Q&A: Eid Gah in Marlboro

Q. I would like to know what the Shariah requirements for Eid Gah are.

I am from Marlboro and as a community we have always followed the guidance of the Mias Farm Ulema. But after the passing of Mufti Basheer Sanjalvi Rahmatullahi Alayhi, it seems as if our Ulema have lost their bearings. They get fatwas issued from a variety of Muftis and choose the one which suits them the best.

For example, Eid Gah has never ever been performed in Marlboro because Marhoom Mufti Ebrahim Sanjalvi Rahmatullahi Alayhi had passed the fatwa that Alexandra/Marlboro did not fit the Shariah requirements unless land was available on the outskirts. This fatwa was kept alive by his son Marhoom Mufti Basheer and the Ulema of Mias Farm until this year.

In 2012 a large group of the community began fighting for an Eid Gah. Our Ulema, still confused as to what to do, decided to consult with Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara of Azaadville who said the fatwa of Mufti Basheer still stands despite him passing away. Mufti Muhammed Saeed also issued his own ruling and said Marlboro cannot have an Eid Gah unless we have land on the outskirts of the town.

In a sudden U-Turn, it was announced in 2013 that we will be having an Eid Gah in the centre of Marlboro in the Madressah yard right next to the Masjid. It was announced that no Eid Salaah would take place in the Masjid. It was said that a fatwa had been issued by the Jamiat-ul-Ulema from Fordsburg.

What can a regular musalle do in such a situation? Should I rather perform my Eid Salaah elsewhere if I am in complete doubt? What is the Shariah ruling regarding this situation and also the Eid Gah? Your response would be highly appreciated.

A. You should offer your Eid Salaah elsewhere. The Eid Gah in the centre of Marlboro next to the Masjid is not a valid Musalla or Eid Gah. Where the requirements of the Shariah are not met with regard to the Eid Gah the Masjid has precedence.

Follow the Fatwa of Darul Uloom Azaadville. Those who are promoting the Eid Gah in the Madrasah yard in Marlboro are lost souls following the prodding of Shaitaan and their vain desires.