From my cell in which I have been secluded for 23 hours of the day, I am unable to see outside to establish whether Ramadhaan will be commencing.

Answer

If a person is unable to correctly establish the date when Ramadhaan begins, then he should accept the information he receives from the most reliable source. This year Ramadhaan did begin on 1st August. In all cases of ibaadat when it is impossible to establish accuracy, act according to the fatwa of your heart. The acquisition of the heart's fatwa is termed Taharri. If you are not aware of the Qiblah, for example, and there is no one to show you, then employ the principle of Taharri.