Disagreeing with the Muslim consensus regarding the sighting of Ramadan's new moon

Q 1: A group of Multazims (practicing Muslims) here in our town disagree with us in some matters, such as the Sawm (fasting) of Ramadan. They do not fast until they see the crescent with the naked eye. Sometimes they begin Sawm a day or two after us, and they break their Sawm a day or two after `Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast). (Part No. 10; Page No. 95) Whenever we question their Sawm on the day of the `Eid, they insist that they will not break their fast nor fast until they see the crescent with the naked eye, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Begin Sawm on seeing it (the crescent of Ramadan), and break your Sawm on seeing it (the crescent of Shawwal). They are not convinced with the modern devices which are used to see the crescent. They also offer Salat-ul-`Eid (the Festival Prayer) after the end of the `Eid, according to their sighting. On `Eid-ul-Adha (the Festival of the Sacrifice), they also slaughter the Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) and stand on the mountain of `Arafat two days later. They also offer Salah (Prayer) in Masjids (mosques) where there are graves, and they claim that it is not prohibited. May Allah reward you.

A: These people should observe Sawm and break Sawm with the rest of the people, and offer Salat-ul-`Eid with the Muslims in their countries, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Begin Sawm on seeing it (the crescent of Ramadan), and break your Sawm on seeing it (the crescent of Shawwal). If the sky is overcast (and you cannot see it), complete the term (thirty days of Sha`ban). Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. What is meant here is Sawm and breaking the Sawm if the crescent is seen with the naked eye or with modern devices which are an additional aid, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, The beginning of Ramadan is on the day when you begin Sawm; the end of Ramadan is on the day when you end it; and `Eid-ul-Adha is on the day when you sacrifice. (Part No. 10; Page No. 96) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.