The Ruling on Muslims Disagreeing on the Sighting of the Ramadan Moon

Question:
This is a jurisprudential issue on which the Muslims of the same country differ, especially if the government is non-Muslim. It is the issue of entering and exiting Ramadan. What is your advice to the scholars of Africa in order to unify the ranks on this matter?

Answer:
The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) did not leave this matter. He said: "Fast when you see it, and break your fast when you see it. If it is obscured from you, then estimate it." In another narration: "Complete the count of Sha'ban to thirty days." Likewise, exiting Ramadan is based on the sighting: "Fast when you see it, and break your fast when you see it. If it is obscured from you, then estimate it." This applies to both entering and exiting. "Estimate it" means completing the month, because that is the default. If this happens, that is what is required. If it does not happen and the Muslims of the country agree to fast, they all fast, and it is not the case that some break their fast while others fast. The day of fasting is the day you fast, and the day of breaking the fast is the day you break it, and the Day of Sacrifice is the day you sacrifice. So if the Muslims in your country fast, fast with them, my brother. Fast with them. And if they break their fast, break your fast with them. And leave the disagreement and division among you. Yes. May Allah reward you.