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Following Calculation Instead of Moonsighting to Celebrate Eid

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by ShariahBoard.org

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah 

I live in a city where there is only one major mosque, which follows the calculation method for starting and ending the Islamic months. For example, they calculate and announce the date for Eid without actually sighting the moon. My question to you is whether it is permissible for me to follow my local masjid when it comes to celebrating Eid and the starting of the month of Ramadhan? My family is one of the very few who do not follow calculation method however it becomes very difficult when the whole city is celebrating Eid on one day and we are not. Please advise what can be done in this situation. I humbly request a reply as soon as possible because of Eid approaching.  

Jazakallah Khair

 الجواب و باللہ التوفیق

Assalamualaikum Warhmatullah Wabarakatuh

Rasulullah Sallallaho Alyhi Wasallam has commanded the Muslim ummah to sight the moon for starting their fasting and for ending it (i.e. for celebrating Eid). Performing calculations for starting and ending Islamic months has no basis in the Islamic Shari‘ah. Rather the decision for starting and ending a month is based upon moonsighting. A person who wants to act upon the Islamic Shari‘ah will have to abide by the rules of moonsighting. Regardless of the opposition from majority of the people or the fact that Eid will not be celebrated on the same day. If it is becoming difficult to act upon the commandments of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta‘ala in a certain place, one should move to another place where it is easier to follow the Islamic Shari‘ah. Due to the corruption of the society (one is living in), the rules of Islamic Shari‘ah will not be changed.

فقط واللہ اعلم بالصواب

This answer was collected from Shariahboard.org. It was established under the supervision of the eminent faqih of our era, Hazrat Shah Mufti Mohammed Navalur Rahman damat barakatuhum.

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