Q.1. People here in Australia marked the Eid of Sacrifice on two different days: One group followed Saudi Arabia and marked it on Feb. 11, while the other chose to mark it a day later.

The latter group argued that because of the time difference, if they followed the Saudi date, they would have begun the Eid 8 hours before the Fajr prayer was due in Saudi Arabia. They would have thus made their sacrifice when the pilgrims were still in Muzdalifah. Please comment.

Q.2. Some people suggest that it is forbidden for a Muslim to live in a non-Muslim country unless he does so intending to convey the message of Islam to its people. Is this true?

A. Hussain, Sydney

A.1. That the Eid is celebrated on different days in different parts of the Muslim world is nothing new, because the start of lunar months depends on the sighting of the moon. However, this is more acceptable in marking the beginning and end of fasting. Whatever the Muslim community determines in this regard is acceptable to God, but the community must exercise due effort to ensure taking an accurate decision on the basis of clear information.

In the Eid of sacrifice, it is better to follow Saudi Arabia, because this Eid is closely connected with the pilgrimage. Hence, it is better to observe it when it is marked in Saudi Arabia. However, if a community does not do so, but determines a different date for the Eid on the basis of certain proof of the moon sighting, its action is correct and acceptable, God willing. In the light of the foregoing, and considering the position of Australia, it is perhaps more logical to mark the Eid a few hours later than Saudi Arabia, rather than a few hours earlier.

A.2. When people pronounce something as forbidden, they have to produce supporting evidence from the Qur’an and the Hadith. Such evidence must be clear and decisive in its import. This is because the authority to prohibit anything belongs to God alone. No one else, not even the Prophet, enjoys such authority. Whatever the Prophet told us of prohibition, he did on the basis of guidance given to him by God.

Those who claim that living in a non-Muslim country is forbidden must produce such evidence. I do not know of any evidence to support their claims. Have they considered the case of converts who embrace Islam in Western countries? Do they require them to immigrate to Muslim countries? What if no Muslim country welcomes them? Besides, Muslims have lived as minorities in non-Muslim countries ever since the time of the Prophet. How can these people justify this fact?

Arab News Islam 20 June 2003