Ramadhaan draws to a close

Eid-ulFitr —a joyous occasion. The Muslims in Zimbabwe join the larger Muslim community across the globe in celebrating Eid-ulFitr (Festival at the end of the fasting Month).

THIS occurs on the first day of the tenth Month of the Islamic calendar — immediately after the month of Fasting (Ramadhaan) has come to an end — and it is meant to be a truly happy and joyous occasion in many ways.

Completion of the fasting period

Muslims all over the world have just been through an entire month of fasting during the day and observing extra prayers during the night — important requirements of the faith in order to purify body, mind and soul from the effects of materialism and the influences of the evil forces.

All those who are major and of sound health are meant to fulfil these requirements, understanding fully well that Allah, our Creator, wishes goodness and ease for us and not hardship and difficulty.

Amazing gains from fasting

Through the increased acts of worship and service which are observed in the month of Ramadhaan, the Believers are literally being reminded that righteous actions and correct conduct are for all times and all places, so one must continue to strive in this regard.

Believers must beware of laziness and remember that it is not allowed for us to leave the obligatory actions or delay them, nor is it allowed to indulge in any of the forbidden actions.

Allah Almighty requires us to reflect and ponder regularly in order to develop ourselves spiritually, morally, physically as well as materially wherever and whenever possible — all within the framework of the laws and commandments set down by Him, our Creator.

What is the Islamic calendar?

The Islamic calendar is based on the Lunar calendar.

It comprises of twelve months with each month beginning at sunset on the day when the lunar crescent first appears after the new moon, and can be sighted by the unaided eye.

Visibility depends on a large number of factors including weather conditions, the altitude of the moon at sunset, the closeness of the moon to the sun at sunset, the interval between sunset and moonset, atmospheric pollution, the quality of the eyesight of the observer, etc.

As a result, although the phases of the moon can be predicted accurately, the moon’s visibility at a given place on Earth cannot be accurately estimated in advance. So do Muslims worship the moon? No not at all! Sadly, this is not only a major mis-conception, but actually in some instances it is intentionally spread by so-called men of the cloth only to discredit Islam and the Muslims – yet Islam upholds the pure monotheistic beliefs and practices conveyed by all the Messengers/ Prophets of The Almighty.

The only role the moon plays in the life of a Muslim is the fact that it’s new crescent heralds the commencement of the new month – just like in old times, the folk would count the months by checking the phases of the moon (even at present in many rural areas the folk follow the Lunar calendar and not the Solar one).

Muslims do not and cannot pray “to” or even “through” the moon (or for that matter any other celestial body, object, humans, spirits, etc.).

Muslims do not even pray to the Ka’bah, which is in Makkah, in any way whatsoever.

Prayer, worship, service and submission is to The One and Only Supreme Being, The Creator, Sustainer, Nourisher and Cherisher of the entire Universe – Allah Almighty.

So is the Crescent Moon a symbol of Islam?

The question then arises: What is the history behind the crescent moon symbol? What does it symbolise or mean? How and when did it become associated with the faith of Islam? Is it a valid symbol for the faith?

Interestingly, the crescent moon and star symbol actually pre-dates Islam by several thousand years.

Information on the origins of the symbol are difficult to ascertain, but most sources agree that these ancient celestial symbols were in use by the peoples of Central Asia and Siberia in their worship of sun, moon, and sky gods.

There are also reports that the crescent moon and star were used to represent the Carthaginian goddess Tanit or the Greek goddess Diana.

◆ For further information on Islam please contact: Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars Publications Department

P.O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare Tel: 04-614078 / 04-614004 e mail: majliszw@yahoo.com