Muslims all over the world after fasting for a period of one month in fulfillment of the fourth pillars of Islam, the holy month of Ramadan, observed eid al fitr to mark the end of fasting.

The celebration is observed when the crescent is sighted.

Although, over the years there has been some controversy on when to start Ramadan fasting or observe eid al fitr in most countries especially The Gambia and her sister nation, Senegal.
Some parts in both countries celebrate eid while others are still fasting.

Islamic scholars have had debates on issues arising in vein to the sighting of the moon.

In fact, it is now becoming moon fighting amongst many, rather than sighting.

In a Hadith narrated by bukhari has it that “Do not fast unless you sight the crescent, and do not break your fast till you sight the (following) crescent.” (Al-Bukhari, Vol. 3:130).

The interpretation of this Hadith differ from one view point to another.

This years eid in The Gambia could be seen as one of the most ridiculous in history.
People in the same community and even households did not observe the feast together.

The Gambia supreme Islamic council on Friday announced that the moon has not been sighted hence fasting continues.

Many took to sleep with the intention of fasting after the announcement has been made and woke up to the news that it’s eid.

Consequently, this created confusion and mistrust for supreme Islamic council.

“in my house, only my mother, younger sister and I prayed. The rest observed it in the subsequent day,” a resident of bijilo told Kairaba News.

Previously, the supreme Islamic council for several years made Gambians to fast and observe prayers without sighting the moon based on interpretation of the Hadith by bukhari.

However, despite all that some still remained adamant to comply.
As long as I remember, we have always relied on Saudi Arabia, and other countries.

Moon sighting, a very important aspect of beginning and breaking fast, has been largely ignored due to an unacceptable and carefree attitude.” Modou joof a lecturer at MAJAC incredulously said.

Does anyone remember the last time Gambia saw the moon by herself?

By: Sohna Tunkara

For Kairaba News Network