ICNA’s Position on Moon Sighting
JAMAICA, New York (Aug 8, 2009) – Instead of making any moon sighting decisions the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) has decided to guide its members and the general Muslim community to celebrate the beginning of the month of Ramadan and the Eid holidays with their local masajid, communities and Islamic centers.
ICNA would like to see more harmony and unity among the Muslim community at a local level. We hope that American Muslims will observe the month of Ramadan & the Eid holidays with full piety and dignity—making dawah to our neighbors, co-workers and friends as we embrace this joyous season.
We pray that Allah (SWT) showers you and your families with blessings. Please keep us in your prayers and accept our warmest congratulations on this blessed occasion!
Salaam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah:
I started fasting for Ramadaan 2010 on Wednesday August 11th, and follow the global sighting opinion.
I would like to say that based on evidences, the local sighting method is also permissible.
However, if our ultimate goal is unity then the global method would be better to follow since:
a) Everyone would have one view point based on credible moon sightings throughout the world and would begin and end Ramadaan in Unity.
b) If you follow the local sighting method, then this will not bring about unity for the people, for reasons similar to ICNA’s position currently.
First of all, the local method is not limited or defined to be “in the same country” as some have said and are saying in these days. It is perfectly fine based on the evidences to be in different cities and have different start dates for Ramadaan. However, I repeat, if the ultimate goal is unity why not go based on the “OTHER” permissible opinion of Global Sighting as it would promote MORE UNITY. Unfortunately I find that the majority of the people year after year who start Ramadaan on different dates are of the south Asian decent, and even more so, have realized that this is more about them being against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia then anything else. We do not have to go with them year after year, but the fact that they are one of the only countries who makes public announcements that their information is very easily accessible to the majority of Muslims, makes those Muslims go based on their opinions. However, year after year, when they announce their start date for Ramadaan it is also backed by other countries sighting the moon as well, such as this year with Indonesia, Malaysia, most of South East Asia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and even some African countries.
I’m not sure how much my words would be considered, but I pray Allah opens your hearts, ears, and minds to the legitimate concerns and advise of the fellow Muslims and you make your decisions based upon what has been legislated by your Creator and His Prophet (peace be upon him.). Ameen!
With all this said, I also pray we all benefit from the success of Ramadaan and attain Taqwa and Tawfeeq from the blessings of this beautiful Month. Ameen!!!
I agree with ICNA’s decision to accommodate difference of opinion, especially when those opinions are backed with firm evidences from the Quran and sahi hadith, which in this case I believe both sides have.
In brother Arshad’s case, I believe he should be able to follow either of the two masjids and which ever he is comfortable with.Our reward is based on our intentions, weather to strengthen a community or to weaken it. May Allah accept our good intentions and forgive for our misdeeds. Ameen
I do not want to create mischief but let me be clear ICNA you people are trying to be diplomatic at one end not to dishearten your ISNA connection and the other end trying to say Oh we are adherent to the sunnat.
Yesterday your sight did not carry this report because reasons well known to you
Allah Knows best remember, we all have to stand before him “La Ilaha Illalla Mahummadar Rasool ullah”
We did not recite the Kalima of culture or so called technological advancement or binding-group or organization we recited Kalima brought to us by our Nabi (SAW) and this means the winds will blow in any direction(technology, calculation, so called intellect, egotists) but our adherence to Orders of Allah and Sunnats of Nabi(SAW) will not change.
What our intellect,intelligence and those 2 to 3 books we read in our life(written by mortals) are a lie but what Allah and his Nabi(SAW) say is the ultimate truth.We need to stop deceiving ourselves before its too late.
Allah guide us all on the right path free of our intellect, intelligence and other deceptions we have fallen into AMEEN YA ARHAMAR-RAHIMEEN
Forgive me if I was disrespectful to anyone knowingly or unknowingly.
Jazakalla Khair
there is a website which collects moon sighting info from different cities. http://www.hilalsighting.org/
i think everyone should join to promote the unity factor.
Ramadan Mubarak: As I read your statement about the moon sighting the most important message you are driving to is “Unity” and unfortunately we are missing that with the stated position. If we want true dawah we must show one single focus front. If we want 1-12 schools to recognizes Muslim holidays we must have our holidays on their calenders and this will not be possible if we leave it to the local communities to decide when to call for Ramadan and Eid. I believe the Muslims here want to be contributing and recognizable community. We cannot achieve this if we have ICNA level organization to shy away from driving the message to the local masajids to unite all of us in celebrating these major holidays to show the strength of our communities.
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Why shy away from an important topic. Ask Saudi Arabia on what basis they have announced the beginning of Ramadan 2010.
Leaving up to the local Islamic centers will not lead to unification of Muslims. How will you achieve taqwa when a brother living in east part of city celebrating EID on a different day than to his very own brother living in the south part of the city.
