Your and my Lord is Allah; the Lord of the worlds.
O Allah: (please do) cause this crescent to carry with it for us security and faith
And safety and Islam
And expedition to whatever You love and please.
O Allah: (please do) bless us in this month,
And confer upon us with its goodness and aid,
And save us from its harm, evil, ordeals, and sedition.
Another version Sahifa Alawia 31
O Allah! Make this moon as a faith and protection for us in it we are safe and sustenance is increased and the sick are cured. O Allah! By Your grace, grant us the power to fast, pray and recite the Quran in it. O Allah! Make it safe for us and from our side and grant us Your protection in this month.
Why Moon Sighting Matters in Islam
The Islamic calendar is lunar, so every month begins with the sighting of the new crescent (hilal). Allah says: “They ask you about the new moons. Say: they are signs to mark fixed times for people and for Hajj” (Qur’an 2:189). The beginnings of Ramadan, Eid, Muharram and every other occasion depend on it.
Etiquette When You See the New Moon
- Do not point at the moon.
- Face the qiblah and raise your hands towards the sky.
- Recite the dua given above, and if you can, Dua 43 of Sahifa Sajjadiyya, Imam Zain-ul-Abideen’s (a.s.) supplication on seeing the new crescent.
- Ask Allah for safety, faith and blessing in the coming month.
In Fiqah e Jafria the start of the month is established by sighting the moon, so follow the announcement of your marja’s office or local Shia centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I recite when I see the new moon?
Face the qiblah, raise your hands and recite the moon-sighting dua given on this page. Dua 43 of Sahifa Sajjadiyya is also recommended.
Why should I not point at the new moon?
The narrations teach believers not to point at the crescent, and instead to face the qiblah and turn to Allah in dua.
How is the start of a month decided in Fiqah e Jafria?
By sighting the new crescent. Follow the announcement of your marja’s office or your local Shia centre.
