1a] When Should Eid Al-Adha Be Celebrated?

1a]
This is why Islamic Shariah does not recognize the birth of the Moon
in blindness; rather it considers its appearance on the horizon. The
ruling of Shariah applies to the observance of the Moon. Only upon
visibility does the month start, not before the appearance on the
horizon.
IS EID AL-ADHA DEPENDANT UPON HAJJ ?
In North America, unfortunately, upon the announcement of startingof
the month Zel-Hijjah, discussions start floating on the assumption
that Eid Al-Adha should be observed on the second day of
Oqoof-e-Arafaat (Hajj). Emphasis is exertedon the belief that there is
no need to observe the Moon on a local level. Those who oppose this
idea are thought to be wrong. Apparently, there is no logic towards
that assumption. Now we will analyze the logic and ask our readers to
read carefully.
If Eid Al-Adha is dependant upon Hajj, then the following objections arise:
I. Making Hajj a condition or dependency factor for Eid Al-Adha is
against the Qura'an and Hadith. Thereis neither proof of it in
theQura'an nor Hadith because there is a long time span between the
permissibility of both events. The Eidain ('Al-Fitr'and 'Al-Adha')
were made obligatory in the first yearof the Hijrah calendar and Hajj
was made obligatory in the ninth year of the Hijrah calendar. The Eids
were declared festivities eight years before Hajj was made obligatory.
"Hadhrat Anas (May Allah Be Pleased With Him) reported that when the
Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) came to Medina, the people had
two days on which they engaged in games. He asked, 'What are these two
days (what is the significance)?' They said, 'We used to engage
ourselves on them in the pre-Islamic period. The Messanger of Allah
(Peace Be Upon Him) said, 'Allah has substituted for them something
better than them, the day of sacrifice (Eid Al-Adha) and the day of
the breaking of the fast(Eid Al-Fitr).'" (Abu Dawood, Book 1, Page
161) / (Nasaee, Book 1, Page 231) / (Sunane Bayhaqee, Book 3, Page
277)
All of the Islamic Laws since the time of our Noble Holy Prophet
(Peace Be Upon Him) are continuously being observed and followed. "Eid
al Adha" and Sacrifice are also being performed continuously without
termination.
The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) performed Eid Al-Adha prayers on
10th of Zel-Hijjah and then sacrificed animals. Now for argument's
sake, let us consider that Eid Al-Adha is dependant upon Hajj. Then
the question arises: How did Muslims perform Eid Al-Adha and sacrifice
animals without the Hajj for those eight years that didn't have Hajj?
Apart from this, other doors of objection open up.
II. As today's technology in communication and its progressions make
the transfer of information seem easy, knowing the day of
Oqoof-e-Arafaat is simple. But when these technologies were not
available, then dependingupon Oqoof-e-Arafaat to observe Eid Al-Adha
would be impossible. In those days the information of Ooqoof-e-Arafaat
would reach distant locations relative to Mecca in months, only after
people come back from the journey of Hajj.
Keeping in mind the above fact, how is it possible for Islamic Shariah
to command its followers to go through the hardship which is beyond
their reach? Allah says in the Qura'an:
"Allah places not burdenon any soul but to the extent of his strength..."
2:286 (Sura Al-Baqarah, Verse 286)
Still, who knows that in this technological age, how many parts of the
world have no communication; and yet, Islam is practiced there and
those who reside there observe their Eid day based solely on local
Moon sighting.
III. To link Eid Al-Adha with Hajj does not have any basis, as Hajj is
an act of worship which is limited to a specific location. On the
contrary, Eid Al-Adha and sacrificinganimals are observed all over the
world. How can aglobal event depend on a local event?
IV. Not having any Islamic historical evidence to link Hajj with Eid
Al-Adha, and inventing something which has no consistency and yet
calling it an Islamic act, how can one suspend the Islamic Shariah's
rules and formulate something newthat never happened in Islamic
history. To follow something unlawful can result in weakening the
religion. (May Allah protect us from such things. Aameen!)
V. Under the situation of the conflicting doctrine, it will follow
that Eid Al-Adha should be observed on a date other than the 10th of
Zel-Hijjahwith the exception of Saudi Arabia, even thoughits
dependency is upon the 10th of Zel-Hijjah. As according to Hadith, Eid
Al-Adha is to be observed on the 10th of Zel-Hijjah only.
"Hadhrat Baraa bin Aazib (May Allah Be Pleased With Him) reported that
the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) gaveus a sermon on the day
ofNahr (10th of Zel-Hijjah)."
(Bukhari, Book 1, Page 132) :->

1] When Should Eid Al-Adha Be Celebrated?

