Breaking off the fast on a radio report

Question

Is radio news a proof (hujja) in the Shari‘a in matters of religion (diyanat) and in dealings (mu‘amalat) or not? In matters of religion — especially in the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan and of Eid al-Fitr? (2) In Agra on 17 August the moon could not be sighted because the horizon was not clear. On 18 August everyone kept the fast, but at midday some individuals broke the fast, saying (that from the news on Pakistani radio our heart bears witness that today is Eid)

Answer

Radio news is not a proof (hujja). To break the fast and celebrate Eid merely on radio news is in no way permissible; rather, it is impermissible and a sin. However, if afterwards it is established by Shar‘i testimony or by widely reported news (khabar mustafid), then no ruling of qada or kaffara will be given either.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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