Only time I ever hear of the Islamic calendar brought up is during Ramzan (and I am going to call it Ramzan, sue me), Hajj, the other Eid and sometimes the first of Muharram. Other then that, the topic is hardly brought up here in the US. If I remember correctly, it was like this in Pakistan as well.
But someone is keeping the Islamic calendar updated, doing the moon sightings to see when the new months begins and ends. Are there arguments over that too, similar to Ramzan and Eid? During these two times everyone seems to become an expert arm chair Astronomer, and facts and observations are dished out as if they have a PhD in this subject.
Re: Are there arguments over when the other months of the Islamic calendar start and
i get Islamic Calendar from India every year...the traditional colourful Calendar with both **Islamic dates**** [bigger and in BOLD] and *Gregorian dates* [smaller and NOT in bold] with a *picture of Islamic architecture* on every page and beautiful encryption of Qur'aanic aayah with Urdu translation AND *'allaamah Iqbal's she'r* on every page. so, people do have Islamic Calendars in their homes :) **
Re: Are there arguments over when the other months of the Islamic calendar start and
i get Islamic Calendar from India every year...the traditional colourful Calendar with both **Islamic dates**** [bigger and in BOLD] and *Gregorian dates* [smaller and NOT in bold] with a *picture of Islamic architecture* on every page and beautiful encryption of Qur'aanic aayah with Urdu translation AND *'allaamah Iqbal's she'r* on every page. so, people do have Islamic Calendars in their homes :) **
Yes, several people have an Islamic calendar in their homes, but it's only purpose is decoration and a way to maintain some cultural ties with back home. Do you ever say, "Hmmm, I think I will schedule an appointment for 17th shawwal, so that I can be free on the weekend of the 24th".
Re: Are there arguments over when the other months of the Islamic calendar start and
Yes, several people have an Islamic calendar in their homes, but it's only purpose is decoration and a way to maintain some cultural ties with back home. Do you ever say, "Hmmm, I think I will schedule an appointment for 17th shawwal, so that I can be free on the weekend of the 24th".
I didn't think so either.
**you are right to a certain extent. depends where you live. If most people where you live are familiar with Islamic date then it makes sense to use that...like in Saudi Arabia where all appointments are made according to the Islamic Calendar. They can afford to do that because they follow the pre-determined moon sightings according to astronomical data while we, the Hanafis, in India and Pakistan base our dates according to actual moon sighting so it's never confirmed until the day arrives. Islamic Calendar is NOT practical because for that reason.
i think we can say safely say that Islamic calendar in the west is NOT convenient and/or practical.
btw, i do NOT hang Islamic calendar on the wall for decoration. i actually use it and i LOVE to read she'r of 'allaamah Iqbal...one such she'r this month is:
yaqeeN moHkam, 'amal paiham, moHabbat faateh-e-'aalam
jihaad-e-zindagaanii meN haiN haiN yeh mardoN kii shamsheereN ***:)
*
