Introduction:

As Canadian Muslims, we are all deeply committed to following the authentic Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in every aspect of our lives. However, in recent years, the Muslim community in Canada—especially in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)—has faced increasing division and confusion regarding the beginning of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid. This division arises from the disunity among various Hilal (moon sighting) committees, each following different methods, witnesses, and interpretations. The result? Conflicting moon sightings and broken hearts within our Ummah.

Ramadan and Eid are not just times of personal worship; they are moments when we, as a community, come together in unity and faith. Unfortunately, our community has been divided by conflicting moon sighting decisions, leading to confusion and division at a time when unity is most essential.

I swear in the name of Allah, for He is my witness on the Day of Judgment:

• I am NOT claiming or justifying that the opinion from the Hilal Committee of Toronto is wrong.
• I am NOT willing to change rulings or violate the respected traditional Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
• I am NOT intending to compromise differences of opinion, schools of thought (fiqhs or madhhabs), or any methodologies (manhajs).
• I am NOT doing anything to compromise Islam or strive for desires and nafs emotionally.
• I am NOT a hypocrite, sellout, progressive, westernized, or liberal-minded Muslim, nor considered to be a pseudo-Salafi or from any other concerning deviant groups in Islam.

As the initiator of this call for action, I want to make it clear that I follow the authentic fiqh of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (r.a) and am deeply committed to the traditional Sunnah, as understood by the Salaf. I am fully aware of Imam Ahmad’s strong stance on adhering to the Sunnah and rejecting bid’ah (innovations).

My Intention:

My only intention is, for the sake of Allah SWT, to unite all of Canada’s Hilal committees and councils into one cohesive body: The Central Hilal Committee of Canada. This unified committee will ensure transparency, unity, and inclusivity in moon-sighting decisions across the nation, enabling all Muslims in Canada to observe Ramadan and celebrate Eid together as one united community.

The Issue:

Every year, Muslims across Canada observe Ramadan and Eid based on moon sighting, as prescribed by the Sunnah. However, the process is often marred by differing interpretations and disagreements. This has led to confusion and division, especially in cities with large Muslim populations like Toronto, where multiple Hilal committees (such as the Hilal Committee of Toronto, Hilal Council, and others) issue conflicting decisions about the start of Ramadan and the day of Eid.

The result? A fragmented Ummah, with some celebrating Eid a day earlier or later than others, causes confusion and discontent within the community. Many Muslims are left questioning which decision is the most correct or authentic, leading to a loss of trust in the moon sighting process and division among our people. This fragmentation not only affects our celebrations but also weakens the spiritual bond that we should share as a unified Ummah. When we are divided on such significant occasions, the very essence of our collective worship is diminished.

Why This Matters:

This situation goes beyond simple disagreements over dates. It impacts our unity as Muslims in Canada. The Quran and Sunnah emphasize the importance of unity and brotherhood within the Ummah. Allah SWT said in the Quran:

"And hold on to the rope of Allah altogether, and do not become divided" (Surah Al-Imran, 3:103)

Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of honoring and respecting fellow Muslims. Ikram-al-Muslim (Respecting and honoring Muslims) is central to maintaining the harmony of our Ummah. It goes beyond individual relationships; it is a community-wide responsibility. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself urged us to maintain unity and brotherhood, particularly when it comes to significant matters such as the beginning of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid. In these challenging times of our Ummah, we must strive to protect the unity of our Ummah, and one of the most crucial ways we can do this is by ensuring that we are all observing Ramadan and celebrating Eid on the same day as one community. It is essential to remember that the heart of Islam is unity, and our actions should reflect this foundational principle.

The Solution:

To overcome this division, we propose the creation of a unified Central Hilal Committee for Canada that brings together all the Hilal committees under one umbrella. This body would:

• Collaborate and Consult: All members of various Hilal committees would work together in a transparent and inclusive manner, ensuring that the moon sighting decisions are based on verified and authentic sources.
• Standardize the Process: A uniform method of moon sighting would be adopted, ensuring clarity, consistency, and legitimacy for all Muslims in Canada.
• Promote Unity: This centralized committee would prioritize the unity of the Canadian Muslim community above all else, ensuring that Eid and Ramadan are observed together with no confusion or division.
• Be Transparent and Inclusive: Every member of the community, regardless of their madhhab or school of thought, would be respected, and decisions would be made based on the collective input of experts, scholars, and community leaders.

This Central Hilal Committee would not only serve to standardize moon sighting practices but also promote inter-communal dialogue and cooperation among different religious communities within Islam, fostering greater understanding and unity.

The Benefits:

By establishing a unified Central Hilal Committee, we will:

• End Confusion: Muslims across Canada will have a clear, unified decision regarding the start of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid, eliminating the disunity caused by conflicting moon-sighting reports.
• Promote Social Harmony: By coming together as one community, we will strengthen our bonds and foster a spirit of brotherhood, as the Prophet ﷺ intended.
• Protect the Authentic Sunnah: While different scholars and schools of thought may have differing opinions, we can ensure that the decisions made are in line with the authentic teachings of Islam, as prescribed by our beloved Prophet ﷺ.
• Create a Sustainable, Collaborative System: The unified Central Hilal Committee will ensure that the moon sighting process remains consistent, fair, and practical for future generations of Canadian Muslims.

Call to Action:

This is where you come in. We need your support in signing this petition to call for the creation of a Unified Hilal Central Committee for Canada. Together, we can ensure that the Canadian Muslim community is united, strong, and focused on the values that bind us: faith, respect, and brotherhood.

Let us work together, as a unified Ummah, to end the division and confusion that has plagued our community. By signing this petition, you are voicing your commitment to unity and your belief in a stronger, more cohesive future for Canadian Muslims.

Conclusion:

Enough is enough! The time for disunity and confusion is over. We have the power to make a change, and together, we can create a system that will unite us all. May Allah SWT guide us, grant us success, and bring our hearts and minds together in harmony, Ameen.

Your signature matters. By signing this petition, you’re not only voicing your commitment to unity but also helping amplify the collective voice of  Muslim Canadians who seek to honor our shared faith and uphold the unity of the Ummah. Share this petition with your family, friends, and local community, and let’s make our voices heard.

Sign the petition today, and let us be the change we wish to see in our community for the sake of Allah SWT, inshAllah. Bismillah!