By Ash-Shaikh Faleel (Naleemi)<\/p>\n
There is a difference of opinion regarding whether fasting on the Day of Arafah is Sunnah or not. This is a fact that cannot be denied. However, personally, I accept the view that fasting on that day is indeed preferable and virtuous.<\/p>\n
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At the same time, if someone says fasting is not necessary, they cannot be blamed. This is because it is a matter with two valid opinions among Islamic jurists (fuqaha).<\/p>\n
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Next, there is also a difference of opinion among legal scholars regarding what exactly constitutes the Day of Arafah.<\/p>\n
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One opinion states that Muslims around the world should follow the Arafah day observed by the Hujjaj (pilgrims) in Makkah, i.e., the 9th day for them, and fast accordingly on that same day.<\/p>\n
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This view is supported by well-known scholarly bodies and scholars, including the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta in Saudi Arabia, Egypt\u2019s Dar al-Ifta, and prominent scholars like Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz, Sheikh Husam Afana, and Sheikh Sulaiman bin Majid.<\/p>\n
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On the other hand, there is another view among jurists which holds that the crescent for the month of Dhul-Hijjah may appear on different days in different parts of the world. Therefore, Muslims in each region should consider the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah according to their local moon sighting as their Arafah day and fast accordingly.<\/p>\n
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Institutions like the European Council for Fatwa and Research, Fatwa Center, and scholars such as Muhammad bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen, Sheikh Abdullah bin Jibreen, Dr. Hani bin Abdullah Al-Jubair, Professor Ahmad Al-Hajji Al-Kurdi, and Professor Dr. Khalid Al-Mushaikih have all supported this view.<\/p>\n
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Such differences of opinion are not limited to this matter alone; Islamic jurisprudence includes many similar instances. Until Allah and His Messenger have given a clear ruling on an issue, it is best to refrain from making definitive claims.<\/p>\n
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These differences are a sign of the richness and flexibility of Islamic jurisprudence and should never be seen as causes of division among Muslims.<\/p>\n
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As stated in the hadith (Bukhari 7352):<\/p>\n
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“When a judge exercises ijtihad (independent reasoning) and gets it right, he earns two rewards; if he gets it wrong, he still earns one reward.”<\/p>\n
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Ijtihad is the outcome of a scholar exerting his utmost intellectual effort, after gathering all necessary knowledge related to a matter. Even if the result is incorrect, the effort itself is rewarded.<\/p>\n
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Therefore, when multiple views exist on an issue, a person following one of those opinions based on valid ijtihad will be rewarded. Islam’s stance on this is truly remarkable and reflects its noble respect for intellectual freedom.<\/p>\n
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In reality, such differing opinions are blessings from Allah. They are signs of Islam\u2019s ease and spirit of accommodation.<\/p>\n
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However, using these differences to divide society is unacceptable. There is nothing wrong in following one of the two valid opinions. No one needs to be stubborn about it. Allah is sufficient to reward everyone.<\/p>\n
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There are far more urgent, pressing matters in society that deserve our attention, concern, and priority. It is not appropriate to spend our time and resources debating such issues endlessly.<\/p>\n
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As for Sri Lanka, let those who wish to fast on Thursday do so, and let those who wish to fast on Friday do so. There is no need to criticize anyone for their choice.<\/p>\n
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Allah is All-Knowing. He is sufficient to reward all.<\/p>\n
O Allah, grant us the opportunity to fast on the Day of Arafah and receive its full rewards!<\/p>\n
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That being said,<\/p>\n
The International Union of Muslim Scholars has invited all Muslims to fast on Wednesday, the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH, to express solidarity with our people in Gaza. These people are suffering from extreme hunger, thirst, illness, and lack of medicine, food, clothing, and shelter.<\/p>\n
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The union emphasized that at the very least, we should feel their pain by fasting when they are fasting and make special du’a for the people of Gaza at the time of breaking the fast.<\/p>\n
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Whether our local Arafah day falls on Thursday or Friday, let us fast and share in the suffering of the people of Palestine!<\/p>\n
O Allah!<\/p>\n
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Remove the suffering and hardship of our brothers and sisters in the land of Palestine, and grant them a bright and peaceful future!<\/p>\n
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