Why the inconsistency in celebrating Eid?

WHEN should we celebrate Eid?

When should Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adhaa in South Africa? The Arabic term Eid-ul-Adhaa means “the festival of sacrifice”.

The pilgrims meet on the plains of Arafah on 9th of the Thul-Hijja, the 12th lunar month of the Islamic calendar, Eid-ul-adhaa is celebrated the following day, ie 10th Thul-Hijja.

In South Africa Eid is also celebrated on the 10th Thul-Hijja. But the problem arises from determining the start of Thul-Hijja. In South Africa the start of every month is determined by the actual sighting of the crescent by the naked eye soon after the moon is born. So, even if the moon was born but the crescent is not visible, then the start of the month commences two days later.

This practice causes major problems in the community and leads to a division among families, with some families celebrating Eid with Mecca while others celebrate it based on the sighting of the moon.

Islam is among the youngest religions and most dynamic in the world. Yet, it seems that its followers in Cape Town selectively accept some advancement in modern technology while rejecting others.

Although the Qur’an was revealed more than 1 400 years ago, numerous verses have corroborated many recent major scientific discoveries. For example, the development of the human embryo is described in minute detail in the Qur’an when this information was unknown to scientists. There are others. Yet, it appears the followers of the book that contains the most advanced scientific recordings are reluctant to embrace the advancement of technology in their lives.

Muslims are quick to consult a scientifically calculated prayer timetable but resort to the archaic sighting of the moon when determining the start of Thul-Hijja. It seems technology is selectively used by the Muslims in Cape Town. This inconsistency baffles me. ADIEL ISMAIL Mount View