With expectations that overcast skies in Mumbai could make it difficult to see the moon in time to start the Ramzan fasting, a Muslim organisation has promised a free air ticket to the person who could bring quick news about the moon’s sighting in another city.
The month of Ramzan is expected to start on August 2 after sunset, but since the Islamic calendar is based on the phases of the moon, many orthodox Muslims will start their fast only after they see the moon with own eyes, or get the report of the moon-sighting from a trust-worthy person.
The Raza Academy, a Sunni Barelvi group said it will pay for the air fare of the person who can come and report in person about the moon’s sighting in another city.
“There are clouds over the city and it is doubtful whether the moon will be seen in Mumbai,” said Mohammad Saeed Noori of Raza Academy.
But Islamic scholars said the moon’s sighting was not necessary for the fast to start. “It is not a problem as it is made out to be. If the moon is seen, the fast can start. But once the month of Ramzan has begun, the fast can start even if the moon is not seen,” said Maulana Arif Umri, an Islamic teacher from Mira Road.
According to Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali, head of Islamic studies at St Xavier’s College, it is not compulsory to depend on actual sighting of the moon to start the fast.
“Now, when there are modern ways to record the moon’s appearance, there is no reason why you should not use it,” said Ali. “Earlier, there was an emphasis on the statement of two witnesses with a reputation for honesty to see the moon and report it.”
According to Dr Ali, in the absence of the moon, some people start observing the day-long fast a few days earlier to ensure that they do not miss even a day’s fast. This was to take care of lost fast days in case the witnesses report that the waxing moon was sighted a day or two ago.
Since lunar months are shorter, calendars that follow the moon, including the Islamic and Hindu almanacs, are shorter. So Ramzan can come in any season.
The last time Ramzan came in the monsoon was in the early 1980s. The fast began on July 14 in 1980, on July 3 in 1981 and May 10 in 1986. For those who observe the penance, the season does not matter, but the monsoon and winter seasons are easier time to fast.
“Monsoon is a pleasant time to fast because the fluid in the body does not dry up. In summers, the longer days and heat make it tougher,” said Dr Ali.
