Question
What should one do in Saudi Arabia when it is certain that the day declared Eidul Fitr is still Ramadhaan? When it is known for a fact that the moon was not sighted anywhere in Saudi Arabia or any where in the world, should one celebrate Eid because the government has announced that it is Eid? It may also be unsafe to violate the order of the Saudi government.
Answer
When there is absolute certitude that the hilaal was not sighted anywhere and that it is still Ramadhaan, then you should fast, and not join the mock 'eid' salaat ordered by the Saudi government. You cannot be forced to abstain from fasting. Fasting is a private act which is known only to you and Allah Ta'ala. The tyrants of the Saudi ruling entity will not know that you are fasting.
As for abstaining from their mock eid salaat, you will not be arrested for this. The tyrants will not know because the eid salaat is not restricted to the Haramain Musjids. You are therefore not exposing yourself to any danger by practically rejecting the haraam order of the Saudi government.
The position will, however, differ on the occasion of Hajj. Even if it is not the Day of Arafaat, you have no choice. Your Hajj and Qur'baani will be valid even if the government orders erroneously. You cannot have your own day of Arafaat in Hajj. The Shariah therefore allows participation in this 'error'. The oppressors will bear the burden of their sins.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 20 No 12
- PDF page
- 3
Appears under WHAT SHOULD I DO IN SAUDI ARABIA?.