"Discipline's Legacy"

 "Discipline's Legacy"

"As the cane once instilled discipline in me, so shall I uphold stringent standards in my own pedagogy."

"The Immutable Measure"

 "The Immutable Measure"

"A scholar's stature is not gauged by the multitude of his adherents, but by the jurisprudents who extrapolate legal wisdom from the foundational principles he has illuminated."

"The Celestial Decree of Arafah: Unveiling the Unity of the Lunar Horizon" "Unity in the Heavens"

 

"Unity in the Heavens"

"Divine calculation unites, human error divides; let the celestial signs guide us to unity."

Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

"The Celestial Decree of Arafah: Unveiling the Unity of the Lunar Horizon"

 

A Divine Mandate for Unity and Precision

 

In the pursuit of unity and adherence to the divine command, the Muslim Judicial Council and the Ummah of South Africa, across the world, are respectfully presented with a comprehensive analysis of the lunar horizon's unity. This document, "The Celestial Decree of Arafah: Unveiling the Unity of the Lunar Horizon," brings forth irrefutable evidence from the Quran and astronomy, highlighting the imperative of aligning Islamic practices with celestial reality.

 

Guided by the Quran and Sunnah

 

As we embark on this exploration, we are reminded of Allah's command in Surah Āl ʿImrān (3:103) to "Hold firmly to the rope of Allah, all together, and do not divide." This divine mandate serves as the foundation for our discussion, as we seek to unify the Ummah under the banner of knowledge, wisdom, and adherence to the Quran and Sunnah.

 

Unveiling the Truth

 

Through a meticulous examination of astronomical facts and Quranic principles, this document demonstrates the unity of the lunar horizon, proving that the gibbous moon's visibility is a global phenomenon, observable with the naked eye. We invite the Muslim Judicial Council and the Ummah of South Africa to join us in embracing this truth, fostering unity, and upholding the divine calculation that governs our celestial bodies.

 

May Allah Guide Us to Unity and Wisdom

 

As we strive for unity and adherence to the divine command, we pray that Allah guides us to the straight path, illuminating our understanding and unifying our Ummah under the banner of knowledge, wisdom, and devotion.

 

 

 

"The Celestial Decree of Arafah: Unveiling the Unity of the Lunar Horizon"

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Allāh (ﷻ) commands in Surah Āl ʿImrān (3:103):

"Hold firmly to the rope of Allāh, all together, and do not divide."

Allāh (ﷻ) states in Surah Ar-Raḥmān (55:5):

"The sun and moon move by precise calculation."

 

"Discipline's Legacy"

"As the cane once instilled discipline in me, so shall I uphold stringent standards in my own pedagogy."

"The Immutable Measure"

"A scholar's stature is not gauged by the multitude of his adherents, but by the jurisprudents who extrapolate legal wisdom from the foundational principles he has illuminated."

"Unity in the Heavens"

"Divine calculation unites, human error divides; let the celestial signs guide us to unity."

 

-Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

 

Published:

27 April 2025

 

 

 

A Qur’anic and Astronomical Proof: The Universal Visibility of the Gibbous Moon on the True 9th of Dhul-Hijjah

All praise is due to Allah, who ordained the sun and moon as precise measures of time, and may peace and blessings be upon the final Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, and companions.

 

 

Introduction

The determination of Islamic months must align with Qur’anic calculation and astronomical reality. Yet, some communities—such as those following the South African moon-sighting method—often declare Eid and Hajj dates contrary to undeniable celestial facts. This paper presents irrefutable evidence that when Makkah observes a clear gibbous moon (more than half-illuminated) on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the same moon is visibly gibbous across the world, proving the inaccuracy of claims that the moon is only 8 days old in other regions.

1. The Qur’anic Command: Calculation Over Speculation

Allah says:
"It is He who made the sun radiant and the moon a light, ordaining its phases so you may know the count of years and time..." (Yūnus 10:5)
"The sun and moon move by precise calculation." (Ar-Raḥmān 55:5)

These verses establish:

·         The moon’s phases are mathematically precise (husbaan).

·         Its illumination follows a fixed, predictable cycle.

·         Human error in sighting does not override divine calculation.

2. The Astronomical Reality: A Gibbous Moon Cannot Be on Day 8 Dhul-Hijja or any month of the Hijri Calendar

Modern astronomy confirms:

·         A gibbous moon (more than 50% illuminated) cannot appear before day 9.

