In the Hanbali school, there is no valid opinion that permits astronomical calculation as method for establishing Ramadan, even for the sake of unifying the Ummah or making scheduling easier.

If the horizon is blocked by clouds or similar obstruction on the 30th night of Shaʿbān, the following day is fasted with the intention that it is Ramaḍān, as a precaution.

Fasting after the 15th of Shaʿbān is not prohibited in the Hanbali school. What is disliked is singling out one or two days immediately before Ramaḍān without a valid reason. Fasting earlier than that, or for habitual, compensatory, vowed, or expiatory reasons, remains permissible.

Q: When can I make iʿtikāf? Are there any preferred times? A: You can perform iʿtikāf at any time of the year. As established by...

Q: How long do I have to stay in the masjid to be in i’tikaf? A: The minimum duration of iʿtikāf (seclusion in the masjid) is any amount...

Q: After my monthly menstrual cycle concluded, I noticed brownish discharge. Is that considered a part of my cycle? A: If yellowish (...

Q: How should I hold my hands in qunut during witr prayer? A: You should raise your hands to your chest and hold them open with your...

Q: What are the different ways of praying witr based on the number of rak’ahs being prayed? A: The minimum number of rak‘ahs for Witr is...

Q: Are there any best practices you would recommend when beginning tarawih prayer on the first night and concluding it on the last? A: It...

Q: Is it better to pray tarawih early in the night or delay it to the end of the night? A: The preferred time for tarawih is early in the...

Q: Where is the best place to pray tarawih? At home or in the masjid? A: It is more virtuous to perform tarawih in the masjid rather than...

Q: Should the Imam aim to conclude an entire recitation of the Quran during tarawih? Can he do more or less? A: It is recommended that...

Q: What should my intention be for Tarawih prayer? A: Tarawih prayer is from the intention-specific-prayers such a witr. In each set of...

A: Should I pray witr with the Imam after tarawih or wait until I get home? Q: After completing Tarawih, it is recommended to pray Witr...

Q: What is the ruling of Tarawīh prayer? A: Tarawīh (night prayers in Ramadan) is a confirmed Sunnah (sunnah mu’akkadah), established by...

Q: What is the ruling for breaking the fast due to illness or fear of death? A: It is not permissible for the ill to break their fast if...

Q: How many rakahs should I pray for tarawih? A: The Tarawih prayer in Ramadan consists of twenty rakaʿāt (units of prayer) in...