Is it permissible to rely on astronomical timing for the call to prayer or for breaking the fast after it has become clear that they are in error?

The Shaykh : So the question now is:

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : After these facts have become clear, is it permissible to rely on astronomical timing, whether for fasting or for prayer, after the obligated Muslims have become aware of this fluctuation in the adhan, sometimes advancing and sometimes retreating? Is it permissible for the Muslims who have been given a share of knowledge, jurisprudence, and understanding to rely on this adhan? Obviously and categorically, it is not permissible. So what is required of them? The answer is: I said earlier that if a trustworthy person informs you that the sun has set, you may hasten to break your fast. And if a trustworthy person informs you, you should not rely on anything but the Shari'ah timing, not the astronomical timing. If you are informed that the sun has set, you may break your fast after it has set; you do not have the right to break your fast [before that]. The important point for you and for the general public is as Allah the Exalted said in the Noble Qur'an: Those who established the astronomical timing are not among the people of Shari'ah knowledge; they are astronomers, and they are exactly the same as the disbelievers. Meanwhile, Shari'ah timing is specific to the people of knowledge of the Shari'ah. This issue is exactly like establishing the sighting of the crescent moon by astronomical calculation or by visual sighting. You must have heard of the disagreement in this era, and the Shari'ah is explicit in the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): This issue regarding the timing of prayers or breaking the fast in Ramadan is like entering Ramadan by astronomical calculation. Neither this nor that is permissible. Therefore, in the country or place where you live, it is obligatory for some of you to observe the setting of the sun from where you are sitting. If there are some obstacles in front of you, you should go up, and this is possible. Then you should make an estimate: are they calling the adhan for you after the time or before the time? And based on that, you should use your ijtihad (independent legal reasoning) so that you may be upon clear understanding of your religion. Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.