This is mere shame and no matter how ICNA tries to justify by propagating that they are striving for the unity of Muslims the truth is they did not want to be targeted by ISNA or SAUDI ARABIA.
I understand that:
“the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) has decided from 2009 onwards, to guide its members and the general Muslim community to celebrate the beginning of the month of Ramadan and Eid holidays with their local masajid, communities and Islamic centers.”
My question is, what method you follow for deciding on other Islamic months?
sir,in above moon sighting passage you allowed mulims in usa that they follow the communities,now these communities folow saudi,bangla desh or other countries moon sighting.which is incorret.now a days communication in diff.parts of usa is easy,collect moon sighting reports from diff.cities and and report on web that there was or was not moon sight and that will be helpfull otherwise dont call yourself islamic center of n ammerica.
f.shah.
Assalaam-O-Alaikum,
With due deference and respect I venture to state that I am puzzled by ICNA’s position that the Muslims residing in U.S.A. “celebrate the beginning of the month of Ramadan and Eid holidays with their local masajid, communities and Islamic centers”. If these decisions, as important as they are, are left to be decided at micro level then are we not missing the “Unity” factor here. I have two masajids close to my home and I visit each one alternately. One has decided to start Ramadan on Wednesday (August 11, 2010) while the other chose to start on Thursday (August 12, 2010). Please don’t allow such situation to emerge and compel Muslims where they must decide ‘on the toss of a coin’ at each home in the community.
In my humble opinion the decision regarding the sighting of moon should be determined at “country-wide” level to demonstrate and promote the “Unity” factor. As a respected representative body ICNA has to take this responsibility and help guide the Muslims of USA.
With due respects,
Arshad
Asalaam alaikum wrwb
The last thing we should do in this case of Iktilaaf (difference of Opinions) is to cause disunity and start blaming. Do not follow the comments of Abdullah (above)in this blog whose language and attitude is not appropriate and lacks adab.
Instead of blaming, and having the “I’m right you are wrong mentality” we have to accept that the best opinion is following the opinion on making Eid when the Moon is sighted as per the famous Hadith; This really leads us to 2 different opinions from the same hadith, following international sighting or local sighting.
Since unity of the Ummah is Fard, we as muslim communities should follow the opinion that would cause us to be more united. The Sahabah were so concerned about Unity that they did not bury the Prophet (SAW) for 3 days after his Death until they decided on a Leader for the Ummah. It is shame that even in “Muslim” countries, there are often multiple Eids. IN the US we have had communities do Eid on up to 3 different days. May Allah(swt)help us.
As muslims in this country, we have to be more mature and follow the more mature opinion that would lend us to do Eid on the Day when one trustworthy muslim has sighted the moon.
Lets take the case of the Day of Arafat. It is obvious that there can be only one day of Arafat, and thus one day of Eid al Adha. When this day is announced, it does not take long for the rest of the world to know. ANd inShallah the rest of the Muslim world follows that day.
Thus, we should follow as such if Bidhnillah, we put aside our attitudes, and take a more mature stand.
But whatever decision you make, do not create fitnah and fight and exult yourself in your opinion.
Masalaam
Masood A.R.
As-salaam alaikum,
Dear Readers,
Alhamdo-Lillah, this yar we are blessed Eid ul adha, on 27th November 2009, almost every where here in the United States and also in other parts of the world same day! it is very good for us to show that we are united once again. I wish to all my brothers & sisters a very Happy and blessed Eid ul adha, jazak Allah
Greetings to all my Brothers & sisters,
Now we are entering in the month of Dh-Hijja and insha-Allah Eid-al-Adha, will be on Nov 28th 2009, but there are chances to change the date as usual? because in Saudi Arabia they are celebrating Eid al Adha on Nov 27th, and naturally most of the people here in united states will follow Saudi Arabia.
The NY City suspends alternate side parking(street cleaning)regulations for Idul-Adha from November 26 to 28, (Thu Friday Sat) and if any thing changes then, we are unable to avail the street parking benefit as usual, it happens almost every year for both Eid ul Fitr & Eid ul Adha. May Allah show us the best way to show cooperation and unite all brothers for these two Major Eids.
Jazak Allah
It will be ideal if we could have Eid on the same day around the world. It is very desirable to have Eid on the same day in every country. It is very much possible to have Eid one the same day in the same city!
But, celebrating Eid on different days does not disintegrate unity of Muslim Umah! Muslims, friends, and relatives living in the same city can celebrate Eid on different days and can still be Muslims, friends, and relatives – they won’t seize to be Muslims, friendships won’t break, and relations ships should not become sour due to this issue!
I don’t want to say it is controversial, but I believe the issue of new moon sighting is not so straight forward either. I believe Islam came to make things simple and easy for faithfuls and it provides flexibility in this kind of issues!