1]
Dear Brothers in Islam,
This booklet is prepared for the sole purpose of clarifying the
confusion in the Muslim Ummah aboutthe actual day of Eid Al-Adha.
Please read this with a careful understanding.
The Islamic calendar is based on sighting of the Moon. The beginning
and ending of the months relies on witnessing the Moon sighting. Allah
Subhanahu Wa-Ta'ala clearly mentions this in the Holy Qura'an :
'They ask you about the new moon. Say you, 'They are the signs of time
for the people and pilgrimage (Hajj).' 2:189 (Sura Al-Baqarah, Verse
189)
"And We made night and day as two signs, then put the signs of
thenight blotted and the sign of day shining, thatyou may seek grace
of Allah and that you may know the numbering of years, and the
reckoning. And We haveexplained well every thing separately.' 17:12
(Sura Bani-Israil, Verse 12)
In both of these verses the timings and days are appointed based on
the Moon. The counting of years is also dependent on the passing of
nights and days. The Noble Prophet of Allah (Peace BeUpon Him) also
clarified this very plainly for the simplicity of his Ummah in a
complete form of law.
"Allah Subhanahu Wa-Ta'ala created moon for mankind to determinetime.
So by sighting the Moon, start fast and end fast (Eid). If that Moon
does not appear then complete the count of thirty (30) days.' (Tafseer
Ibn-e-Katheer, Book 1, Page 214)
For the Muslim Ummah, Qura'an and Hadith are the norm. By virtue of
the Qura'an and Hadith we know that Islamic monthsbegin and end upon
sighting of the Moon. The day after the Moon is sighted is the first
day of the following month. If the Moon does not appear, for any
reason, onthe 29th day of any given month, then 30 days of that month
should be completed and the following month be started after the
completion.
Some people, upon sighting the New Moon, start assuming that the New
Moon seems to be ofthe second day. They rely upon the supposition of
the second day Moon and say this is not the first dayMoon (New Moon).
The following Hadith will be sufficient to nullify these comments:
"Hadhrat Abul Bakhtari (May Allah Be Pleased With Him) said, 'We
started our journey for Umrah. When we reached Batn-e-Nakhla, we saw
the Moon. Someone commented that this seems like a third day Moon.
Another person suggested that this is a second day Moon. Then we
approached Hadhrat Ibn-e-Abbas (May Allah BePleased With Him) and
respectfully informed him that we saw the Moon on the way. Some of us
madecomments of it being a second day Moon and others, third day Moon.
Then Hadhrat Ibn-e-Abbas(May Allah Be Pleased With Him) asked which
night you saw the Moon. We told him such and such day. He replied that
the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said that the night you witnessed
the New Moon is the night you rely on.'"
(Tafseer Qurtabi, Book 1, Vol. 2, Page 344)
This dilemma is now quiteclear that Moon sighting isthe basis of a
month's beginning and ending. If the Moon is not sighted on the 29th
day of a given month, then thirty (30) days must be completed. At the
same time when the Moon, if appearing to be thicker and staying longer
on the horizon, is sighted upon a completion of 30 days, donot start
speculating or assuming that it may be such and such day's Moon.This
is against the commands of our Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
In the context we hear people saying that this is the age of science,
technology, and advancements in astronomy. They concludethat we can
measure the velocity and location of the Moon. Based on this, many
people assume one must follow scientific means and that there is no
need to observe the Moon.
With due respect, we say that Islamic Shariah bases its verdict in the
light of principles of astronomy. According to
astronomicalexplanations, at the end of the month when the Moon is
waning, the time between the disappearance and appearance of the Moon
by the horizon is called "Muhaaq" or the Unseen Time. During this
phase, the Sun and the Moon are at approximately the same level on the
horizon.Due to this, the Moon's visibility is drowned by the Sun's
light. In result, the Moon is invisible. The period of "Muhaaq" ranges
from 36 to 50 hours. However, after this phase, the Moon enters the
New Moon period andemerges from the horizon(and the vicinity of the
Sun). Afterwards, in the waxing phase, when the Moon is 12° (degrees)
from the Sun, it becomes visible to the unaided eye.
Now take the words of Hadith which says, "Start fast with the
appearance of Moon and end fast withthe appearance of the Moon." This
clearly points to the principles of "Muhaaq" (when the Moon is
invisible). Since the New Moon comes after completing its phaseof
"Muhaaq", there is a possibility of it being seenon the horizon. :->

