- You should be able to know that by sighting the new moon...

●You should be able to know that by sighting the new moon in your country or nearby countries that share the same horizon; in other words, if the crescent is sighted in one country, it should be seen in the other, were it not for natural barriers, such as clouds, mountainous terrain, and the like. * What is the proof of sighting the moon? - The evidence could be one or more of the following: 1. You have sighted it yourself. 2.

The testimony of two men of impeccable character, provided that you do not have any knowledge of instances that they may be wrong, and that you do not dispute their testimony. 3. The lapse of thirty days on the month of Sha’ban, thus reaching certitude that Sha’ban has come to an end and that Ramadhan shall commence. 4. When the news of the birth of the moon of Ramadhan becomes commonplace that you are sure of the sighting.

* Suppose I did not know whether it will be the start of Ramadhan, and I intend to fast tomorrow. How would this day be treated? - You make your niyyah as though this day was of Sha’ban. If, however, during the day it was announced that it was the first day of Ramadhan, you rectify the niyyah and your fast shall be in order; i.e. there shall be no need for you to fast instead. * How would I know that Ramadhan has drawn to a close and that the month of Shawwal has started?

●In the same way/s you have come to know of the sighting, and/or the start, of Ramadhan. * All right. If I have concluded that I sighted the moon of Ramadhan? - You should fast. So too should every Muslim who is adult, sane, and sure that fasting would not endanger their health, nor on a journey, or in a comma. As for women, they should be fasting, provided that they are not in a state of haydh or nifas, for they are not required to fast.

They must, though, make up for the days of fasting they missed out at a later date. * Should someone fear that fasting may harm them, what should they do? - He who fears for himself of falling ill as a result of fasting is not required to fast. Nor is he who believes that fasting would worsen his poor state of health in any way, be it hampering his recovery or increasing his pain. This should, however, be commensurate with what is generally accepted in these circumstances.

* What about the person who is on a journey? - If he sets out for a journey after zawaal, [he should continue with his fast]. Should he set out before dawn, he should not fast. * What if he travels after dawn?

✦ ✦ ✦