What is the ruling on a fasting person breaking their fast based on astronomical notification, in consideration of society and in obedience to the ruler, and is Qada' (making up the fast) obligatory?
The determination of the crescent moon hinges upon its sighting or the completion of thirty days, based on the Prophet's (PBUH) saying: "Fast upon seeing it and break your fast upon seeing it. If it is obscured from you, then complete thirty days." Whoever breaks their fast based on an astronomer's report has erred and must make up for that day. They are also sinful, unless they were ignorant of the ruling. It is not permissible for the ruler to compel people to break their fast based on an astronomer's report without the sighting of the crescent moon or the completion of thirty days.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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