As for the crescent of Ramadan, it is established by the testimony of one witness, and he has testified to it; therefore, he must fast.

Some scholars said: Rather, he must break the fast privately, due to the Prophet’s saying: “Fast when you see it, and end the fast when you see it.” This man has seen it, so he is required to break the fast—but privately, lest he openly differ from the community.

Shaykh al-Islam chose the view, in both of these issues, that one should follow the people: thus, if he alone sees the crescent of Ramadan, he does not fast; and if he alone sees the crescent of Shawwal, he does not break the fast. This is because the crescent is that which appears, is announced, and becomes widely known—not merely that which is seen.

What appears correct to me regarding the issue of fasting at the beginning of the month is what the author mentioned: that he should fast. As for the issue of ending the fast, he should not do so, in conformity with the community. This is a matter of precaution: we have exercised caution with respect to both fasting and ending the fast. Regarding fasting, we say to him: “Fast.” Regarding ending the fast, we say: “Do not break your fast; rather, continue fasting.”

Issue: It has preceded that the beginning of Ramadan is established by the testimony of one witness. The evidence for this is the hadith of Ibn Umar, who said: “The people looked for the crescent, and I informed the Prophet that I had seen it. So he fasted and instructed the people to fast.” (1)

The crescent of Shawwal, and that of other months, is not established except by two witnesses, due to the Prophet’s saying: “If two witnesses testify, then fast and end the fast.” (2) The beginning of