Scientists and astronomers call for correcting Islamic calendar

Scientists and astronomers called for correcting the Islamic calendar as Algeria did not follow the most of Arab countries in declaring the first day of Muharram.

Algeria’s religious affairs ministry declared Monday, Oct.3, as the first day of Muharram, 1438 AH contrarily to Arab countries. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia, Palestine and UAE declared Sunday as the first day of Muharram. This raised a large controversy among Algerians. Muslims in Algeria will not fast Achoura day with the rest of Muslim countries. This triggered dears among imams of a possible conflict.

Astronomer Lout Bounatiro criticized the ministry for misleading public opinion and not respecting religious and scientific traditions.

“How can the ministry assign a commission for the first day of the fasting month of Ramadan and Shawal and neglect Muharram?” he said.

“I warned the ministry last week and told officials that the first day of Muharram will be on October 2nd,” he added.

Guessoum: the ministry’s error will affect Algerians’ worshiping traditions

Head of  the Association of Algerians Scholars Abderrezak Guessoum criticized the ministry, saying it made in error because it marginalized scientists.

He called on the ministry for giving religious and scientific clarifications because its error will affect worshiping traditions among Algerians. 

Djamel Ghoul: Algerians should fast on the ninth and tenth day of Achoura 

Head of the Independent Coordination for Imams and Religious Affairs Employees Djamel Ghoul said the ministry’s error will have a negative impact on Algerians. 

He suggested to fast on the ninth and tenth day of Achoura to follow the rest of Islamic nations.