<b>Guidance from the Hadith:</b><br> 1) Fasting of Ramadan becomes due upon sighting its moon or the completion of Sha‘bān as thirty days. Likewise, the end of fast is determined by sighting the moon of Shawwāl or the completion of Ramadan as thirty days. This is to remove any doubt, and base our acts of worship upon certainty or high likelihood.<br> 2) If the moon of Ramadan is obscure, we are required to complete Sha‘bān as thirty days, and it is not permissible to fast the doubtful day preceding Ramadan. Whoever fasts it, has indeed disobeyed the Prophet’s command.<br> <br> <b>Benefit:</b><br> Following the Sunnah is achieved by completing Sha‘bān as thirty days in case the moon cannot be seen, and not by fasting the doubtful day preceding Ramadan on the grounds of caution. Indeed, all goodness lies in adhering to the Prophet’s guidance. If fasting the doubtful day were good, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) would have instructed the Ummah to do so. We should stick to his teachings, which guide us to the most correct path.