The Fast of the First of Shawwal Mistaken for Ramadan

Question

On the evening of the nineteenth of the blessed Ramadan, despite a clear sky, the crescent moon was not sighted, and at 9:30 in the evening a radio announcement confirmed that the crescent had not been observed in the state of Mysore or other parts of India. On the morning of the thirtieth of Ramadan, news arrived that Eid was being celebrated in Bombay, whereupon many of the local fasting people broke their fast, while many others did not. The Eid prayer was performed the following day. Please clarify this issue.

Answer

Breaking the fast of the thirtieth of Ramadan based on rumours, without verification and confirmation, is impermissible. However, if it subsequently becomes clear that that day was not the thirtieth of Ramadan but the first of Shawwal, then neither qada (making up the fast) nor kaffarah (expiation) is obligatory for that fast.

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