Sighting of the Hilal

Question:
Hadrat Maulana.
Do you have policy statements about two situations in which:
a) Hilal is NOT SEEN in a clear sky despite completing thirty days from the previous sighting.
b) Hilal is seen on the 28th evening.

The a) condition occurs because of false sighting. and b) Condition occurs when the previous month sighting
was not possible for clouds/haze, etc.or nobody attempted/forgot to attempt, etc

Answer:
Wa Alaikumus Salaam

a) If the Hilal is not sighted on a clear sky despite completing 30 days, then the other month will not begin until the Hilal is sighted. This means that a mistake would have been made in the previous sighting.
b) If the Hilal is sighted on the 28th evening, then the new month will begin upon its sighting, and it will be deemed as a mistake in beginning the month. If it is the month of Ramadhan, then those who have fasted for only 28 days will be required to fast one day as Qaza so that they can complete 29 days of Ramadhan (since a month does not have less than 29 days).

And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Waseem Khan
15/8/2011