What is the validity of the statement "shahida minkum" (شهد منكم) instead of "shahid minkum" (شاهد منكم), and does "shahida" (شهد) mean comprehensive knowledge and perception, or is it limited to visual sighting only? And should the sighting of the crescent moon, Eid celebrations, and religious occasions be unified among all Islamic countries?

The word (shahida - شهد) in the Quran has multiple meanings, including "was present" and "informed and explained."

The interpretation of the verse, (فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ - So whoever witnesses the month, let him fast it), as "shahida" meaning "knew" is imprecise. Rather, it means "was present," even though knowledge is gained as a result of presence.

The issue of differing moon-sighting horizons (ikhtilaf al-matali‘) is an old and modern matter of dispute: Some scholars have said that each region has its own sighting, while others have said that it is obligatory to adopt the sighting of any region if it is confirmed. This disagreement is not related to modern geographical borders but to the difference in the moon's risings.

The disagreement on this issue should not be exaggerated, because Allah has obligated us to fast either upon seeing the new moon or upon completing thirty days of Sha'ban, and Allah concealed Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) for a wisdom.