By Arshad Mohsin
The advent of Ramadan holds immense significance for Muslims globally, symbolizing a period of unity and devotion. Unfortunately, in India, the practices of the moon sighting committees aka “Royat Hilal Committees” are sowing seeds of discord within the Ummah by altering the commencement of Ramadan, consequently affecting the entire Islamic calendar. This article aims to critically examine the consequences of such actions and emphasize the importance of unity within the Muslim community.
Introduction:
Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting in Islam, is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and communal unity. However, in India, the diverse practices followed by different “Royat Hilal Committees” have led to confusion among Muslims regarding the commencement of Ramadan.
The Quran explicitly states, “So whoever witnesses the month (or receives a reliable evidence of the commencement of Ramadan ) let him fast ” (Quran 2:185). This verse emphasizes the need for a credible witness to mark the beginning of Ramadan. However, in India, some “Royat Hilal Committees” have deviated from this Quranic injunction, creating confusion by emphatically relying on local moon sightings for the beginning of Ramadan, generally a day later than what is announced by the witnesses from Madina Al Munawwarah.Since Madinah Munawwarah holds special significance in Islam, being the city of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The moon sighting in Madinah serves as a reliable reference point for Muslims worldwide. It ensures a unified start to Ramadan, fostering a sense of global community and solidarity.A witness from Madina Munawwara obviates the need for “Royat Hilal Committees” to even release their letters announcing the date for the commencement of Ramadan.
Challenges of Local Moon Sightings:
The practice of relying solely on local moon sightings has led to inconsistencies and divisions within the Muslim community. Incompetent moon sighting by some committees has resulted in conflicting dates for the commencement of Ramadan, causing confusion and disputes among Indian Muslims. The decisions made by some “Royat Hilal Committees” in India to independently determine the beginning of Ramadan have far-reaching consequences. By altering the start of Ramadan, these committees inadvertently shift the dates of subsequent months and days , including Zil Hjjah, Arafah, Yum Al Hajj, Eid ul Fitr, and Eid ul Adha. This disconnects Indian Muslims from the globally accepted Islamic calendar, causing confusion and disharmony.
The Ripple Effect:
The changes initiated by these committees not only impact the month of Ramadan but also disrupt the entire sequence of Islamic events. The misalignment with the global Islamic calendar leads to conflicting dates for key occasions such as Hajj, Arafah, and the two Eids. This discord not only affects the spiritual experience of Muslims in India but also creates a divide between them and the broader Arab world.
A Call for Reflection and Reform:
This article calls upon the “Royat Hilal Committees” to reflect on the consequences of their decisions and the potential discord they sow within the Ummah. It urges them to reconsider their approach, align their practices with and the the Quranic injunctions global Islamic standards, and promote unity rather than division.
Community Awareness and Education:
Encouraging community leaders and scholars to raise awareness about the importance of following a unified Islamic calendar is essential. Educational programs and discussions should emphasize the impact of moon sighting decisions on the broader Muslim community, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the decisions made by some “Royat Hilal Committees” in India to independently determine the beginning of Ramadan have broader implications for the entire Islamic calendar and, consequently, the unity of the Ummah. It is essential for these committees to recognize their role in promoting discord and take steps to align their practices with global Islamic standards, fostering unity, and adherence to the principles of Islam. By fostering a collective commitment to Quranic principles, Indian Muslims can ensure a more harmonious and spiritually fulfilling Ramadan experience.