The biggest moon fight usually occurs a few days before Ramadan, and then a few days before Eid al Fitr. This year was especially exciting, as we added a new dimension to the usual local sighting vs. international sighting debate with the Fiqh Council of North America declared that they were following calculations rather than physical sightings.There is a much smaller moon controversy surrounding the start of Dhul Hijja. Do we follow Saudi Arabia, so we can celebrate Eid al Adhu with the hajis? Or do we follow a local moon sighting?
According to Zaytuna, the new moon was sighted in the US yesterday. So, if you're following the local sighting, today is the first day of Dhul Hijja and the 31st of December is Eid al Adhu. It looks like Saudi Arabia started Dhul Hijja on Thursday, although the moon may or may not have been seen on that day. So, those following Saudia will have their Eid on the 30th.
I think the masjid near our house is following Saudia. Other local masjids have announced for the 31st. Hmmm...
1 comment:
Here in S'pore, we follow the calculation method (due to the frequently overcast skies); lo and behold, Eid falls on the 31st as well. :) All is well in the world. ;)
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