7a] Lailat-ul-Qadr - The night of Power

7a]
1) In the 27th night, pray 12 cycles of ritual prayer (raka') (3 set
of 4 raka' each)
In each raka', after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR once and Surah
IIKHLAS fifteen times. After salah recite any Astaghfar 70 times.
Astaghfar: "Allah Hummagh Fir Li Wa Tub A'laiyya Inna Ka Innta
Tawwabur Raheem" OR "Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kulli Zambiyon Wa Atoobu
ilaiyh"
Benefit: Inhsa Allah, Allah tala will give sawab equalto Ibadah of
Ambiya Karam's (Messengers of Allah) Ibadah.
2) Pray two cycles of ritual prayer (raka').
In each raka', after Surah FATIHA recite Surah QADR 3 times and Surah
IKHLAS 27 times, and plead to Allah for the forgiveness of sins.
Benefit: Allah Willing (Insha'Allah), the Allah Almighty will forgive
all their previous sins.
3) Pray four cycles of ritual prayer (raka'). (2 sets of 2 raka' each).
In each raka', after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah TAKAASUR once and
SurahIKHLAS three times.
Benefit: Whoever offers this salah, they will be saved from hardship
at the time of death, and Allah Willing (Insha'Allah),they will be
freed from the punishment of the grave.
4) Pray two cycles of ritual prayer (raka').
In each raka', after SurahhFATIHA, recite Surah IKHLAS seven times and
after salah recite this seventy times:
"ASTAGHFIRUL LAA HAL AZEEMAL LAZEE LAA ILAAHA ILLA HUWAL HAIY YUL
QAYYOOMU WA ATOOBU ILAIH"
Benfit: Before the person gets up from the praying area, Allah
Almighty will pardon them and their parents, and Allah Almighty will
Command the angels to adorn the Paradise for them and it issaid that
they will not die until they see the blessings (ne'mat) of Paradise
with their own eyes.
5) Pray two cycles of ritual prayer (raka').
In each raka', after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah ALAM'NASHRAH once,
Surah IKHLAS three times and after salah, recite Surah QADR 27 times.
Benefit: Effecive for unlimited Sawab of Ibadah.
6) Pray four cycles of ritual prayer (raka'). (1 set of 4 raka').
In each raka', after Surah FATIHA' recite Surah QADR three times and
Surah IKHLAS fifty times and after completion of this salah (namaaz),
recite thisonce in prostration (sajdah):
"SUBHAAN ALLAAHI WAL HAMDU LILLAAHI WALAA ILAAHA ILLAL LAAHU WALLAA HU AKBAR"
Benefit: After that whatever wish one may have, either worldly or
religious, may be pleased. Allah Willing (Insha'Allah),their
supplication will be fulfilled.
7) In this night, recite Surah Mulk 7 times. It is good for freeing
from punishment.
29th Night of Ramadhan-Ul-Mubarak - 5th night of Laitlat-Ul-Qadr
1) Pray four cycles of ritual prayer (raka'). (2 sets of 2 raka' each).
In every raka', after Surah FATIHA recite Surah QADR once and Surahh
IKHLAS three times. After salah, recite Surah ALAM'NASHRAH 70 times.
Benefit: Efective for the completion of Imaan.
2) Offer four cycles of ritual prayer (raka'). (2 sets of 2 raka' each).
In each raka', after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR once and Surah
IKHLAS five times. After salah, recite SALAAT-O-SALAAM (Darood Sharif)
100 times. Click here for Durood page.
Benefit: Effective for forgiveness of sins.
3) Recite Surah WAAQIAH seven times. Beneficial forincrease in Rizq.
In any night of RAMAZAN-UL-MUBARAK, after taraavih recite Surah QADR
seven times. Allah Willing (Insha'Allah), the one who does so, will be
saved from all troubles and afflictions./
~
Contributed by: Meetha Madina Group
Additions by: Maulana Ghulam Subhani

