Assalam Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,
The Islamic Assembly of North
America (IANA), announces to Muslims in North America that
Wednesday, February 13,
2002 marks the beginning of Dhul
Hijjah corresponding to the year 1422 A.H.
On
February 12, 2002, the moon was sighted in the Muslim
world and North America.
Accordingly, Eid Al-Ad’ha will be
Friday, February 22,
2002.
We ask Allah to make it easy for
those performing hajj in this year and accept the good
deeds of Muslims especially in these blessed days. IANA
cordially wishes you a very blessed Eid.
Was-Salamu Alikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
Fatwa
of Dr. Muhammad al-Ashqar regarding
Eid
Al-Ad'ha in America
Arabic Text
Page 1
&
Page 2
Translation of the Fatwa
Note:
1) IANA
follows the method of sighting of the moon not the
calculation. IANA relies on the decision of last year's
Fiqh committee, which was organized by IANA. The committee
held the opinion of one sighting (Wehdat Almatalee). The
sighting of the moon in North America confirms the
sighting of the moon in other Muslims countries.
2) The
beginning of Dhul Hijjah on the above date was declared
after the moon was sighted in Muslim countries.
Additionally,
IANA received a number of witnesses declaring their
sighting of the moon in the United States in the same
date.
Fatwa by Dr. Muhammad
Sulaiman Al-Ashqar
Praise be
to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
I was
asked by some of the Muslim brothers living in the United
States. They said that a dispute had occurred among them
on the matter of the Eid (Eid
Al-Ad'ha).
Some of
them see that Eid Al-Ad'ha
should be on Friday February 22, 2002, based on the day of
Eid Al-Ad'ha
in Saudi
Arabia and the day that the pilgrims and the people of
Makkah celebrate it. So, Thursday is the eve and the
pilgrims will stand on Arafat.
Others
see that Eid Al-Ad'ha
should be in the 10th of Dhul Hijjah based on
the sighting of the crescent in America, whether it is
before or after Friday February 22, 2002.
In reply
to them, I say that
Eid Al-Ad'ha
in all
Muslim and non-Muslim countries should be on the day when
the pilgrims and people of Makkah celebrate it for two
reasons:
First:
The celebration and the sacrifice of Eid Al-Ad'ha in all
countries follow what the pilgrims do in Makkah.
Second:
All nations and countries in the Muslim world have agreed
for many decades on the application of consensus on
following the timing for
Eid Al-Ad'ha
in
accordance with what is observed in what takes place in
Makkah and Arafat. Therefore, it is not permissible for
any entity or group to dispute what the Muslims agreed
upon through consensus. Whosoever disputes would then be
at odds and hence goes out of the Muslim consensus.
The
Prophet (PBUH) said, "Stick with the group as the hand of
Allah is with the group and whosoever dissents will be
banished to the hellfire".
Because
Muslims have not yet agreed on the way of unifying the
timing of Eid Al Fitr, I see the United States as an
independent country, therefore, they can celebrate the Eid
(Eid Al-Fitr) independently, as other Muslim countries.
I advise
that presidents of recognized Islamic centers conduct a
meeting on the 29th of Ramadan whether
physically in one place, by phone or via internet, and
make a decision by majority or consensus.
I would
prefer that the Muslims in the United States elect a
religious leader to enforce his decision. The timing for
Eid Al-Fitr should be one of his (main) duties and all the
people should abide by his decision.
Muhammad
Sulaiman Al-Ashqar
Feb.
17th, 2002 AD
Dhul-Hijjah 5th, 1422 H