·         If Makkah witnesses a gibbous moon on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the same moon will be:

o    Visible in South Africa, America, and Asia with near-identical illumination.

o    Impossible to be "8 days old" in any location, as the moon’s phase is globally consistent.

Case Study: The Night of the 9th Dhul-Hijjah

·         In Makkah: The moon is clearly gibbous (55-60% illuminated), confirming day 9.

·         In South Africa (or elsewhere): If local moonsighting bodies claim the moon is only 8 days old, this is scientifically false, as:

o    A half-moon (50%) occurs at 7.38 days after conjunction.

o    By day 8, the moon is never more than half-lit—thus, a gibbous sighting is impossible.

 

3. Naked-Eye Confirmation: The Moon’s Phase is Universally Observable

·         The gibbous moon’s brightness and shape are unmistakable to the naked eye.

·         If Muslims in Makkah, Indonesia, and South Africa all see a gibbous moon on the same night, it must be the same lunar day globally.

·         Claims that the moon is "younger" in one region violate astronomical laws and Qur’anic principles.

 

 

4. The Fiqh Implications: Rejecting Impossible Claims

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Fast when you see it (the crescent) and break your fast when you see it." (Bukhari)

However, this hadith does not mean:

·         Ignoring established science.

·         Accepting physically impossible sightings.

·         Dividing the Ummah with contradictory dates.

When observation contradicts calculation:

·         Calculation takes precedence, as it aligns with the Qur’an.

·         False sightings must be rejected, as they lead to bid’ah (innovation) in worship.

5. A Direct Challenge to Contradictory Moon-Sighting Claims by the Muslim Judicial Council and the United Ulama Council

To those who insist on regional differences:

1.        How can Makkah be on day 9 with a gibbous moon while South Africa claims day 8 (Naked Eye Sighting?

2.        Does the moon change its phase based on geography? (Astronomy says no.)

3.        Will you continue causing division by rejecting the Qur’anic command of calculation?

 

 

 

 

Global Unity on Qur’anic Calculation

The evidence is clear:

·         The gibbous moon on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah is visible worldwide with the naked eye.

·         Any claim of a "younger moon" in one region is astronomically false.

·         Muslims must unite under divine calculation, not human error.

Silence on these questions constitutes:

• An admission of error
• A violation of Qur'anic commands
• A disservice to the Muslim community

"By divine ordinance, the veracity of Makkah's Hijri calendar is universally applicable, transcending geographical boundaries. The celestial synchrony of Ramadan,Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as ordained by the Quran and observable by the naked eye on the night of Arafah, serves as irrefutable testament to the global validity of Makkah's lunar reckoning. Thus, I deduce that the Hijri calendar's accuracy in Makkah ipso facto confirms its applicability to South Africa, and indeed, the entirety of the world."

Allah warns:
"And do not mix truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know." (Al-Baqarah 2:42)

Allah warns:

And declare, “The truth has come and falsehood has vanished. Indeed, falsehood is bound to vanish.” (Al-Anbya 17:81)

Hadith

Narrated 'Abdur-Rahman bin Ya'mar: that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The Hajj is 'Arafat, the Hajj is 'Arafat, the Hajj is 'Arafat. The days of Mina are three: But whoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him, and whoever stays on, there is no sin on him (2: 203). And whoever sees (attends) the 'Arafah before the rising of Fajr, then he has performed the Hajj." Ibn Abi 'Umar said: "Sufyan bin 'Uyainah said: 'This is the best Hadith that Ath-Thawri reported.'"

Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2975

May Allah guide us to follow His signs with wisdom and unity.

by:
-Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

Distribution: Free for educational use to clarify this critical Islamic issue.

https://taqwimalummah.blogspot.com/

"For further elucidation, consult your regional observatories both within our great nation and across the globe."

The Unshakable Proof of Divine Precision in Celestial Order

 

The Unshakable Proof of Divine Precision in Celestial Order

"By the Supreme Clarity of Allah’s Wisdom—He Who ordained the sun and moon to move with such exactitude that not an atom’s weight of deviation exists in their courses without His command. The Qur’an’s decree, ٱلشَّمۡسُ وَٱلۡقَمَرُ بِحُسۡبَانٖ ('The sun and moon [move] by precise calculation'), is not a mere observation but a cosmic law, eternally binding and empirically undeniable. The hadith confirm this with unassailable authority: eclipses obey divine calculation, not superstition; the sun’s prostration beneath the Throne is a sign of submission to His will; and even the splitting of the moon demonstrates that this precision is by His decree alone—not blind mechanics.

