GNS DESK

Srinagar, Mar 11 (GNS): The Ramadan moon has been sighted in Jammu and Kashmir this evening, announced Grand Mufti, Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir ul Islam Farooqi.

“Ramzan crescent of 1445 A.H was sighted in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir and the holy month commences this evening with the first day of the month of fasting to be marked tomorrow,” Islam, as per GNS said.

Islam conveyed that the announcement is being made after consultations with other respected members.

Greeting the people, Islam prayed that may the Almighty Allah ease the hardships and shower upon us his blessings and bring peace and prosperity during this holy month to everyone of us.

SINAGAR: To alleviate the widespread confusion among the people over the upcoming important events of ongoing holy month of Ramadan, scholars of different schools of thought have reached a consensus over several issues including that of Shab-e-Qadar and unequivocally decided to observe the night on April 17, 2023.

Talking to media persons, after due consultation and deliberation on the issues impending for the last several days, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, as per GNS, said that they have reached a consensus to observe the Shab-e-Qadr on April 17. “Efforts for moon sighting will also be made on April 20 and if at all the moon is sighted, people starting their first fast from Friday (March 24, 2023) will have to make the omitted fasting after Eid”, Islam said.

“Any decision regarding Eid will be made after thorough consultation with all scholars from different schools of thought”, he said adding, “MeT department will also be consulted before any such announcement.”

Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam thanked Chief Rector Dar-ul-Uloom Raheemiya Bandipora for supervising the meeting. 

Islam also said that a joint resolution was passed to seek release of Mirwaiz Kashmir Moulvi Umer Farooq, Maulana Abdur Rashid Dawoodi and other scholars currently under detention. 

Many speakers before the final announcement by Islam, suggested framing a Ruet exclusive to Jammu and Kashmir – a suggestion welcomed by many attendants to the meeting.

The hours-long consultation was attended by Moulana Rahmatullah Qasmi, Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, Ghulam Rasool Hami and Prof Muhammad Tayib Kamili, Moulana Aga Syed Al Hassan Mousivi, Ghulam Muhammad Bhat, Moulana Fayaz Ahmed Rizivi, Masroor Abbas Ansari and other prominent scholars.

Notably, there was a widespread confusion among the people over the sighting of moon in Jammu and Kashmir even as Grand Mufti, J&K, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, entrusted with the mandate announced that there was no ‘credible witness’ available with his office regarding sighting of moon from anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir albeit having earlier in the evening on March 23, 2023 received a ‘uncredible testimony from Poonch which after scrutiny turned too feeble to indicate start of fast on Thursday.’ (GNS)