Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad Replaces Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman [Reactions]

During the 2 decades that Mufti Muneeb was in office, he dealt with a lot of criticism. Now, his followers unite in his defense.

Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman

Pakistan’s Ruat-e-Hilal Committee was formed back in 1974 – under a resolution passed by the National assembly. No rules or regulations have been set in place for this committee as of yet. However, we know that its members are responsible for new moon sightings in Pakistan. Peshawar marks the beginning of Ramadan and Shawal a day earlier than the rest of Pakistan because of this committee. Recently its chairman Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman was replaced by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad. And people seem pissed!

 

 

Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman was appointed by the government as the chairman of Ruat-e-Hilal in 2000. The 75-year-old went through a lot of thick and thins in 20 years. Previously, the Mufti did not allow witnesses from other Muslim sects to be involved in the moon sightings.

As a result, Peshawar’s Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai sat down with his own separate committee. And Peshawar celebrated Islamic days on separate dates. Not only this, but he also had an on-going feud with the Federal Minister for Science and Technology. Fawad Chaudhry has often called the Grand Mufti ‘outdated’.

 

 

Despite all the controversial debates, the committee continues to exist. But if you’re upset with Mufti Muneeb getting replaced, you’re not alone!

Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad is the Khateeb of Lahore’s famous Badshahi Mosque. He is now the chairman, after a reshuffle of the 19-member committee.

Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman and his followers

Netizens showed mixed reaction to this news. Most of the Tweets, however, are in favor of Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman. His followers believe this step by the government will prove to be a grave mistake.

Let’s take a look at what some people have said:

 

https://twitter.com/MehfoozCh4/status/1344469079399178241

 

https://twitter.com/AliRizvi78/status/1344369782062252033

 

 

https://twitter.com/MianH192/status/1344327417876389899

 

 

https://twitter.com/MianH192/status/1344326965529030659

 

https://twitter.com/AmmarHussainMi1/status/1344850908111372289

 

https://twitter.com/92__XQ/status/1344326801766625283

 

 

https://twitter.com/TLPzia/status/1344325026795966464

This Twitter user took to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Tweet to express his concerns:

 

 

The Opponents

If you don’t agree with the Tweets above, there’s more! Some Twitteratis are praising the government’s decision to remove Mufti Muneeb from this position.

Here’s what they have to say:

 

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/syed_mtaqi/status/1344329219216605186

 

https://twitter.com/Parmakhtia/status/1344339378420772870

 

The unbothered

Meanwhile, there were also some people who were unbothered by this news. They believe the whole concept of the committee is wrong and that it should be dissolved.

 

 

 

Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman Reponds

Do you know how Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman responded to his removal? The former chairman of the Ruat-e-Hilal Committee is launching a campaign against the government. Seems like he is going to focus on FATF-related law now. What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments section.

 


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