The scholars have differed over the evidentiary threshold required to confirm the beginning of Ramadan, falling into three positions:
- It is like every other lunar month: two upright witnesses are indispensable.
- Two witnesses are required except when the sky is overcast or sighting is otherwise obstructed; in that case the testimony of a single witness is accepted.
- The testimony of one trustworthy witness is accepted unconditionally. This is the preponderant view, supported by the ḥadith under discussion and by others.
Benefits
First benefit:
Fasting in Ramadan becomes obligatory through one of three means:
- Actual sighting of the crescent.
- Credible testimony conveying that sighting.
- Completing Shaʿbān as thirty days.
Resolution of the Islamic Fiqh Council Concerning Reliance on Sighting to Establish the New Moons
All praise is due to Allah alone, and may blessings and peace be upon the one after whom there is no prophet. To proceed:
The Council of the Islamic Fiqh Academy, in its fourth session held at the headquarters of the Muslim World League in Mecca from 7 to 17 Rabīʿ al-Ākhir 1401 AH, reviewed a copy of the letter issued by the Islamic Daʿwah Association in Singapore, dated 16 Shawwāl 1399 AH (8 August 1979 CE) and addressed to the chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia there. The letter reported that a dispute arose between that Association and the Islamic Council in Singapore regarding the beginning and end of Ramadan for the year 1399 AH (1979 CE). The Association determined both the start and the end of Ramadan on the basis of the legally prescribed sighting, in line with the general scriptural proofs, whereas the Council