Question
If a person is residing in Saudi Arabia and the government announces that for example Ramadhan is on a Wednesday, but there are concerns about the authenticity of the sighting – for a local or person gone for Umrah – does one simply follow the verdict / law of the land?
Answer
If a person physically saw the moon with his own eyes and the government passes a judgement contrary to his observation, in this case he should not follow the government.
If a person did not see the moon himself, then even though we may doubt the authenticity of whether the moon was actually sighted or it was just based on mere calculations, one should follow what the local authorities/moon committee have decided. The officials do accept testimony for the moon-sighting, therefore, trusting the testimony, we will follow the date they announce for the new Islamic month.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.