is the only person there. Accordingly, if he did not fast and it later became clear that the crescent had been sighted elsewhere, or the sighting was established at midday, he would not be required to make up that day. This is one of the two reports from Ahmad, for the month was established for them only when its arrival became evident and widely known.

From that point onward, they were obliged to abstain from whatever invalidates the fast, just like those who were commanded to fast on ‘Āshūrā’ during the course of the day and, according to the correct view, were not commanded to make it up. The hadith concerning making it up is weak. Allah knows best.