Muslim News Nigeria investigations have revealed that whether or not the Crescent indicating the onset of the month of Dhul-Hijjah is sighted in Nigeria today, it is important for the Muslim community to follow the counting of the Kingdom of the Saudi Arabia, according to the majority of the Ulamah.
Saudi’s Supreme court on Monday announced tomorrow, July 22 as the 1st of Dhul Hijjah 1441A.H, while the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (Arafat Day) would be Thursday, July 30.
Based on the counting, the Kingdom has also declared that this year’s Eid-al-Adha will be celebrated on Friday, July 31, 2020.
According to the Muslim News Fatawa Team, “No matter the counting of your country or where you reside, with regards to Dhul-Hijjah, the days of Arafah and Eid-al-Adha, the Saudi date counting is to be followed (even if they are wrong). This is the sunnah.
“So far, there is no doubt that the most correct of opinions is to follow the Saudi counting as for the month of Dhul-Hjjah and the varying horizons (اختلاف المطالع) should not be considered. For the next day to Arafah (ie 10th of Dhul-Hijjah) will automatically be the day of sacrifice.
“For the unity of this ummah, fasting, breaking, celebrating same day is a desired affair that Muslims should adhere to, and the worst/not permissible part of it is difference of stance of people in the same country; some fast today, others celebrating same day, while they are both in the same country, and that which is agreed upon is that the ruling and resolution of the Islamic Legal Authority or Mufti raises the differences amongst them, Muslim News resident scholar, Ustadh Ibn Taofeeq Abdulazeez said.
