Cases in which testimony on the new moon is accepted

Question

When the horizon is clear, will the testimony of a large gathering (jam' kathir) be taken for the new moon of the two 'Ids, or the testimony of two to four persons? (2) If the testimony of two to four persons can be taken, is it necessary that they be upright ('adl) and trustworthy (thiqa), or will the testimony of whatever kind of people are available be acceptable? (3) What is the definition of uprightness ('adala) and trustworthiness (thiqaha), and what do they mean?

Answer

(1) The testimony of a large gathering: [ar]قبل بلا علة جمع عظيم يقع العلم الشرعي وهو غلبة الظن بخبرهم[/ar] “When there is no impediment, a great gathering is accepted, through whose report Shari'a knowledge arises — and that is predominant supposition” (al-Durr al-Mukhtar).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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