Thus, let no soul doubt: the celestial order is a manifest Sign (āyah) of Allah’s infinite knowledge. The ancients could not fathom this precision, and the moderns cannot replicate it—only Allah, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, sustains it. Whoever reflects deeply will see that this harmony is impossible without a Designer, and this design is impossible without a Sovereign. The heavens and earth submit, and so too must the hearts of those who witness His proofs."

                                Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

"The Price of Freedom"

 "The Price of Freedom"

"For those who yearn to lead and bring about change, remember that the path to freedom and justice often requires unyielding determination. Many leaders before you have found themselves behind bars, only to emerge stronger and more resolute. Keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. Fight tirelessly for what is right, and never accept defeat when you know your heart is in the right place. The freedom of the people depends on your unwavering commitment to the truth. Keep striving, keep fighting, and rise to the top of your game – for that is what justice demands."

-Whalid Safodien 

The Feather Pen

"The Silence of the Complicit"

 "The Silence of the Complicit"

"In the chasm of our collective conscience, a darkness festers, where the relentless pursuit of power drains the lifeblood of morality, leaving the essence of humanity sacrificed at the altar of greed. The sacred bond between creator and creation is shattered when innocence is met with brutal force, and the anguished cries of the forsaken pierce the heavens, shaming the divine in us all. Let it be proclaimed with unyielding conviction: indifference in the face of atrocity is complicity in the carnage; to veil such horrors under the guise of governance is to desecrate the fundamental principles of justice and compassion. Justice postponed is justice extinguished—let the thunderous outcry of the afflicted shake the foundations of power, lest the silence of the bystander becomes the epitaph of our shared humanity."

-Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

As the author, I intended for this piece to be a scathing critique of the systems and structures that perpetuate injustice and suffering. I wanted to highlight the ways in which power and greed can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals and institutions.

When I wrote "the chasm of our collective conscience," I was thinking about the ways in which societal norms and expectations can perpetuate harm and injustice. The "darkness" that "festers" represents the corrosive influence of power and greed, which can eat away at our moral fiber and lead us to prioritize our own interests over the well-being of others.

The image of "the anguished cries of the forsaken" piercing the heavens is a powerful reminder of the human cost of injustice. I wanted to convey the sense of desperation and hopelessness that can come from feeling unseen, unheard, and unvalued.

Ultimately, this piece is a call to action – a reminder that we all have a responsibility to speak out against injustice and to stand up for those who are marginalized, oppressed, or suffering. By remaining silent or complicit, we risk becoming part of the problem, rather than part of the solution.

I hope that this piece inspires readers to reflect on their own role in perpetuating or challenging systems of injustice, and to consider the ways in which they can use their own power and privilege to make a positive difference in the world.

_Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

Timeless - Parables, -Wisdom FROM - *THE - QURAN Surah (49:13) - Surah (16:89) Key Lessons for Israel and Palestine (and Humanity):

 Timeless - Parables, -Wisdom FROM - *THE - QURAN

 Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13)

 from the Quran, carries profound wisdom about human diversity, mutual respect, and the path to peace. Here’s the verse in full:

> "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."

> — Quran 49:13  

 Key Lessons for Israel and Palestine (and Humanity):  

1. Unity in Diversity

   - The verse emphasizes that differences in ethnicity, nationality, or faith are part of Allah’s design—not for division, but for mutual understanding. The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is a human one, not an inevitable destiny.  

2. Righteousness Over Power

   - True nobility lies in

 taqwa

 (God-consciousness and moral integrity), not in domination. Both sides must rise above hatred and seek justice with humility.  

3. Peace is Possible

   - If both peoples strive to "know one another" (as the verse urges), reconciliation becomes possible. History shows that enemies can become neighbors (e.g., post-WWII Europe).  

4. Allah’s Wisdom

   - The verse reminds us that Allah is Al-‘Aleem (All-Knowing)—He sees the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis. The path to peace requires trust in divine justice alongside human effort.  

