Fasting: Should One Rely on Media Announcements for the Start of Shawwāl?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Fasting: Should One Rely on Media Announcements for the Start of Shawwāl?

English:

Question #832:

If the crescent marking the beginning of Shawwāl is not observed in a city by the local people but the radio or television announces the beginning of Shawwāl, should the local people act upon the radio announcement, or should they ascertain by investigating whether Shawwāl has commenced?

Answer #832:

If the radio or television announcement makes them sure or confident that Shawwāl has commenced, or there is a decree by the Jurist Leader announcing the beginning of Shawwāl, there is no need for further investigation.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Fasting