THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, March 13: Muslims offered Friday congregational prayers in large numbers during Ramadan on March 13, but many remained uncertain whether the prayers marked Alvida Juma (the last Friday of Ramadan) or a regular Friday prayer.
The uncertainty is linked to the sighting of the Shawwal moon next Thursday, which will determine the date of Eid al-Fitr.
Moon Sighting to Decide Eid Date
If the moon is sighted on Thursday, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, when both Eid prayers and Juma Namaz will be offered on the same day.
In that case, the Friday prayers on March 13 would be considered Alvida Juma, the last Friday of Ramadan.
However, if the moon is not sighted on Thursday, Eid will fall on Saturday, and the next Friday will be regarded as ‘Alvida Juma’.
Two Alvida Juma Possible, Says Imam
Speaking on the issue, Mufti Muhammad Shahnawaz Qasmi, Imam of the Jama Masjid in Daltonganj, said the Alvida Juma prayers were offered on Friday.
“We said the Alvida Juma Namaz today. If the moon is not sighted next Thursday, we will again offer Alvida Juma Namaz on the following Friday, and Eid will be on Saturday,” he said.
He added that there is no restriction in Shariat regarding offering Alvida Juma twice, emphasising that every Friday prayer holds great religious significance.
Large Congregation for Friday Prayers
A large number of worshippers gathered at mosques across Daltonganj for the Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.
Caption: Worshippers offering Alvida Juma Namaz outside a mosque in Daltonganj on March 13.