Prior to the advent of electricity, every night held the possibility of a celestial light show. People in even the most urban environments were exposed to the awe and majesty of the heavens, which clearly “proclaim the glory of God.” The contemplation of the celestial orbs and their movements provided early man with the most direct connection to his Lord. In the Qur’anic story of Abraham, it is his observance of heavenly phenomena that leads him to his certainty of God’s unity and transcendence. Since the time of the Seljuq Turks, the crescent moon has been a sign of Islam.

For Muslims in North America, there has been much confusion regarding when Ramadan begins, when to fast, and when to break the fast. Hamza Yusuf provides clarity through this detailed and scholarl­y work that decisively makes the case for sighting the crescent moon with the naked eye, as has been the Islamic tradition for 1400 years. This is essential reading for anyone seeking guidance on this import­ant and sacred matter.

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