Visibility of the Moon and its Testimony

Q. What is the ruling for looking for the Ramadaan moon?

A. It is waajib to see or try to find the Ramadaan moon on the 29th of Sha’baan. Mustahab to watch Sha’baan 29th moon to calculate. Conditional niyyah for fasting the next day when moon not visible is makrooh.

Q. Reliable testimony for Ramadaan moon?

A. Witnesses must be truthful, pious, and religious (men/women, free or slaves). Appearance of piety matters.

Q. Reliable testimony for ‘Eid moon?

A. Two pious men, or one man + two women of similar piety, if sky is not clear.

Q. How many witnesses if sky is clear?

A. Number of witnesses sufficient so it is beyond doubt that they cannot conspire to lie. Applies to Ramadaan and both Eids.

Q. Is news from far-off city reliable?

A. Yes, distance does not matter if source is reliable. Telegrams are not reliable. Example: Burmese people rely on Bombay witness.