The Politics of the Moon: Rabitah’s Quest for Division Disguised as Unity

The Politics of the Moon: Rabitah’s Quest for Division Disguised as Unity By Adebisi Olaide Idris In recent weeks, a new controversy has emerged within the Muslim community in Nigeria, particularly in Yoruba land. The League of Ulama and Imams, led by Rabitah, has declared that they will determine the start of Ramadan using astrological calculations. Their Mufti has claimed that their findings place the beginning of Ramadan, March 1st. They base this on the opinion of some scholars and an interpretation of Hadith by Abdullah Ibn Abbas, arguing that the key factor in determining the start of Ramadan is the birthing of the new moon rather than its sighting. On the surface, this might seem like an effort to bring about unity among Muslims by ensuring that all start fasting on the same day using scientific methods. However, a closer look reveals a more dangerous agenda—one that could further divide Nigerian Muslims rather than unify them. Robito, which has historically been a f...