Are We Going To Have One Start Date For Ramadan & One Eid?

[spongebob]

Are We Going To Have One Start Date For Ramadan & One Eid?

Source: http://www.mpacuk.org/content/view/124/35/
Saturday, 13 November 2004

Muslims have reached a new low, so low that we compete with each other in levels of ignorance. While the diversity in our religion is a form of blessing, the nature of the differences we observe during what should be a communal festive period is based on nothing but a lack of basic knowledge and common sense.

The differences on the celebration of Eid this time round were because of which country's sighting of the moon, we should follow. The choices are many: the first Muslim country to see the moon, the closest Muslim country to see the moon, the UK's observation of the moon. Let us start by ruling out any voices of deviance who may suggest visualisation of the moon from other planetary bodies. We live on Earth; it is from Earth that we shall observe the moon.

Then it remains to be answered, should we follow the moon of another Muslim country or the moon of the UK? The answer is simple and so elegant, yet it is denied by the some of our Mosque leaders, as it would undermine their authority and their coveted positions.

During the time of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him, the Muslim empire had expanded over three continents. When the moon was observed in Damasacus, the Makkans did not follow. It simply was not possible, and the knowledgeable Companions May Allaah Be Pleased With Them, did not have issue with the fact that they would celebrate Eid based on an observation of the Moon in their own locality. Not in a locality a hundred thousand miles away. However times have changed, now we have one "global community" and communication problems do not remain as they did then. So whose moon should we follow now?

In Islam we pray Fajr before sunrise. Maghrib prayer is offered at sunset. Every school of faith, every sect in Islam agrees on these approximate timings, give or take a small margin of error. What they ALL also agree on is that when it says sunrise it means the sunrise in your location. A Muslim living in Japan will not follow the sunrise of Saudi Arabia, a Muslim in the outskirts of Outer Mongolia will not follow the sunrise of Morocco. So why do some of our Imams insist on following the moon sighting of another country? It defies belief. That is not all, it gets better.

The whole year round, Muslims follow the Lunar calendar. It is not just during Ramadan. There are other months, Rajab, Shaban, Shawwal. Once the new moon is seen the new month will begin. The whole year round these leaders follow the dates given by British observations.

Yet only when it comes to Eid, this whole thing becomes an issue. Why do they follow the British moon the whole year round EXCEPT for two Eid's and the start of Ramadhan?

This is where I will introduce an Arabic word, but I promise to explain. Fitnah. It means disruption, corruption, disorder. At a time when Muslims need to remain united during one of the most troubling periods in our history we are being ripped apart by these elements. As our brothers and sisters die, we celebrate our Eids in extravagance, and not only that we celebrate them as we fight between each other.

This whole situation is just further proof of the sad and sorry state of certain Muslim leaders, and no longer is it an excuse for you, the reader, to just feign ignorance. These leaders are causing this deliberate difference between Muslims at a time when it is imperative that we stay united. And your silence is doing nothing but giving them the power to do so. If anything you are aiding and abetting.

Be part of the solution, not the problem.

[sneekysneeky]

i really hope we do...

[Ace Base]

A good article, very thought-provoking.

I must state, however, that the scholars differ over the issue of moon-sighting and whether Eid should be celebrated separately or together based on a local sighting.

The stronger opinion, Insha Allah, is one that states that Eid should be celebrated only in the areas where the moon is sighted.

I, personally, though, believe that there is a case to be made for Muslim unity by celebrating it together, all over the world.

[MIG]

AB and others - in the scale of 1-10 where would you place the problem that we dont celebrate Eid together among ALL other problems that face the Ummah today ?

Given the amount of external threats as well as internal ones, the fact that atleast 10 Muslims celebrate Eid together at one point is a blessing !

I know this is a problem but lets focus on the bigger issues ! When we are united, all problems will resolve themselves, with ALLAHs help - ofcourse.

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by MIG AB and others - in the scale of 1-10 where would you place the problem that we dont celebrate Eid together among ALL other problems that face the Ummah today ? Given the amount of external threats as well as internal ones, the fact that atleast 10 Muslims celebrate Eid together at one point is a blessing ! I know this is a problem but lets focus on the bigger issues ! When we are united, all problems will resolve themselves, with ALLAHs help - ofcourse.

Hear, hear.

Agree completely!

[z10]

Originally Posted by MIG AB and others - in the scale of 1-10 where would you place the problem that we dont celebrate Eid together among ALL other problems that face the Ummah today ? Given the amount of external threats as well as internal ones, the fact that atleast 10 Muslims celebrate Eid together at one point is a blessing ! I know this is a problem but lets focus on the bigger issues ! When we are united, all problems will resolve themselves, with ALLAHs help - ofcourse.

i disagree. It is the smaller issues that need to be solved before the bigger issues can even be neared resolving.

If muslims cannot unite on a date, how can we unite in arms?

[MIG]

z10 mian ( A Level Pass hokay bohat sayana hogaya hai, MashaALLAH say...)

My point is that if you were the Caliph of the Muslim world and someone came to you and said :

Your Highness - "the Israelis are at our gates, the drug problem in Pakistan, Shias and Sunnis are at each others throats, children are being killed with bombs in Baghdad AND we fail to celebrate Eid together" - which problem would you address first ?

[z10]

Originally Posted by MIG z10 mian ( A Level Pass hokay bohat sayana hogaya hai, MashaALLAH say...) My point is that if you were the Caliph of the Muslim world and someone came to you and said : Your Highness - "the Israelis are at our gates, the drug problem in Pakistan, Shias and Sunnis are at each others throats, children are being killed with bombs in Baghdad AND we fail to celebrate Eid together" - which problem would you address first ?

what can the Caliph do without the unity of his ummah? Celebrating eid on one day is one sign of this unity.

The caliph, do not forget, is only as powerful as the people below him make him to be.