Saudi Alim: Sheikh Mohammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaimeen
(Famous Saudi Alim and Faqih, Shiakh Mohammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaimeen tells Muslims about the correct date of Eid al-Adha in North America to be on 10th Dhul-Hijja of North America, and not the day-after Arafah in Makkah, as the ISNA and others claim)
From: Abdulrahman bin Abdallah Al-khalidy (Ithaca, NY)
Al Hamdulillah wa salatu wa salamu ala Rasulillah, I was troubled when I read the e-mails regarding the discrepancies in deciding the first day of Dhil-Hijjah which would mean that we will have to accommodate two separate dates for the Day of Arafah and the Eid. I called Sheikh Mohammad bin Uthaymeen and asked him about this particular situation and his position has relieved me; wal Hamdulillah.
Question: Should we abide by the local sighting in determining the Eid-al-Adha or should we follow the pilgrims' schedule, knowing that North America sighting of crescent may come a day before Saudi Arabia's sighting?
Answer: "You should abide by the city you're living in."
Question: This means that we will fast the 9th of Dhul-Hijja of North America and pray Eid on 10th Dhul-Hijja of North America!
Answer: "Yes, and this is what you should do without any (Haraj) or mental anxiety."
Wish you good luck in fulfilling the Ibadah, fasting on the 9th Dhul-hijja based on your area moonsighting and celebrating Eid-al-Adha on 10th Dhul-hijja. Those who do it this way, they would have followed the Sunnah of the Prophet. May Allah bless you all. WalHamdulillahi RabbilAlameen
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
Ref: Dr Omar Afzal, CFCO (2000)