Muslims have reached a new low, so low that we compete with each other in levels of ignorance. While the diversity in our religion is a form of blessing, the nature of the differences we observe during Ramadhan, which should be a communal festive period, is based on nothing but a lack of basic knowledge and common sense.

The differences on the celebration of Eid this time round were because of which country's sighting of the moon, we should follow. The choices are many: the first Muslim country to see the moon, the closest Muslim country to see the moon, the UK's observation of the moon. Let us start by ruling out any voices of deviance who may suggest visualisation of the moon from other planetary bodies. We live on Earth; it is from Earth that we shall observe the moon.

Then it remains to be answered, should we follow the moon of another Muslim country or the moon of the UK? The answer is simple and so elegant, yet it is denied by the some of our Mosque leaders, as it would undermine their authority and their coveted positions.

During the time of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him, the Muslim empire had expanded over three continents. When the moon was observed in Damasacus, the Makkans did not follow. It simply was not possible, and the knowledgeable Companions May Allaah Be Pleased With Them, did not have issue with the fact that they would celebrate Eid based on an observation of the Moon in their own locality. Not in a locality a hundred thousand miles away. However times have changed, now we have one "global community" and communication problems do not remain as they did then. So whose moon should we follow now?

In Islam we pray Fajr before sunrise. Maghrib prayer is offered at sunset. Every school of faith, every sect in Islam agrees on these approximate timings, give or take a small margin of error. What they ALL also agree on is that when it says sunrise it means the sunrise in your location. A Muslim living in Japan will not follow the sunrise of Saudi Arabia, a Muslim in the outskirts of Outer Mongolia will not follow the sunrise of Morocco. So why do some of our Imams insist on following the moon sighting of another country? It defies belief. That is not all, it gets better.

The whole year round, Muslims follow the Lunar calendar. It is not just during Ramadan. There are other months, Rajab, Shaban, Shawwal. Once the new moon is seen the new month will begin. The whole year round these leaders follow the dates given by British observations.

Yet only when it comes to Eid, this whole thing becomes an issue. Why do they follow the British moon the whole year round EXCEPT for two Eid's and the start of Ramadhan?

This is where I will introduce an Arabic word, but I promise to explain. Fitnah. It means disruption, corruption, disorder. At a time when Muslims need to remain united during one of the most troubling periods in our history we are being ripped apart by these elements. As our brothers and sisters die, we celebrate our Eids in extravagance, and not only that we celebrate them as we fight between each other.

This whole situation is just further proof of the sad and sorry state of certain Muslim leaders, and no longer is it an excuse for you, the reader, to just feign ignorance. These leaders are causing this deliberate difference between Muslims at a time when it is imperative that we stay united. And your silence is doing nothing but giving them the power to do so. If anything you are aiding and abetting.

Be part of the solution, not the problem.

If you want to reply to this letter or have your thoughts on Ramadhan then post your comment here or email us at info@mpacuk.org

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