everyone seems to have settled on astronomical calculations, Sunnah, in this case, advocates the actual sighting of the moon as was done by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions. Together with this, there is a makruh dua used in sighting the moon, and the believers are incentivized to recite it when the new crescent is sighted.
It is not just an ordinary dua, but it gives a symbol of tawheed (oneness of Allah) and the temporary things of this world, and it is a blessing and protection prayer in the new month. In this article, we are going to look at the original dua for sighting the moon, ascertain its definition, the sources with respect to authentic hadith, and its value in the life of a Muslim.
How do I recite the Dua of the moon sighting?
When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was given the moon, he would say a beautiful dua when he would see that new crescent moon. The words of the original narration are found in Sunan al-Tirmidhi (no. 3451) and Sunan al-Darimi.
The Roman Arabic dua is
Allahumma ahillahu ‘alayna bil-yumni wal-imani was-salamati wal-Islami rabbi wa rabbuk-Allah.
Translation:
Allah! Make this moon come down to us in safety and in belief, in safety and in Islam. Say, My Lord and your Lord is Allah.”
- In this dua, we are reminded that Allah is the creator of the moon, which is not to be worshipped; that with every new month, the time should start with faith, safety, and submission to Allah.
What Is the Reason Muslims Recite Dua Seeing the Moon?
Islam is the religion that promotes believers to relate all natural effects to the remembrance of Allah. Muslims say “Bismillah” when they feel like eating and make dua when they are going to sleep; similarly, the Prophet (ﷺ) also taught supplications in case of some celestial occurrences such as a rising sun, sighting of the moon, or eclipse.
Honoring the Power of Allah:
The change of the phases of the moon is the symbol of the overall perfection of the universe created by Allah.
Seeking Blessings:
The dua requests Allah for a month when there would be iman (faith), safety, and peace.
Repelling Superstition:
The people of the pre-Islamic period believed in the superstitions of the moon. By using the dua, the Lord of the moon is identified as Allah alone.
Living the Sunnah: Adopting this practice rewards and keeps people in touch with the original Islam of the Prophet (ﷺ).
Moon Sighting in the Islamic World
The Islamic calendar (Hijri) is strictly lunar; that is to say, each month commences with the crescent moon. This is the reason why moon sighting is necessary in deciding other important things:
- Ramadan: Fasting begins by viewing the Ramadan crescent.
- Eid al-Fitr: This is observed after it has seen the Shawwal crescent.
- Dhul Hijjah & Eid al-Adha: The month of Hajj and sacrifice is a sighting month.
Qur’an Reference:
Allah tells in the Quran:
- They inquire after the new moons. They are, say, time measures of people and Hajj.
- Verily! Such of them as disbelieve (in that which Allah hath sent down in the Quran) will perish (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:189)
- The relevant verse points out that the phases of the moon are not supposed to be worshiped, but they are signs of Allah to count the time.
The Real Sources of the Dua
The dua to gaze the moon is in genuine compilations of Hadith.
Sunan al-Tirmidhi Talhah ibn Ubaydullah (RA) narrated, that he (the messenger) saw the crescent and said the above dua (no. 3451)
Sunan al-Darimi: Reporters use the same wording.
Imam al-Nawawi (RA): It is part of al-Adhkar in the category of a recommended Sunnah.
Scholarly Commentary:
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (RA) said that this dua indicates the Islamic faith in that it denies paganism.
Imam al-Nawawi (RA) stated that recitation of this dua is mustahabb (recommended) for every Muslim.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Have Moon Sighting Dua
- The following are some easy steps that Muslims can use in reciting the dua of the moon sighting:
- Catch the Crescent: Find out when there will be a new moon, and just after sunset, go out to see it.
- Turn towards Crescent: one should turn in its (Crescent’s) direction, provided he does not worship it.
- Recite the Dua: Say, “Allahumma sneha-lahu AAalayna bil-yumni wal-imani wal-salamati wal-Islami rabbi wa rabbuk-Allah.”
- Enter into Reflection: Consider the blessings you are eager to receive during the coming month.
- Sunnah spread: Educate relatives and children to restore this activity.
Note: In case the moon cannot be sighted because of clouds, then Muslims observe 30 days of the present month, as they are commanded in hadith.
Moon Sighting Common Misconceptions
Although there is no ambiguity in the Quran and Sunnah, there are a lot of misconceptions regarding moon sighting. Some of them we shall take as an example:
Good or Bad brings the Moon
Superstition of pre-Islamic beliefs.
According to Islam, the moon is only a token of Allah.
Astrological Predictions
Wrong associations are made with endorsing moon phases to horoscopes.
This is not Islamic and this is shirk (associating partners with Allah).
It is only scholars who should sight the moon.
The crescent can be sighted by any good Muslim, who can then report.
This was what the Sunnah was in the times of the Prophet.
Ramadan and Eid Moon Sighting
In Ramadan and Eid, the dua takes on a particular significance.
Ramadan Start:
The Prophet (Communications:The Prophet (Pillar) said:
Fast during your sight (the moon) and break fast during your sight.
[Sahih al-Bukhari 1909, Sahih Muslim 1081]
Eid al-Fitr:
the dua is recited when the crescent of Shawwal is seen by Muslims.
Hajj & Eid al-Adha:
Days of the month of Dhul Hijjah is the symbol of a Hajj.
Hence, sighting of the moon is not spiritual but legal evidence in Shariah used in starting or ending months.
Useful solutions to restore the Sunnah of moon sighting
- Go Out as a Family: Take children out to see the moon and teach them the dua.
- Teach Authentic Sources: Don’t learn cultural inventions.
- Don’t be superstitious: associate this crescent with the power of Allah.
- Social Media Share Reminder: Share about a Sunnah rather than photographs.
- Be consistent: not only every Ramadan.
Conclusion
Dua-e-Roze is a blessed sunnial, which infuses the monotheists power in the presence of believers before Allah and every month begins with the observation of the moon.It is a reminder of the fact that, instead of it being a source of fortune or superstition, the moon should be regarded as a creation of Allah, who is to be worshiped instead.
The Muslims invoke blessings, peace, and faith in the new month by reciting the wording “Allahumma ahillahu ‘alayna bil-yumni wal-imani was-salamati wal-Islami rabbi wa rabbuk-Allah.” By reviving this practice, we grow closer to the Sunnah, grow in humility, and also start the new month on an optimistic note by reminding ourselves about Allah.
FAQs
But what cannot see the new moon?
In case there is cloudiness in the sky, then complete 30 days of the month, just as the Prophet ()gave as the course.
Is the moon sighting dua obligatory?
No, that is not mandatory but that is mustahabb (recommended Sunnah). When you exercise it, you get rewards and blessings.
Is it possible to say the moon-sighting dua in our words?
Certainly, but one must repeat the words of the Prophet (rons definitive and absolute word). You ought to become familiar with its meaning in a language of your own choice.
- Good Morning Dua
- read
A dedicated Islamic content writer sharing authentic duas and spiritual guidance. Committed to providing clear, trustworthy, and peaceful knowledge to help Muslims grow closer to Allah (SWT).