Bissmillah hir rah ma nir raheem (start with the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful. )
As salm o alykum
I should want to say that allah will not forgive because this is against of Quran , prophet Muhammad and sahaba.it is very shame you guys surrenders in the name of unity while allah says in quran so many time “if I want I can make you Umat a wahada but I want to test you by my orders”
Kaleem Ibrahim
Assalaam alaikum wa rahmatullahe wa barakatahu.
I told my son who is 12 years old that tomorrow i.e Sunday is Eid.
He said no I said no tomorrow is Eid. He started crying and said no it is not.
WE NEED TO GROW UP.
WE SHOULD NOT LIE TO OURSELVES.
WE SHOULD NOT LET OTHER PEOPLE LAUGH ON US.
WE SHOULD BE HONEST WITH GOD WITH EACH OTHER.
WHAT I AM SAYING is that we should make some parameters for deciding about moon.
SOME PARAMETERS ARE
Parameter # 1. I would celebrate Eid when i am living in USA that if it is possible that moon can be cited in North America.I will celebrate EID.
Parameter # 2. I would celebrate Eid when i am living in USA that if it is possible that moon can be cited in ANY PART OF WORLD.I will celebrate EID.
Parameter # 2. I would celebrate Eid when i am living in USA that if it is possible that moon can be cited in Saudi ARABIA.I will celebrate EID.
PICK ONE. DO NOT MAKE FOOL YOURSELF . DO NOT MAKE FOOL
INNOCENT MUSLIMS THIS IS A REQUEST FROM SO CALLED MUSLIMS SCHOLARS who are also a beggar for the guidance from Allah as a Non Scholar like me is a beggar for guidance from Allah.
This is a Bain-ul-Iqwami Saazish (International Conspiracy) on the part of the saudis, Why is it so hard for people to understand that there can only be eid in case the moon is sighted!!! who the hell gives a rats behind about the Jahil saudi sheikh’s decision! first in 2007 they gave 55,00000 Saudi Riyal (Kafara) for announcing eid a day earlier! LOL!!! and guess what last year in 2008 The saudi ministry of hajj announced on saudi state tv that hajj was performed on the WRONGE day, HAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Astagfirullah!!, but they said it’s all chill, umm try telling that to 3 million or so people who put their life savings and time and travel into performing this once in a lifetime important ritual!
The above mentioned examples are from on the past two years, and this goes wayyyyy back brothers and sisters, so stop with this unity crap, EID is only on the day crescent is sighted in a particular area!!
I think the only reason Saudi is declaring eid a day earlier this is because this will make 9 zill-hajj on thursday, instead of friday and we all know that hajj on friday makes it (Hajj-e-Akbar) and they don’t want a Hajj Khutba and Jummah Khutbah and Eid Khutbah LOL!!! to much work for the lazy Saudi Mullahs! LOL!
Afsos, Allah Subhanhu in Jahilon se bachday (AMEEN)
Mashallah ICNA is showing great signs of matured leadership and moving towards becoming more of a mainstream American organization.
May Allah continue to bless our leaders with wisdom,knowledge and farsightedness needed to meet the needs of tomorrows challenges of Muslims in America.
Jazzak Allahu khairan
We are here in North America, Land where Muslims are in Minority and we should avail every oppertunity to show unity in our ranks. Celebrating Eid is one of the major oppertunity when we all need to show unity and celebrate Eid one day in North America. ICNA should work with other big North American Islamic organizations and make a decision on Eid celebration and not leave this decision on local mosques because that will NOT be helpful to muslims of North America.
I heard a brother once say something beautiful.
The prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam split the moon to unite the ummah and we split the ummah because of the same moon.
Allah knows best whats in our hearts.
May Allah guide us all. Ameen
As-salaam alaikum,
Dear Readers,
My concern is why ICNA & ISNA can not go side by side when the moon sighting situation occurs? other wise both ICNA & ISNA announces same statement other than moon sighting. it is oblivious, all Muslims look forward to follow either organizations (ICNA &ISNA), one brother lives in Illinois celebrating Eid ul Fitr on Sunday September 20th, 2009, and the other brother lives in New York has no idea when the local Masjid would announce for eid ul Fitr? no one knows yet? because they go with ICNA. This is really looks like a joke to others who follow general Muslims. May Allah guide us to be on right path.
Zajak Allah Khair & wishing you all Readers A vey Happy Eid ul Fitr!
So as I UNDERSTAND this:
IT IS MORE IMPORTANT FOR UMMAH TO BE UNITED than to follow the rules laid by Almighty Allah in Quran to sight the crescent.
