Who Was Involved In This Decision
On March 1st, 2020 the SSC invited a small group of beloveds from across the country to take part in a discussion about how our North American tariqa should determine and announce moon sightings and the beginnings of Islamic holidays and holy months.
The following people were present for this meeting; Said Bin Yunus from the Northern California community, Mohamed Moosa from the Austin community, Hakim Hayden from the Florida community, Abdul Karim Pinckney from the Farm of Peace, and Laila Brady Walzer from the Northeast community. Also consulted but not on the call were Nur Hrabko and Abdullah Aylward.
After hearing input from all on the call and discussing all options that would be considered permissible by Islamic law, and considering our history and the uniqueness of our community, we agreed to make the following proposal for our North American Shadhiliyya Community:
You Can Follow Jerusalem
For the purpose of announcing all moon sightings to the community, especially with respect to organizing khalwas, the beginning of Ramadan, and ‘Eid celebrations, we recommend that we as one community follow what Sidi followed. This was the example established by our guide and we trust in his wisdom.
You Can Look for the Moon Yourself
We wish to encourage communities to organize their own moon sightings in order to confirm for themselves the arrival of a new month, especially in the case of the new moons that mark the beginning and end of Ramadan, in order to receive the extra blessings of observing this sunna, to promote education on how to sight the moon, to foster local community cohesion, and to deepen the walking of those who are blessed to experience these events with their own eyes.
You Can Follow Your Local Muslim Community
Local communities or individuals are also free to choose to follow the guidance of the local Muslim community if doing so would promote more peace and ease for them.
If a Local Sighting Contradicts What We Are Told
If a local community observes a moon sighting that contradicts SSC recommends then they may choose to follow their best guidance and observations for organizing their local community events. If there is any confusion for anyone in any community we recommend deferring to the moon sighting we announce. Regardless of what a local community may choose to follow, it will be understood that the SSC will follow, announce, and organize national events based on moon sightings in Sidi’s tradition rather than on local sightings.
Our Intention is to Promote Learning and Peace
These are the recommendations of the SSC to all our brothers and sisters of our North American Shadhiliyya tariqa. We hope that these recommendations encourage more seeking of knowledge, more unity, and more peace in the hearts of all beloveds. We pray that this proposal helps to clear confusion and at the same time gives freedom for beloveds to follow their own guidance as best they can. Allah knows best; He is the Wise, He is the Just, He is Most Forgiving, and the Most Merciful. Amin.