Poles apart: City divided over first day of Ramazan once again

Locals concerned over lack of unity triggered by moon-sighting controversy

PESHAWAR: Even though the federal government made overtures to the province to ensure a unified Ramazan, the city ended up divided once again. The annual controversy surrounding the sighting of the moon resurfaced, and residents were confused yet again when to observe the first day of the holy month.

Some people decided to follow Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai, the current khateeb of Qasim Ali Khan mosque, and fasted on Thursday. However, quite a few people stuck with the decision of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Mufti Munibur Rehman and will celebrate the first of Ramazan on Friday (today).

The last word

The moon-sighting committee at Qasim Ali Khan mosque does not look for the moon itself but receives testimonials from across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Fata. As a result, it takes a long time to make the final announcement. This year, testimonials were received from Bannu, Charsadda, Kohat, Mardan, Bajaur Agency and other areas but were disregarded by the Centre.

When contacted, K-P Minister for Religious Affairs Habibur Rahman said the federal government has included two members of the zonal moon-sighting committee in the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. “Two of our members, Dr Abdul Ghafoor and Inayat Ali Shah, participated in the meeting,” he said. “Secondly, the federal government decided if the moon is not sighted in any part of the country till 9:15pm, the central committee would contact with zonal offices. Only then would the final announcement be made.”

Rehman added the federal minister for religious affairs contacted him at 9:15pm on Wednesday.

“I told him the moon had not been sighted in any part of the province,” he said.

About Popalzai’s announcement, the minister said it was neither his duty nor the khateeb’s to make such decisions. “It was with the federal government to announce the start of Ramazan and Popalzai’s announcement at 11pm was controversial and created disunity.”

Lunar tunes

Although the city’s streets wore a deserted look on Thursday, many eateries along Khyber Bazaar remained open. A large number of people were seen at food stalls.

“This time the city has been divided,” said Akbar Ali Khan, who was at an eatery. “There is so much confusion as to whom we should follow. The general public does not know [which mufti to listen to].”

Muhammad Nasim, who was also at a roadside food establishment, added, “Ramazan and Eid should be celebrated in accordance with the government of Saudi Arabia rather than on the directives of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman or Popalzai.” He added, “There should be one authority that makes these announcements.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2015.