7] Lailat-ul-Qadr - The night of Power

In this night (27th of Ramadan), the Holy Quranwas sent down from
LOH-E-MEHFOOZ (the Preserved Tablet) to the earth. Messenger of
ALLAH(Blessings of Allah and peace be on him) told us to search for
Shab-e-Qadr in the odd numbered nights, in the last ten daysof Ramzan.
So, the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th night of Ramadan could be
Shab-e-Qadr.
Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that Rasool Allah peace be upon him
said, "Look for Lailat-Ul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days
of Ramadhan." (Bukhari)
Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that as much Rasool Allah peace be
upon him tried (Ibadat) inthe last Ashra (ten days) of Ramadhan, did
not try in any of the Ashra." (Muslim)
Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that I asked Rasool Allah peace be
upon him, "If I find Lailatul Qadar then what should I do? HE peace be
upon him said, recite this Dua. "ALLAH HUMMA INNAKA A'FUVUN TOHIB BUL
AFVA FA'AFU ANNI" (Tirmidhi)
Dear visitors, please take advantage of this night, from sunset till
sunrise. Offer nawafil (prayers), recite QUR'AAN, do repent
(Istaghfar), and Pray for pardon, recite many manySalawat (Darood
Sharif & Salaam) and make benediction (Dua'as).
Special DU'AA of Lailatul QADR:
"ALLAH HUMMA INNAKA A'FUVUN TOHIB BUL AFVA FA'AFU ANNI" (Tirmidhi)
"O Allah! You are the Forgiver and You like forgiving so forgive me"
21st Night of Ramadhan-Ul-Mubarak - 1st night of Laitlat-Ul-Qadr
1) Pray 4 cycles of ritual prayer (raka't) (2 cycles of 2 raka' each).
In each raka', after Surah FATIHA recite Surah QADR (Inna anzalna ..
)once and Surah IKHLAS (Qul-hu-wal-lah..) once. After completion
recite SALAAT-O-SALAAM (Durood Sharif) seventy (70) times. Click here
for Durood page.
Benefit: Insha Allah, Angels will pray for forgivenss for that person.
2) Offer 2 cycles of ritual prayer (raka't)
In each raka', after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR once and Surah
IKHLAS three times. After completion of this salah, recite any
Astaghfar seventy times.
Astaghfar: "Allah Hummagh Fir Li Wa Tub A'laiyya Inna Ka Innta
Tawwabur Raheem" OR "Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kulli Zambiyon Wa Atoobu
ilaiyh"
Benefit: Effective for forgivness of sins.
3) In this night (21st), recite Surah QADR 21 times.
23rd Night of Ramadhan-Ul-Mubarak - 2nd night of Laitlat-Ul-Qadr
1) Offer 4 cycles of ritual prayer (raka't) (2 sets of 2 raka' each)
In each raka', after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR once and Surah
IKHLAS three times.
Benefit: Effective for forgivness of sins.
2) Offer 8 cycles of ritual prayer (raka') (4 sets of 2 raka' each)
In each raka', after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR and Surah IKHLAS
once. After completion of this salah (namaaz) recite the third kalima
(Kalima Tamjeed) 70 times. After that, plead to Allah Almighty for
forgiveness of sins.
Kalima Tamjeed: "Subhan Allahi Wal Hamdu Lillahi Wa La ilaaha illal
laho Walla Hu Akbar.Wala Haowla Wala Quwwata illa Billa Hil Aliyil
Azeem" . Click here for Arabic text of Kalima Tamjeed.
Benefit: Allah Willing (Insha'Allah), Allah will forgive whoever
performsthis prayer
3) In the 23rd night recite Surah YAASEEN once and Surah RAHMAAN once.
25th Night of Ramadhan-Ul-Mubarak - 3rd night of Laitlat-Ul-Qadr
1) In this night offer 4 cycles of ritual prayer (raka't) (2 sets of 2
raka' each)
After Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR one time and Surah IKHLAS five
times in each raka'. After completion of this salat recite the first
Kalima Tayyab 100 times.
Kalima Tayyab: "Laa ilaahaillal Laho Mohammadur Rasoolullah". Click
here forArabic text of Kalima Tayyab.
Benifit: Insha Allah, Allah Tala will give him/her unlimited Sawab (good Deeds)
2) Offer 4 cycles of ritual prayer (raka') (2 sets of 2 raka' each)
In each raka', after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR three times and
Surah IKHLAS three times. After completion of this salah, recite any
Astaghfar 70 times.
Astaghfar: "Allah Hummagh Fir Li Wa Tub A'laiyya Inna Ka Innta
Tawwabur Raheem" OR "Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kulli Zambiyon Wa Atoobu
ilaiyh"
Benefit: This salat is good for the pardoning of sins.
3.Offer two cycles of ritualprayer (raka').
In each raka', after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR once and Surah
IKHLAS fifteen times. After Salat, recite the second Kalima
(Kalima-e-Shahaadat) 70 times.
Kalima Shaadat: "Ashadu Anlaa ilaaha illal Lahu Wa Ash Hadu Anna
Mohammadan Abduhu Wa Rasoolohu". Click here for Arabic text of Kalima
Shaadat.
Benefit: The reward of this namaaz is freedom from the punishment of the grave.
4) Recite Surah Dukhan. Allah Willing (Insha'Allah) they will be
granted freedom from the punishment of grave.
5) Recite Surah Fath seventimes. Beneficial for the fulfillment of
desires and wishes.
27th Night of Ramadhan-Ul-Mubarak - 4th night of Laitlat-Ul-Qadr :->
~
Contributed by: Meetha Madina Group
Additions by: Maulana Ghulam Subhani