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
