Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.
This is translation of the 9th edition of my Bengali book “Chandromash”. About 20 years back, I had the opportunity to go though once the book “Al Helal” written by Dr Abdullah Al Maruf, on Ramadan, Eid & Moon. There was little scope for me to think about the matter, as I was lacking the knowledge of Qur’an and Hadith at that time. While searching for the root cause of creating differences in observing Ramadan/Eid worldwide in last few years, I felt the need of writing this book. As I kept thinking on it, the matter started getting clear to me gradually. The matter is in fact within the purview of Qur’an, Hadith and Astronomical science Ummah. There is no scope for analyzing the issue of Lunar month so differently. Because there is no defect in Allah (swt) arrangement, which is otherwise accommodative of all encountering scientific offerings. The problem has, in fact, been created by mankind. There cannot be any alternative to making a single Lunar Calendar for the mankind in one universe, based on one Sun & one Moon; in this day of globalization.
After reaching the 21st century, science has reached an unprecedented progress. In the light of this progress, if the instructions given in science-oriented Qur’an are analyzed, then one can see that our religious events are not being followed as per Shari‘ah. So it has been proved possible that the Muslim Ummah can be united by making and following single Islamic Calendar worldwide by combining and following the latest statistics of astronomical science and in accordance with Qur’an and Sunnah. According to that, I have given calendars in 3rd chapters for 1432, 1433 and 1434 Hijri years. It is now a demand of present day to establish Islamic Shari‘ah firmly after realizing this truth and then following it in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah. If this rule of nature as created by Allah (swt), which is full of science, is not accepted, then it will imply neglecting or disobeying Creator’s rule in respect of the universe.
If we can bring the matter of analyzing Shari‘ah within the purview of Astronomy, only then we will find a solution. Due to overall deficiency of knowledge, the solution could not be achieved as yet. In fact, the sun & moon and day & night are the natural creation of Allah (swt). Allah (swt) & His Rasul (pbuh) had instructed to obey this rule of nature. Different Ulama translated the same Qur’an in the same language in different ways. Because, everyone is not a master and do not have equal knowledge on all subjects, there has to be difference of opinion. Due to lack of optimum knowledge, even the issue of Lunar Month has been understood by certain Alims in one way, explained in that particular way and instructed those to be followed in a certain way. Therefore, for decades, a difference of opinion had been created among Muslim Ummah or the entire mankind about Lunar Month and an unnecessary difficulty is being faced for following teachings of Islam. Since there is a dire need for easy solution of this man-made problem, I had to venture in writing this book.
In the first chapter of the book, the main topics were presented
in 61 episodes, which are based on Qur’an, Hadith, Astronomical Science and other logical analysis. In the second chapter references of 38 Surahs 72 ayats, the meanings of them and their explanations and comments have been given. In the 3rd chapter I have given scientific facts with calendars. In the 4th chapter I have given answers to 75 important questions, on matters of Lunar Month as may come from the common readers. These informations clearly prove & direct that a single Islamic Lunar calendar is needed to be followed universally. Only then it wii be possible to observe Ramadan, Eid & other religious festivals on the same date throughout the world. The book is not meant for any area, country or any locality, but has been written for entire mankind and specially for Muslim
Repetitions may be found in many places in this book, which may annoy the readers that I could not avoid in order to maintain continuity of analyzing the subject matter and emphasizing inner meaning in an easy way. The problem is thousand years old & a knotty one, whose solution is a must. Because with it is related all the receipts and liabilities of true devoted Muslim, in this world and the world hereafter. If you cannot start the Lunar month correctly, then all your prayers of the month can not be correct. People may dare neglecting it, but I don’t dare at all. This led me to embark upon this little venture, whose success is totally dependent on the unbounded mercy of Almighty Rabbul A’lamin. I sincerely hope that my book “Lunar Month” which is based on this standpoint will show ways to mankind & specially the Muslim Ummah. Almighty Allah (swt) will not surely deprive me of a success achievable through my effort. If the thousand years old indiscipline is removed, then I will feel that my effort and expectation of life bore a result.
I can deserve a return from Allah (swt). Once again I appeal & suggest to Muslim Ummah not to waste time in rectifying the meaning of Sura Baqara’s Ayat 189 (part) & establish a historical reform and unitedly obey rule of nature given to us by Allah (swt). Let us not waste the gifted rewards of this world & of the world hereafter.
Ameen.
Engr. Mohammad Enamul Huq