Nagpur: Faced with an unwanted situation of observing two Eid-ul-Zuhas in the city, the two popular sects among Muslims – Barelvi and Deobandi — have decided to celebrate the annual festival on August 22 (Wednesday).
Lack of consensus over sighting of moon had led to lot of confusion within the community at large.
As per the Islamic calendar, the 10th day (Eid day) of the month Zilhaj fell on August 22. But, when no ‘shahdad’ (witness) came, the Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid declared that the Eid would be celebrated on August 23.
Last week, press releases mentioning different dates issued by several hilal committees from across the country too were circulated on social media, leaving members from both sides puzzled.
A member of Jamia Arabiya hilal committee, that had announced Eid for August 23, said over 2/3rd part of the country had settled for August 22. “An order from a metro centre was passed and the committee agreed to change the date,” he said.
A hilal committee member from Dar-ul-loom said it was being discussed that the community would appear divided if Eid was celebrated on two days in the town.
Community members heaved a sigh of relief and the suggested that there should not be division on such matters.
Advocate Mohammad Fazal said all sects must build a consensus right on the day of moon sighting. “The office bearers from both sides must keep their core issues aside on such occasions and sit together to decide a common date when it comes to festivities,” he said.
He added that the working class gets badly affected when there are last minute changes. “Most of the times, the announcement comes late. The government too has to modify the declared holiday. Ultimately, the society is affected. This shouldn’t happen,” Fazal said.
Kedmadgaar Foundation’s president Aamir Noori, who follows to Barelvi teachings, said it’s good that both sides have agreed for a common date. “Otherwise, we would have conveyed a wrong message to society. This Eid teaches us to sacrifice not just the animal but also our ego, jealous and evils within,” he said.
Zubair Khan, a chartered accountant, said this is a very positive move going forward for the betterment of community. “Respect for the views of others, compromise, reconciliation were all unfamiliar things for us. It is keeping peace and good relations among people that this festival teaches us,” Khan said.
Welcoming the move, English professor Farzana Ali said not just community members but friends and colleagues too get confused. “The government has to reissue orders. People are not sure whether to wish us or not. So, we need one common date and it is not all that difficult to decide,” she said.
