The Ruling on Seeing the Crescent of Ramadan and the Supplication for It

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh Salih. Regarding the established Sunnah for the one who sees the crescent of Ramadan?

Answer:
When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw the crescent of Ramadan, he would supplicate and say: "O my Lord and your Lord is Allah, a crescent of good and guidance. O Allah, make it appear for us with safety, Islam, security, and faith." This is what is said upon seeing the crescent. As for the one who sees the crescent and is certain of his sighting, it is obligatory for him to inform the one in authority, represented by the Sharia court in any country, so that his testimony is established. Then the beginning of fasting for this month is announced to the Muslims, and he will have a reward for that. Also, it is recommended for Muslims to look for the crescent on this night and strive to see it, due to the statement of Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): "The people looked for the crescent during the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), so I informed him that I had seen it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) fasted and ordered the people to fast." Yes.