We are in the desert on the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan; we do not fast until we see the crescent, while the cities fast two days before us. Is what we are doing correct?

The questioner : We are in the desert on the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan; we do not fast until we see the crescent, while the cities fast two days before us. Is this correct, and is what we are doing correct? Please give us a ruling, and may Allah reward you.

The Shaykh : A person who is in the desert follows the government that rules over him. If the people fast, he fasts. In the hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): And if the people do not fast, they do not fast, meaning the people of the desert. Yes, if it were the case that they saw the crescent and its sighting was confirmed with them, and they are far from the cities where the state’s rule is, then there is no blame on them in this situation to fast. Rather, the scholars said that in this situation it is obligatory for them to fast, because there is no contradiction with the community in their action.
In summary, we say: The people of the desert follow the rulers of the country in which they are. If they are unable to know that, as if they do not have radio broadcasts or the like, and they saw it and it was confirmed with them, then there is no blame on them to fast. Rather, it is obligatory for them to fast.

The questioner : May Allah bless you, Shaykh Muhammad.