Reference: Fataawa Ramadhaan v1 p56 no.21
Fiqh al-'Ibaadaat p172
Question: How is the [beginning of the] month of Ramadhaan established?
Response: The beginning of the month of Ramadhaan is established either by the new moon being sighted, or by the passing of 30 days of [the month of] Sha'baan. This is based on the statement of the Prophet ﷺ:
«And if you see it (the new moon of Ramadhaan) then fast, and if you see it (the new moon of Shawwaal) then break you fast. And if the clouds block [your view] then complete the count of Sha'baan thirty [days]» [transmitted by al-Bukhaaree no.1909 and Muslim no.1081]
