❖ Question:
If Ramadan is declared in an Islamic country such as Saudi Arabia, but the country in which I reside has not announced the beginning of Ramadan, what is the ruling for us? Should we begin fasting based on the sighting in Saudi Arabia, or should we refrain from fasting on that day and start with the Muslims of our country once Ramadan is officially declared? The same question applies to Shawwal and Eid al-Fitr — when the two countries differ, what is the ruling concerning fasting and breaking the fast? May Allah reward you on behalf of us and all Muslims.
❖ Answer:
It is obligatory upon a Muslim to fast and celebrate Eid with the Muslims of the country in which he resides. This is based on the saying of the Prophet ﷺ:
"As-sawm is the day you all fast, and al-Fitr is the day you all break your fast, and al-Adhha is the day you all offer sacrifice."
This indicates that the determining factor is the collective practice of the local Muslim community, not the sighting in another country.
And it is Allah alone who grants success.
— Shaykh Ibn Bāz (رحمه الله)
If Ramadan is declared in an Islamic country such as Saudi Arabia, but the country in which I reside has not announced the beginning of Ramadan, what is the ruling for us? Should we begin fasting based on the sighting in Saudi Arabia, or should we refrain from fasting on that day and start with the Muslims of our country once Ramadan is officially declared? The same question applies to Shawwal and Eid al-Fitr — when the two countries differ, what is the ruling concerning fasting and breaking the fast? May Allah reward you on behalf of us and all Muslims.
❖ Answer:
It is obligatory upon a Muslim to fast and celebrate Eid with the Muslims of the country in which he resides. This is based on the saying of the Prophet ﷺ:
"As-sawm is the day you all fast, and al-Fitr is the day you all break your fast, and al-Adhha is the day you all offer sacrifice."
This indicates that the determining factor is the collective practice of the local Muslim community, not the sighting in another country.
And it is Allah alone who grants success.
— Shaykh Ibn Bāz (رحمه الله)
