Q: We are writing to you from the island of Andaman and Nicobar located in the Bay of Bengal 1200 km far from Calcutta which is the nearest city to this group of islands in India . (Part No. 10; Page No. 133) Our brothers the Hanafys begin Sawm (fasting) according to crescent sighting in Calcutta, although the difference in the time of sunset between our islands and the city of Calcutta is fifteen minutes.As for the Shafi`ys, they begin Sawm depending on sighting the crescent in any of these islands, and each of them has their own evidences. Please, Your Honor, give a satisfactory answer. May Allah bless you and help you serve Islam and the Muslims.

A: You should verify the sighting of the crescent, whether in Calcutta or in your islands, as there are many related Hadiths concerning this matter. It was related by Al-Bukhari from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated, Start Sawm on seeing it (the crescent of Ramadan), and break Sawm on seeing it (the crescent of Shawwal). If the sky is overcast (and you cannot see it), complete thirty days of Sha`ban. It is also related in the Sahih (authentic) Book of Muslim from Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Start Sawm on seeing it (the crescent of Ramadan), and break Sawm on seeing it (the crescent of Shawwal). If the sky is overcast (and you cannot see it), complete thirty days (of Sha`ban). May Allah grant success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.