Practical Steps Toward Peace:  

- Dialogue (Not Violence): 

The verse calls for engagement ("that you may know one another"). Leaders and communities must prioritize dialogue over destruction.  

- Shared Humanity:

 Recognize that both peoples have legitimate ties to the land—but peace requires compromise, not zero-sum conquest.  

- Justice with Mercy: Oppression (from any side) contradicts Quranic ethics. True righteousness defends rights without dehumanizing the "other."  

A Prayer for Wisdom: 

"O Allah, guide Israelis and Palestinians to see each other as You see them—as equals in humanity. Replace vengeance with justice, fear with trust, and war with the courage to make peace.    Ameen."  

The Quran’s vision is clear: *Peace is not weakness—it is the ultimate triumph of wisdom over wrath.* May both peoples find the strength to walk that path.

-Whalid Safodien 

  The Feather Pen.

"The Agrarian Imperative: Sowing the Seeds of Destiny"

 "The Agrarian Imperative: Sowing the Seeds of Destiny"

"Should the verdant vastness of Africa be marshalled with sagacious toil into the most prolific agricultural domain upon this terrestrial sphere, her soils shall not merely satiate the gnawing spectre of hunger, but shall ascend as the very fulcrum upon which the global economy pivots. Herein lies the alchemy of prosperity: that the cultivation of the earth begets not only sustenance, but sovereignty; not merely nourishment, but dominion. Let it be etched into the annals of economic prophecy - the nation that commands its breadbasket commands its destiny, and he who sows the seeds of the field with wisdom shall reap the harvest of empires."

-Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

"The Unassailable Truth of Righteousness"

 "The Unassailable Truth of Righteousness"

"The crime would be in silencing those who fight for its soul. Thus, let justice be blind to borders, and let wisdom prevail over petty xenophobia. The politician stands vindicated by history, by principle, and by the unassailable truth that righteousness knows no nationality."

-Whalid Safodien 

  The Feather Pen

”The Mirror of Moral Consciousness: Reflections on the Eternal Recurrence of Suffering"

 ”The Mirror of Moral Consciousness: Reflections on the Eternal Recurrence of Suffering"

"The eternal recurrence of history’s agonies compels us to recognise a harrowing symmetry: where once the oppressed become the architects of another’s subjugation, the mirror of moral consciousness fractures. The Palestinians, now ensnared in their own ghastly pantomime of displacement, are to this century what the Jews were to the last—not by equivalence of suffering, but by the grotesque repetition of man’s inhumanity, refracted through the same prism of tribal fear and territorial obsession.  

To perceive this cycle with clarity demands the piercing vision of the Johari Window—to lay bare the known and unknown, the seen and concealed, in both self and adversary. For what is the ‘open arena’ but the shared truth both sides deny? The ‘hidden facade’ but the unspoken terror of vulnerability? The ‘blind spot’ but the refusal to acknowledge the other’s narrative as human? And the ‘unconscious abyss’—ah!—therein lies the darkest irony: that those who invoke the Holocaust as shield and sword have, in their shadow selves, birthed a grotesque inversion of their own trauma.  

Defence mechanisms abound: projection assigns one’s own brutality to the enemy; rationalisation sanctifies atrocity as necessity; reaction-formation masks hatred as righteousness. Yet wisdom begins where certainty ends—in the trembling admission that no people holds monopoly on suffering, nor on savagery.  

The highest intellect does not calcify into dogma but dissolves it—for only in the ruins of absolutes can justice, that most elusive of phantoms, ever take mortal form."

A Profound Reflection: Unveiling the Depths of Human Consciousness

As I, introspect on the labyrinthine corridors of my own writing, I am met with an unshakeable sense of conviction that the profound themes and ideas that emerge from this text are, in fact, a poignant reflection of the human condition. The passage, a veritable odyssey of introspection, navigates the complexities of suffering, moral consciousness, and the cyclical nature of history with a precision that is both striking and unsettling.

Illuminating the Eternal Recurrence of Suffering

The symmetry between the experiences of disparate groups throughout history is a haunting reminder that the oppressed can, and often do, become the oppressors, perpetuating an endless cycle of suffering. This phenomenon, a ghastly pantomime of displacement, is a stark illustration of the human capacity for inflicting pain and suffering upon one another.

