Reward in Congregational Rows: Men in Front, Women Behind
Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn Volume – 5 – Mehmet Yaşar Kandemir · THE REWARD OF PRAYING IN THE FIRST ROW
Hadith: Again, according to a narration from Abū Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “When you see the crescent of Ramaḍān, begin fasting. When you see the crescent of Shawwāl, cease fasting. If the beginning of Ramaḍān coincides with a cloudy day, then complete Shaʿbān as thirty days.” Bukhārī, Ṣawm 11; Muslim, Ṣiyām 4, 7, 8, 17-20. See also: Tirmidhī, Rāwī Ṣawm 5; Nasāʾī, Ṣiyām 8; Ibn Mājah, Ṣiyām 7. This is the narration of Bukhārī. In Muslim’s narration, it is stated: “If the beginning of the month of Shawwāl is cloudy, then complete the fast as thirty days.” (For this narration, see also: Abū Dāwūd, Ṣiyām 7; Nasāʾī, Ṣiyām 10; Ibn Mājah, Ṣiyām 7)
Explanation: In the above hadiths, the opportunity, blessing, mercy, and forgiveness that come with Ramaḍān and distinguish it from other days and months are mentioned. In order to experience these privileges unique to the month of Ramaḍān, the question of how to determine the beginning of this month will rightfully occupy the hearts and minds of every believer. For it is necessary not to miss this great opportunity. In this hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) addresses this curiosity of the ummah and explains how the beginning and end of the month of Ramaḍān can be determined. He especially points to an event well known to everyone under the conditions of that time. Months are determined by the sighting of the crescent (ruʾyat al-hilāl). The same criterion will be used for Ramaḍān. If the crescent that marks the beginning of Ramaḍān is sighted and this is substantiated by witnesses, fasting will begin. However, the possibility arises that something may prevent the crescent from being seen. If the weather is cloudy and it is not possible to observe or see the crescent, what should be done? The solution is to complete Shaʿbān, the month preceding Ramaḍān, as thirty days. According to the lunar calendar, a month cannot be more than thirty days. After completing the previous month to its possible maximum length, any doubt about whether the crescent of Ramaḍān has appeared or not will be eliminated, leaving no room for hesitation. The same applies to the end of Ramaḍān. If it is not possible to see the crescent of Shawwāl, the month following Ramaḍān, then Ramaḍān is also completed as thirty days. Both narrations provide the ummah with complete certainty and assurance at two important points: the beginning and end of Ramaḍān. This saves Muslims from the spiritual discomfort of having worshipped in a state of doubt.
Although the sighting of the crescent (ruʾyat al-hilāl) is the basis, in cases where this is not possible, completing the previous month as thirty days means that calculation comes into play. This demonstrates the legitimacy of a calculation method that prioritizes sighting in determining the beginning and end of the month of Ramaḍān. In recent years, the differences among Islamic countries regarding the determination of the beginnings of religious days and the initiatives towards “acting together” have not yet reached a point that encompasses the entire ummah. Instead of entering into a dichotomy such as calculation or sighting, if both criteria are used together, the path indicated by our hadith will be followed. The grandeur of the ummah acting together in worship is above all political concerns. If Islamic countries take this point into consideration, differences in practice will disappear.
What We Learn from the Hadith:
1. The sunnah is the criterion for solving the issues of the ummah in the most natural and easy way.
2. Acts of worship cannot be based on doubt and uncertainty. Certainty and assurance are sought.
3. If certainty cannot be achieved through observation, it is possible to ensure it through calculation.
4. What matters is to determine the beginning and end of an exceptional season like Ramaḍān and to make use of it as prescribed.
GENEROSITY IN RAMAḌĀN
TO BE GENEROUS IN RAMAḌĀN, TO DO GOOD, TO PERFORM MANY CHARITABLE DEEDS, AND ESPECIALLY TO INCREASE THESE IN THE LAST TEN DAYS.