Fatwa ID: 04791

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

If someone wants to fast on arafa the 9th zil haj in Saudi Arabia it’s on 15 and in Pakistan it’s on 16th so should we fast according to the date in Saudi Arabia or of Pakistan? 

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

Answer

Saaiduna Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said: “Whenever you sight the new moon (of the month of Ramadan) observe fast, and when you sight it (the new moon of Shawwal) break it, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then observe fast for thirty days.” (Sahih Muslim

Saaiduna Abu Qatadah Radiallahu Anhu reports that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam was asked about the observance of fasting on the Day of Arafah.  He said, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year.”   (Sahih Muslim p.367 v.1)

When it comes to fasting on the 9th Zul Hijjah you should follow your local community. If they are celebrating Eid (10th Zul Hijjah) on a day different from that of Saudi Arabia you should follow your community instead of Saudi Arabia. 

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham