What is the ruling regarding sighting the crescent moon of Ramadan and proceeding with fasting?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
It is recommended for people to look for the crescent moon on the night of the thirtieth of Sha'ban as a precaution for their fasting and to avoid disagreement, based on the Prophet's command to 'count the crescent of Sha'ban for Ramadan.' If the moon is sighted, fasting is obligatory upon all by consensus. If the moon is not sighted and the sky is overcast, that day is not counted as the first day of fasting unless it coincides with a customary fast day for that individual, such as a regular weekly fast.
Supporting text
It is prohibited to anticipate Ramadan by fasting a day or two beforehand, except for one who customarily fasts regularly on those days, based on the Prophet's command: 'No one among you should precede Ramadan with a day or two of fasting, except if it is a man who was fasting a certain fast, then he should fast it.' Furthermore, intentionally fasting the Day of Doubt (Yawm al-Shakk) is considered disobedience to the Prophet.