Srinagar, A prominent committee led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been established to assess the credibility of witness reports regarding the sighting of the Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr crescents in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This initiative aims to address and prevent any confusion among the region’s residents, particularly after the varied views on the moon sighting that emerged last year.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the committee comprises esteemed scholars from across the region, including Maulvi Rehmatullah Mir Qasmi of Dar Ul Uloom Raheemiya and Maulvi Ghulam Rasool Haami of Karwaan-e-Islam International, among others. The committee’s formation is a response to the need for a unified approach to the sighting of the Ramadan moon, a subject that has historically led to differing opinions within the community.

The committee members, representing a broad spectrum of Islamic scholarship in IIOJK, have been tasked with verifying the reliability of moon sighting witnesses before making any official announcements. They are expected to remain in constant communication, especially when a potential sighting, or “Ruet,” is reported. The procedure involves assessing the credibility of such reports and then informing the Grand Mufti of IIOJK, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi, or another committee member for further action.

The detailed communiqué issued outlines the structure and members of the committee, including representatives from various districts within IIOJK who will report potential crescent sightings to the Grand Mufti. The diverse list ensures coverage across the region, from Srinagar to the remote districts of Ladakh, indicating a comprehensive effort to unify the process of moon sighting across the occupied territory.

This structured approach reflects the community’s desire for coherence and unity in observing significant Islamic events, such as Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, which are central to the Muslim faith. By establishing this committee, the leaders of IIOJK aim to foster a sense of solidarity and reduce confusion during these holy periods.