Q&A: Crescent Sighting

Answer

Should the new moon be sighted in a city, it would suffice the sighting in another city, provided the two fall on the same horizon. That is, if the new moon was sighted in the first town, there would bring about a strong confidence of sighting it in the second.

Answer

You should be able to know that by sighting the new moon in your country or nearby countries that share the same horizon; in other words, if the crescent is sighted in one country, it should be seen in the other, were it not for natural barriers, such as clouds, mountainous terrain, and the like. The beginning of the month cannot be established by sighting the crescent through a telescope or binoculars.

Answer

The evidence could be one or more of the following: 1. You have sighted it yourself. 2. The testimony of two men of impeccable character, provided that you do not have any knowledge of instances that they may be wrong, and that you do not dispute their testimony. 3. The lapse of thirty days on the month of Sha’ban, thus reaching certitude that Sha’ban has come to an end and that the month of Ramadhan shall commence. 4. When the news of the birth of the moon of Ramadhan becomes commonplace that you are sure of the sighting.