If the new crescent moon of Ramadan is sighted during the day at the beginning of the month, when should the fast commence?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
If the sighting occurs during the day at the beginning of Ramadan, the correct ruling is that the sighting pertains to the next night, meaning the fast commences the following day. This is the opinion held by Malik, Abu Hanifa, and Shafi'i, based on the principle that if the sighting determines the end of a month relates to the following day, it must also determine the beginning of the next month relates to the following day.
Supporting text
There is an alternative narration from Ahmad stating that the sighting pertains to the preceding night, which would necessitate making up that day's fast while simultaneously restraining from food for the remainder of that day as a precaution in worship.