Day versus Date

Hajj was performed on Sunday the 7^th of December 2008 at Arafat and shown live on the TV all over the world. However, we in Pakistan "˜think' it to take place on the 8^th and the Eid ul Azha a day after on the 9^th December 2008. Manasik e Hajj can only be performed in Saudi Arabia at Mina, Muzdalfa, Arafat, Khana e Ka'aba and around and no where else in the world. It seems, therefore, strange that we see it happening right in front of our eyes yet, we say that no our Hajj will be tomorrow or at times even two days later. It is understandable that as we follow the lunar calendar for the Islamic events/festivals sighting of the moon and the lunar dates play a significant role in determining the day of their happening, such as the beginning of the month of Ramzan or the falling of  the Eid-ul-Fitr on the first of Shawwal etc. However, sticking on to the 10^th of Zilhaj for celebrating Eid ul Azha all over the world looks a little odd to me as it should be celebrated on the ACTUAL day after Hajj. And the reference for Hajj can only be taken from Mecca and no where else. We should, therefore, offer our Eid ul Azha prayers on the day these are offered at Mecca and not stick on to the 10^th of Zilhaj. Celebrating it late has an other aspect also. The Sacrifice (Qurbani) has to be offered as soon as possible after performing the Hajj but not later than 72 hours of it. However, if we take "˜our' Hajj to be two days later and then extend  the Qurbani up to the allowed limit of 72 hours that is; up to its third day, will it not be in actual five days or 120 hours after the Hajj at Mecca, and thus invalid?     

Truly

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)

30, Westridge-1

Rawalpindi 46000

Tel: (051) 546 3344