السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Sunday 12th September 2021/5th Safar 1443 Hijri.
Let’s Follow up on Safar Moon Sighting today.
Due to the fantastic effort made by Wifāqul ‘Ulamā UK, the Barēlwī ‘Ulamā, and the New Crescent Society (NCS), Muslims came out in large numbers to try and sight the crescent for Safar. The moon wasn’t sighted on Tuesday night so it was declared that Muḥarram will have 30 days and 1st of Safar will be on Thursday.
Although not necessary at all, large numbers of Muslims also went out on Wednesday night and some magnificent photos of the new crescent were taken. In today’s world of technology, everything is available to view online. However, all was not as rosy as it sounds.
There was complete silence from our Central Moon Sighting Committee (CMSC). It became very embarrassing for people like me, who follow the CMSC, as I had no idea at all what the Islamic date was on Wednesday. After constant phone calls and messages, the CMSC finally responded by publishing the Safar calendar, exactly according to the Umm ul-Qura calendar of Saudi Arabia.
It was a very sad moment indeed. Whilst Muslims in the rest of the UK, and worldwide, started their month of Safar by actual sighting, our CMSC started by the pre-calculated Umm ul-Qura calendar. What makes me say this with such conviction?
I have been trying for a number of years now requesting the CMSC to present hard evidence regarding their Moon Sighting calendars. day. Is it based on actual sighting … or, the Umm ul-Qura? With Almighty Allāh as my witness, they have not managed to produce any hard evidence at all, to this day.
I would like to take this opportunity to request each and every follower of the CMSC to take this up either directly with the CMSC or with their local Imām and Masjid committee. Why are we blindly following the CMSC when all their flaws are very clear. It is time for the general masses to stand up and speak up. Make your voices heard and your opinions known.
Remember, if you want unity for Ramaḍān and the 2 ‘Eids, then this is the time to take up this issue and range steps to try and resolve it. My colleagues and I, who are followers of the CMSC, are doing as much as we can, .مَا شَآءَ الله We are fulfilling our duty and responsiblity to the best of our capabilities. Now, it is up to all the followers of the CMSC to stand up and be counted. Stand up now please.
Almighty Allāh grant our CMSC the correct understanding and bless them with the courage to present us with the reality of this Moon Sighting issue, Āmeen.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala