السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Friday 17th June 2022/17 Dhul Qā’dah 1443H.
Let’s Unite The Uk On Moon Sighting
The subject of Moon Sighting is very close to my heart. I cannot wait for the day when all the Muslims of the UK unite on this issue. It will be a most memorable day and I hope and pray that it is not too far away and that we all be around to witness the memorable and historical moment, اِنْ شَاءَ الَّلهُ.
In the UK, we Muslims are very small in number. The majority of us live in towns and cities in very close proximity to each other. The 2 major schools of thought are the Barēlwīs and Deobandīs. We live side by side and our Masjids are very close to each other. Our children attend the same schools. Each day they play together, study together and eat together. Teachers know them as Muslim children, not Barēilwīs or Deobandīs.
Alas, comes ‘Eid Day. Half the children are absent celebrating ‘Eid, whilst the other half are in school. If it’s ‘Eid ul-Fiṭr time, then the half who are in school are fasting. How sad? The children play together everyday but cannot celebrate ‘Eid together.
I live in the heart of Whalley Range, where there is a beautiful mix of Gujarātī Indian Muslims and Pakistani Muslims. We have Mosques of both schools of thought. Come ‘Eid, we are all split. Half celebrating and half fasting. This sad state of affairs cannot continue. Is there anything you can do about it?
Yes, of course. You need to raise your voice and bring the matter to the attention of your local Imām and local Masjid management committee. The majority of the Muslims of the UK follow the criteria adopted by Wifāqul ‘Ulamā UK. It is the most sound criteria and one that will unite all of us , اِنْ شَاءَ الَّلهُ. All of us need to adopt this criteria.
The purpose of this message today is that tomorrow (Saturday) we have a very special programme on Radio Salaam, which is the Bury Community Radio station. A number of guests have been invited to the programme including myself. The theme is ‘Let’s unite the UK Muslims on Moon Sighting’.
Tomorrow is your opportunity to phone in and give your support to uniting on this issue. The programme will be from 3pm to 5pm. All the info is in the poster below. Remember, each one of us can make a difference. We will be waiting for your calls. The programme will also be relayed live on facebook and Youtube.
May The Almighty unite the Muslims of the UK on Moon Sighting, Āmeen.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala (Follower of Hizbul ‘Ulamā UK)