Q. The pilgrims observed the Arafat day on Dec. 29, but in Pakistan, the authorities declared Dec. 31 to correspond to 9 Dul-Hijjah, which means that there were two days difference. Should people everywhere conform to the official Saudi date, or should they follow their own authorities? This is important if people want to observe some recommended practices, such as fasting on 9th of Dul-Hijjah.
A. Ghafoor
A. Yes, it is very important to be clear about the dates. However, this is a very thorny question because it involves dealing with different authorities, some political and some religious, with other factors involved. Yet the solution is very easy, provided there is enough political will to sort it out.
There should never be two days difference with any lunar date or occasion. One day difference is valid. It is due to differences in the moon cycle. However, the sighting of the moon is the mark determining when an occasion like the Eid is due. Yet we tend to give it much more importance. However, if we were to adopt a scientific method, which the Prophet recommended us to do, we would sort this problem once and for all.
Until this takes place, people should follow the official announcements in their own countries with regard to Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. As for the Eid of Sacrifice, which is linked to the attendance at Arafat, I cannot see how a country celebrates this occasion on a day other than the one marked in Saudi Arabia. You find that Arab countries may differ with regard to starting Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr, but they all follow Saudi Arabia on the Eid of Sacrifice, because of the pilgrimage. It cannot be otherwise.
Does He Need Ablution?
Q. A friend offered Maghrib prayer and then went to the cinema to watch a film. When he came out, he prayed Isha without performing a fresh ablution. Is his prayer valid?
A. Kadar
A. Yes, his prayer is valid assuming that he did not invalidate his ablution in the normal way. Watching a film in a cinema or on television does not invalidate ablution.