For Q2 as an example, this year (2002 C.E./1422 Hijri) Yaum-e-Arafaat (9th of Thoul Hajjah) falls on Thursday (Feb 21st) in Saudi Arabia, but in Chicago, it falls on Friday (Feb 22nd). It’s confusing on which day I should fast and observe it. Second issue is, in other neighboring cities, like Detroit, here in the USA, Eid-ul-Adha has been declared to be on Friday, based on the Saudi calendar, but in Chicago, the committees have declared it to be on Saturday. But still several people are observing it on Friday, even my sister who lives close to my house is observing it on Friday, whereas I am fasting this day (being the 9th). How can this be addressed, and what should the correct stance be?
Hajj with all its rituals is restricted to the specific places, e.g. Mina,
Arafaat, etc.
However, one should involve himself in Ibaadat and Dhikr keeping the
greatness of the day in mind. Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) mentions in
Hadith on the authority of ibn Abaas (Radhiallaahu Anhu) that, ‘There is no
days greater in the sight of Allah and there are no days in which actions
are beloved to Allah Ta’ala than 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. Hence, increase in
it Tasbeeh (recitation of Subhaanallah), Tahmeed (recitation of
Alhamdulillah), Tahleel (recitation of Laa ilaaha illallaah) and Takbeer
(recitation of Allaahu Akbar). (Mutajirur raabih pg.418)
In another Hadith, Hadhrat Abu Hurayra narrates Rasulullah (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam) as saying, ‘There are no days more beloved to Allah in
which he is worshipped than the 10 days of Dhul Hijja – the fast of each day
is equivalent to the fast of a year and standing up in worship of the night
of Laylatul Qadr. (Ibid)
The day of Arafaat should be spent in condition of fasting and involved in
the Dhikr of Allah Ta’ala. Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘Fasting
on the day of Arafaat is a means of wiping off the previous years as well
the coming year’s sins.’ Also Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said,
‘Fasting on the day of Arafaat is equal to fast of 1000 days.’
All days of the Islamic calendar, e.g. Eid, Hajj, etc. should be observed as
per local calendar. The respective days should be observed according to the
sighting of the moon in your area.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai