The question discusses the conditions under which the sighting of the crescent moon is validated according to Islamic jurisprudence, particularly when there is uncertainty or disagreement among witnesses.
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you.
Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Sistani (may Allah protect him):
The testimony is based on the statements of two just witnesses. There may be uncertainty regarding their testimony, such as if one claims to have seen the crescent moon in a specific part of the sky while the other claims to have seen it in a different location, despite both being in the same place. For example, one might say the crescent is to the right while the other says it is to the left.
The beginning of the month is determined by the appearance of the crescent in the horizon in a way that is visible to the naked eye, barring clouds or other obstructions. It is not sufficient to know that the crescent exists after its birth if it is not visible at all or can only be seen with telescopes or focused observation. Therefore, the astronomers' reports about the birth of the crescent and its emergence from the new moon phase do not suffice for establishing the beginning of the month. However, if they report that the crescent has not yet been born at sunset or that it is only one or two hours old, this usually leads to certainty that the testimony of its sighting that night is not valid.
Source: Minhaj al-Salihin - Vol. 1 - Establishing the Crescent + Official Website
Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Khamenei (may Allah protect him):
The testimony is based on the statements of two just witnesses. There may be uncertainty regarding their testimony, such as if one claims to have seen the crescent moon in a specific part of the sky while the other claims to have seen it in a different location, despite both being in the same place. Additionally, if a large number of people deny having seen it, the likelihood of their confusion increases.
If one is certain from their statements that the crescent has not yet been born or that it is impossible to see it, and this contradicts the testimony, then the testimony is not accepted.
Source: Message on Prayer and Fasting - Fasting - Methods of Establishing the Beginning of the Month - M965
May you be successful in all good.