How is the beginning of Ramadan determined?
1. Completing 30 days of Sha‘ban, or
2. Sighting the crescent moon after sunset on the 29th day of Sha‘ban.
It is Sunnah to search for the moon, and it is obligatory to follow the official authorities responsible for announcing it.
What are the pillars of fasting?
The pillars of fasting are intention and abstaining from all nullifiers of fasting from dawn to sunset.
What is the ruling on using moisturizing creams on the skin during the day in Ramadan?
Using moisturizing creams on the skin does not break the fast because they do not enter the body cavity (jauf). Any absorption that occurs through the skin pores does not count as entering through an open passage.
Is it recommended (mustaḥabb) for the one offering a voluntary sacrifice (uḍḥiyyat taṭawwuʿ) to eat from its meat?
Praise be to Allah, and prayers and peace be upon our Master the Messenger of Allah.
It is recommended (mustaḥabb) — not obligatory — for the one offering a voluntary sacrifice (uḍḥiyyat taṭawwuʿ) to eat from it. Allah Almighty says {what means}: "So eat from them and feed the desperate (qāniʿ) and the beggar (muʿtarr). Thus We have subjected them to you that you may be grateful."— [Sūrat al-Ḥajj (22): 36]
Explanation of terms:
Al-Qāniʿ — the poor person who does not ask people for money, food..eccetera.(beg)
Al-Muʿtarr — the poor person who does ask people for money, food..eccetera (begs)
And Allah Almighty knows best.
