Question 485) - When does the fast of Ramadan become wajib and when does the month become established?

A: Rasulullaah (S.A.W) said, "Fast when you see it and stop fasting when you see it. lf it is cloudy then complete 30 days of sha'ban." [al-Bukhari and Muslim] It is thus wajib on the people to search for the new moon on the 29th of sha'ban. lf they see it they must fast the next day. lf the moon is covered by cloud [they cannot se it] they must complete 30 days of Sha'ban and then fast.

~ al-Quduri ~