The Muslim American Society (MAS) congratulates all Muslims in America and Worldwide on the coming of the blessed month of Ramadan. On this blessed occasion, MAS urges all Muslims to take advantage of this blessed month and maximize their efforts to connect with their creator (spiritual development) and to connect with their community (community outreach). 

 

The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity for Muslims to come together and focus their energy on gaining the most out of this month. As such, MAS calls on the entire Muslim community to tolerate differences, especially on non-fundamental issues, and to uphold the unity of the community above and beyond any valid difference of Fiqh opinions. We call upon local communities to unite on any of the valid methods of deciding the beginning and end of Ramadan. 

 

Furthermore, MAS encourages its chapters, local communities, and all Muslims in America to adopt the astronomical calculations to determine the start of Lunar months including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal. According to these calculation criteria, the first day of Ramadan will be Monday, September 1st, 2008 and Eid Al-Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

 

This preference is based on the following premises:

 (A) The majority of our respected and renowned Muslim scholars, as well as the two well known and established Fiqh councils: the Fiqh Council of North America and the European Council for Fatwa and Research, have concluded and concurred that astronomical calculations for the Islamic dates are not against the Sunnah but rather they are highly recommended, since accurate calculation methods are now available to determine the Islamic dates of Ramadan and the Eids.

 

 (B) Ease and Mercy are the basis of the Islamic spirit, and the convenience of the people is one of the main purposes of the Islamic rules. Allah says at the end of the verse of fasting the month of Ramadan in surat Al- Baqarah: "Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult" (Qur'an 2:185) And our Prophet, peace be upon him, used to always choose the easier of the two permissible options. And it has become obvious that following and adopting the astronomical calculations for the Islamic dates is more comfortable and beneficial to Islam and to the Muslims in North America for the following reasons:

(1) Early announcement of the beginning of Ramadan and Eid reduces hardship, and eliminates confusion that would otherwise manifest itself as witnessed in prior years. It also allows Muslims to have well planned and organized activities, and to appropriately schedule their holidays and time off from work or school.

(2) Early announcements of the beginning of Ramadan and the Eids will help Muslims in America to become more united and structured in their religious celebrations. This can help us to eventually have our Islamic holidays officially recognized in North America.

We hope and pray that this advice and position will bring greater harmony and unity among all American Muslims.

 

"Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. Grant us Your mercy: You are the Ever Giving" (Qur'an 3:8)