Should Muslims use astronomical calculations for establishing the start and end
of Ramadan?
Read the full article in:
http://www.usislam.org/islam/should_muslims_use_astronomical.htm
Adel Elsaie
Here is a case where Muslims have 2 Fatwa for establishing the beginning and
end of Ramadan. If we have Caliph for the Islamic Ummah, many of our Fiqh,
political, fighting problems will be solved InShaa Allah. May Allah have mercy
on us.
Can we say that this is a case of multiple correct answers? I just pray to
Allah SWT that no Muslim, somewhere, accuses me of not being a Muslim (Wa
Aliyaz Bi Allah) for asking this question. Believe me I am Muslim, Al Hamd le
Allah.
Possibility of Multiple Correct Answers
http://www.usislam.org/islam/PrinciplesofIslamicUnity.htm
Evidence for this is an incident in which the Prophet (SAW) witnessed the
companions disputing, but did not rebuke them for doing so. The incident
relates to the dispute regarding the Asr prayer on their way to Bani Qurayzah.
The Prophet instructed the companions to go and fight the Jews. He said, "Do
not pray until you get to Bani Qurayzah". On route to Bani Qurayzah the time
for Asr was drawing to a close. A dispute ensued. One group understood the
prophet's command metaphorically, thinking that the Prophet (SAW) meant hurry
up. A party of the believers prayed there whilst the others prayed after Asr
time when they arrived at Bani Qurayzah.
When they next met the Prophet (SAW) they asked him who was right and who was
wrong. It is important to note the response. Only one of them could have been
right, but the Prophet (SAW) did not point out who that was, rather he said,
"Whoever performs ijtihad and errs will receive one reward. Whoever performs
ijtihad and arrives at the correct answer gets double the reward."
Had it been haram to differ, the Prophet (SAW) would have rebuked those
differing from the correct opinion and praised those who were right. This
example teaches us to tolerate opposing Islamic opinions which are arrived at
by those qualified to do so after performing ijtihad.
The scholars in the past recognized this; "The most learned amongst the
people is also one who is most knowledgeable of the difference amongst the
people" (Ghazali, Shawkani, Abu Zahrah)
Before performing Ijtihad it is a prerequisite for a scholar to be aware of
all the differences on the issue at hand.
References:
Should they follow the European Council even though they use astronomical
calculations?
http://www.islamqa.com/index.php?ref=37667&ln=eng
The Fiqh Council of North America
http://www.fiqhcouncil.org/Default.aspx?tabid=55
Read the full article in:
http://www.usislam.org/islam/should_muslims_use_astronomical.htm
Adel Elsaie
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