WHAT IF RAMAḌĀN IS THIRTY?

 FAJR REMINDER: WHAT IF RAMAḌĀN IS THIRTY?

By: Umm Affān

Ramaḍān 30, 1447 (19-March-2026)

In the perfect Wisdom of Allāh, the crescent of Shawwāl was not sighted last night, and thus Ramaḍān continues today, completing this year’s Ramaḍān (i.e. Ramaḍān 1447) as thirty days. Abū Hurayrah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whenever you sight the new moon (of the month of Ramaḍān) observe fast, and when you sight it (the new moon of Shawwāl) break it, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then observe fast for thirty days.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1081]

Given this clear guidance, one may wonder why there is any fuss at all. Surprisingly, there are “Muslims” who feel uneasy about this outcome, as they are eager to conclude Ramaḍān and return to their previous habits. Subḥānallāh! I even came across a statement from someone who claimed that regardless of whether the crescent of Shawwāl was sighted or not, he would not fast today. This is a deeply troubling stance, stemming from a dangerous place that contradicts true submission to Allāh.

We need to recognize that part of having Belief in Qadar (predestination) is to be pleased with and patient upon the obligations that Allāh has legislated for us. When Allāh commands the believers to fast, they respond with full submission—without hesitation or objection. Even if Ramaḍān were to extend more, they would remain steadfast in observing it. Indeed, Ramaḍān is filled with countless opportunities for good deeds and immense rewards, and the sincere believers continue striving to benefit from every moment of it without wavering.

It is quite puzzling that this noble and blessed month becomes burdensome for some. What exactly troubles them? Is it the temporary abstinence from food and drink? Or is it the way fasting distances a person from sins while encouraging an increase in righteous deeds? What truly lies behind this discomfort? Reflect for a moment—do you realize the virtue of fasting even a single extra day in Ramaḍān?

Let me bring you closer to its significance—just a glimpse. Abū Sa’id al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said, “Whoever fasts a day in the way of Allāh Almighty, by that day Allāh will move his face away from the Hellfire by a distance of seventy years.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2840, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1153] There are other Aḥadīth on this such as what was reported by ‘Uqbah Ibn Amir, that Allāh will distance him from Hell by a measure of one hundred years of travel.” [Sunan al-Nasā’ī 2254] Also, Abū Umāmah reported that, Allāh will make a trench between him and the Hellfire whose distance is like that between the heavens and the earth.” [Sunan At-Tirmidhī 1624]

So, what if you have been granted one more day in Ramaḍān—another opportunity to engage in acts of obedience such as Qiyām, Siyām, Ṣalāh, Adhkār, Tilāwah, and Ṣadaqah? O Allāh! We are grateful for this additional day and the opportunity to draw nearer to You.

I beseech Allāh to continually increase us in goodness, make acts of worship beloved to our hearts, grant us the ability to perform them sincerely, forgive our shortcomings, reward us abundantly, admit us into Jannah, and protect us from the Hellfire. Aameen.