IT IS MORE IMPORTANT FOR UMMAH TO BE UNITED than to follow and lead by examples of Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and ahadith where the prophet’s companion in Medina rejected the notion of Eid of a traveller as the traveller had sighted the crescent outside the city limits. I do not think the traveller was flying a jet but who knows he was really far and NOT local. Just wondering now, how long it will take a traveller to come on a camel from Ohio to DC … let alone from California to New York. So what is local???
In a nutshell, we do not need extremists to destroy our religion. We need to be ignorant and organizations to sadly shy away from helping Muslims be educated about the requirements CLEARLY SPELLED out in Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Salam from Raza
Assalamu Alaikum WR. I support your decision 100%, Alhamdulillah. But I have certain questions too. I agree on the name of UNITY we can not take any wrong decision “UNITY CAN NOT BE ON WRONG DECISION BASED ON WRONG OR BASELESS HADEETH”. And also regarding on Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah’s analysis on his book the bottomline drew the wrong conclusion that “when people gather in Arafat IS THE DAY OF ARAFAT” but if it is not on 9th ZIL HAJJ–> THAT IS WRONG. SO MOON SIGHTING IS IMPORTANT TO FIX THE DATE ” THAT IS QURAN. PERIOD”
Anyway, now my impression which I gathered is WHY NOT INTERNATIONAL SIGHTING???? IS THERE ANY QURAN/HADEETH FOR LOCAL OR COUNTRY BASED SIGHTING????
IF MOON IS SIGHTED ANY PART OF THE WORLD (AS WE CONSIDER ISLAM IS GLOBAL NOT TERRITORIAL AND OCCURANCE OF DAY AND NIGHT IS ALSO CYCLICAL GLOBAL ISSUE) THE EAST OF THAT SIGHTING IS THE START OF THAT PARTICULAR DATE AS SAME NIGHT STARTS EAST OF THAT AREA. (FOLLOWING MOONSIGHTING). SO WHY WE DO NOT TRY TO CONFIRM OF INTERNATIONAL SIGHTING AND THEN TAKE THE DECISION BASED ON AUTHENTICITY OF SIGHTING REPORT??
ASSALAMU ALAIKUM WRWB.
JAZAKALLAH WA KHAIRUN.
ABOO
We, as Muslims, should unite in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. I think that the decision made by ICNA is very stellar. Following the Quran and Sunnah DOES NOT = lack of unity, as frequently argued. Unity amongst Muslims is more about standing together and embracing each other in good times and hard times, standing up as a community against the Fitna and accepting each other as Muslim Brothers and Sisters without clinging on to cultural and ideological barriers. Remember that the Sharia is flexible, not rigid as some unfortunately claim. May Allah grant all Muslims with His Blessings for all the good deeds performed during this wonderful month of Ramadan Kareem and Eid Mobarak to all.
You must unite the community by making one decision NOT letting all the local communities to take their own decisions
Strange decision
The issue is not with following Sunnah or even in The Unity because of the importance of the two. The problem is that there are many Hadeeth regarding it, that have slight difference, I know 2 hadeeth both are authentic hadeeth in which one of them specify 30 days for Sha’ban while the other state the 30 days but does not state which month it is.(Issue that there are people whom follow sighting the say that we need to see the moon,there are places in the world that moon can not be seen except after few days although the month would have already started by other Muslims, this might make conflict between Muslims).
Question: Should sighting by the -eye only- be followed or should we use technologies and maybe calculations to determine the start of the islamic month?
Salaams: I think, as a large organization, ICNA should stand firm on its policies and principles, and should work with other large organizations to bring unity, but without deviating from Qur’an and sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).
According to a Hadeeth, there will be a time, when Muslims will be majority, but those who follow the Sunnah will be afew.
In the name of Unity, are we neglecting the Hadeet about sighting the moon – complete 30 days, if it is cloudy? Whether we can see it or not; and cloudy or not, FIQH council and many others in the name of unity decided to have the Eidul Fitr on Sunday this year (2009).
I understand and I am for unity, but not ignoring Sunnah. Can’t we have unity by following the Sunnah- let FIQH council and ISNA go for the moon sighting and ask everyone else to join them for unity??
The Qur’an says hold unto the rope of Allah and do not be divided.
This is long over due, May Allah guide your effort.
Wasalaam
I support this decision by ICNA.
Use this to find out the days information of the moon and the sun.
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.php
Ramadan Mubarak! Being an American-born muslim, and having made the journey to al-Islam via the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, I find it amazing how many of us would seek to divide the Ummah! For years, and sometimes still, our brothers in the East have looked down upon us as less than righteous instead of embracing us. These organizations that everyone is speaking about were the only groups dedicated to furthering the cause and spread of Islam in the West! May Allah bless them to continue in their endeavors, and may He bless the rest of us with understanding their motives. Also, may He guide each of us to help unify, instead of divide, this Ummah!
As Salaam Alaikum