but it differs from the established school of jurisprudence when means of communication are unavailable.

Question: As for Muslim minorities in non-Muslim countries, if there is an Islamic association, office, or center, they follow its ruling. If there is no such body, they may choose, though it is preferable for them to follow the nearest country to them.

Fasting is observed upon the sighting of one upright witness, even if she is a woman. If they fast for thirty days on the testimony of one person and the crescent is not seen, or if they began fasting because of clouds, they do not end the fast.

His statement, “Fasting is observed,” is in the passive form, and its subject substitute refers to Ramadan.

His statement, “upon the sighting of an upright witness”: some phrase it as, “upon the sighting of a reliable person,” which is broader.

What is meant is that the month is established by the sighting of an upright witness.

The evidence is the hadith of Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him: “The people sought to sight the crescent, so I informed the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, that I had seen it. He then fasted and instructed the people to fast.” (1)

Likewise, there is the hadith of the Bedouin who informed the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, that he had seen the crescent. He said, “Do you testify that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Yes.” So he said to Bilal, “Rise, Bilal, and announce to the people that they are to fast tomorrow.” (2) Although these two hadiths are weak, each strengthens the other. Fasting on the testimony of one person is also required by analogy, for people break their fast upon the adhan