09-10-2006, 05:26 PM
Bismillah
Yep. There are some websites the predict the stages of the moon but are not always 100% accurate so we rely on the teachings of the Prophet saws.
Sahih Muslim:
Book 006, Number 2363:
Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying in connection with Ramadan: Do not fast till you see the new moon, and do not break fast till you see it; but if the weather is cloudy calculate about it.
To clarify what is meant when one cannot see the moon due to cloudiness:
Book 006, Number 2364:
Ibn Umar reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) made a mention of Ramadan and he with the gesture of his hand said: The month is thus and thus. (He then withdrew his thumb at the third time). He then said: Fast when you see it, and break your fast when you see it, and if the weather is cloudy calculate it (the months of Sha'ban and Shawwal) as thirty days.