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5. Letter to Jb. Jamal Muhammad Sahib, President, Muslim orphanage Committee, Tirunelveli, 08-12-2000(13-09-1421) points out to the error, which occurred in observing the advent of Ramadan 1421. The day of Eid ul Fitr, at least should be properly observed as Allah (swt) has forbidden fasting on that day. People blindly believe that they can celebrate Eid on any day independently without thinking about other Muslims in the world. All great Imams have agreed that if the Ramadan is confirmed at one place and that information is conveyed in an authentic manner, then those who get that information must abide by it. Many Ulemas agree that the Eid should be on one day. But they say that the difference is due to Ijthihad and is not so serious. They read the books but they do not understand what is written. They have information, but no knowledge! He asks why the followers of Imam Abu Haneefa hesitate to obey their Imam.
From
M. Ali manikfan,
Advisor, Hijra Committee of India,
30/3643, Manikkiri Lane, Beat No.3,
Cochin-16, Kerala, India
To
Janab Jamal Muhammed Sahib,
President, Muslim Orphanage Committee,
Khadir Nagar, High Ground,
Tirunelveli, P.O. 627001.
Dear Brother in Islam,
Assalamu alaikum Wr. Wb
Thank you very much for your kind letter of 20-11-2000.
By the grace of Allah (swt) all of us are doing well here and wish the same to you all. May all of us have the blessings and mercy of Allah, the Almighty in this month of Ramadan in which we hear the prayer "O, Allah! make this noble month bear witness for us and let it not bear witness against us." at all mosques. But alas! Does anyone know that it has already born witness that the people did not even notice its arrival? We have not received Ramadan in a befitting manner. Now let us be alert again. The Day of Eidul Fitre on which fasting is forbidden in the Shariah is approaching. We should not fast on that day. All our Amals will become useless if we acted against the orders of Allah's Messenger. People blindly believe that they can celebrate their Eid independently without thinking about other Muslims in the world. Eidul Fitre is one Day and it falls on Tuesday 26-12-2000 this year.
Sunday was the first of Ramadan. It was known much earlier. We confirmed it by the observation of the Hilal as directed by our Prophet (saw). Libya began on Sunday, but Makkah began on Monday. Kerala too began on Monday. In other places in India fasting began on Tuesday. The reason is that Muslims do not have unity among them. They do not believe their brethren. The Ulema justify this action. How can a sensible man believe that a month can begin on three days? Is it not mere ignorance?
All great Imams have agreed that if the Ramadan is confirmed at one place and that information is conveyed in an authentic way, then those who get that information must abide by that. Now there is no question of getting information. We can get it instantaneously. Then why do these people commit this blunder? They have no fear of Allah (swt). They do not think that they will be raised up for a terrible Day when all will stand in front of Allah (swt) until the questioning is over.
I am enclosing the message received from Libya and my telegram and letter to King Fahad for your information. I am also enclosing the copy of the Fatwa received from Lucknow. They too agree that the Eid should be in one day. But they say that the difference is due to Ijthihad and is not so serious. These Ulema read the books, but they do not understand what is written. They have no knowledge. How can there be Ijthihad in a matter of fixing the date when there is communication and whole world is connected. I wonder these people live even now in the 18th century! All of us will be held responsible for this blunder that we are committing in the name of Islam every year.
Majority of the Muslims in India belong to the Hanafi school of thought. Then why do the followers of Imam Abu Haneefa (r.a) hesitate to obey their Imam? He has not considered the difference of Matla' regarding the rising of the Hilal. He said that the sighting of one place is sufficient for all.
There is no reply from Janab Zainul Abideen. I want to send a reminder to him. With all good wishes, Wassalam,
Ali manikfan
Dated: Cochin 08-12-2000/13-09-1421 |
