4. In another
famous work of this School it is said:
"If people of a town fasted 30 days based on
their observation and people of another town fasted 29 days based on their
observation, then those who fasted 29 are obliged to compensate for one day's
fast. There is no consideration for the difference of the Mathali'a (horizons)
in the clear interpretation of the report." (Fatawa Qadeekhan 1:198)
The exact number of days for a particular lunar
month can be determined by observing the Hilals or Ahillah of the Moon and the
Manzils. The number of days for a particular month of a particular year can be
determined exactly by calculations even for thousands of years. But for those
who do not know the methods of observation and calculation it is not possible
for them to know whether the month is of 29 or 30 days.
When the people are unable to calculate or know, if
some people have fasted 30 days, then the others also must fast 30 days because
a particular Ramadan cannot be 29 for some and 30 for the others. But for a
people who know how to observe the Moon and find out the exact date or calculate
it, such a rule will not be applicable. They must fast correctly according to
the appearance of the Hilal as commanded by the Prophet (saw).
The Prophet (saw)) has informed that the month will
be like this and like that meaning 29 or 30 days. Every Ramadan will not have
30 days or 29 days. It will vary every year according to the cycle of the Moon,
which follows certain laws. (Q 55:5). When we know that the Ramadan of 1422 H
has 29 days only, according to the lunar cycle, how can we say that the people should
fast for 30 days in that Ramadan?