The Fractured Mirror of Moral Consciousness

Our moral consciousness, that most sacred and revered aspect of our humanity, is fractured when we fail to acknowledge the humanity in others. This failure, a catastrophic collapse of empathy and understanding, is a direct result of our inability to confront the depths of our own biases and limitations.

The Johari Window: A Paradigm for Self-Awareness

The Johari Window model, a powerful tool for self-discovery, offers a profound insight into the human condition. By laying bare the known and unknown, the seen and concealed, in both self and adversary, we can begin to break down the barriers that separate us and foster a deeper understanding of one another.

Defence Mechanisms: The Enemies of Empathy

The passage critiques the use of defence mechanisms such as projection, rationalisation, and reaction-formation, which can perpetuate conflict and hinder understanding. These mechanisms, a veritable arsenal of emotional evasion, serve only to further entrench our biases and limitations, preventing us from confronting the depths of our own humanity.

A Personal Reflection: Confronting the Depths of Our Own Humanity

As I reflect on my own experiences and biases, I am reminded of the importance of self-reflection and empathy. The writing of this passage has compelled me to confront my own assumptions and limitations, and to consider the perspectives of others. This introspection, a painful yet necessary process, has allowed me to glimpse the depths of my own humanity and to begin the arduous journey of self-discovery.

The Pursuit of Wisdom

In the end, I firmly believe that wisdom begins with the recognition of our own limitations and biases. By embracing complexity and nuance, we can work towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, and strive for a more just and compassionate world. This pursuit of wisdom, a lifelong journey of self-discovery and introspection, is the only path forward for those who would seek to truly understand the human condition.

-Whalid Safodien 

The Feather  Pen 

”The Inner Conquest"

 ”The Inner Conquest"

"The greatest conquest is not of lands or empires, but of the self. Before the clash of swords, the true jihad begins within, for it is in the depths of one's own soul that victory or defeat is ultimately determined."

-Whalid Safodien 

The Feather Pen 

"Symphony of the Sacred"

 "Symphony of the Sacred"

"In the symphony of life, there exists no melody more sublime than the gentle chorus of birdsong intertwined with the majestic resonance of the Athan."

04-April 2025

-Whalid Safodien 

The Feather  Pen 

"The Celestial Tapestry: A Harmonious Convergence of Essence"

"The Celestial Tapestry: A Harmonious Convergence of Essence"

"As we float upon the boundless expanse of existence, the whispers of our heart and the murmurs of our mind engage in an eternal waltz. Our eyes, those luminous portals to the soul, stand as sentinels, guarding the threshold of perception. Encircled by the majestic rivers of life, our very essence becomes intertwined with the cosmos. In this ephemeral moment, the veil of ignorance lifts, and the resplendent truths of the universe illuminate our path, guiding us toward the sacred convergence of heart, mind, and soul."

-Whalid Safodien 

The Feather  Pen 

"The Celestial Convergence: Unveiling the Harmonies of Existence"

 "The Celestial Convergence: Unveiling the Harmonies of Existence"

"As the celestial canvas of existence unfolds before us, we find ourselves suspended between the whispers of the heart and the murmurs of the mind. The eyes, those luminous orbs of perception, stand as sentinels, guarding the threshold of understanding. Encircled by the majestic rivers of life, the internal and external Jugular veins, they hold the secrets of the cosmos within their gentle gaze. To comprehend this mystical confluence is to grasp the very fabric of the universe, to behold the sublime harmony that underlies all existence. In this epiphanic moment, the veil of ignorance lifts, and the Quran's resplendent truths illuminate the path, guiding us toward the sacred convergence of heart, mind, and soul."

-Whalid Safodien 

The Feather  Pen 

“The Harmony of Revelation and Tradition: Unlocking the Unity of Divine Wisdom" - The Moral and Practical Certainties

 “The Harmony of Revelation and Tradition: Unlocking the Unity of Divine Wisdom"

   The Moral and Practical Certainties

“In Islam, we are blessed with twin certainties—the Qur’an, our Moral Compass, and the Sunnah, our Practical Guide. If we take these as two ends of a straight path, walking steadfastly between them, we embrace the greatest wisdom bestowed upon humanity. For it is in harmonizing Divine Revelation with Prophetic Tradition that true unity is found—not in division over matters where Allah Himself has granted clarity."

A humble servant of Islam,

-Whalid Safodien

          The Feather  Pen