On 6 April 2010 a delegation visited His Eminence Ayatullah Seyyid Sistani at his residence in Najaf to discuss primarily the issues relating to his rulings on crescent sighting.

The team consisted of Husseinbhai Jiwa (President of CoEJ), Seyed Mohamed Naqvi (Executive Councillor and Head of HAT), Sh. Mustafabhai Jaffer (President of Hujjat Stanmore), Br Shabbir Merali (Executive Councillor CoEJ) and Br Ahmedbhai Dungersi.

The delegation initially met the son of His Eminence Seyyid Mohamedreza Sistani and conveyed the concerns of the community in regard to the above subject. Seyyid Mohamedreza immediately responded by saying that they understand the problem and have decided to give guidance to the worldwide community directly from Najaf for the months of Ramadhan and Shawwal. When asked if this was the change of ruling of His Eminence that the first of the month is not established by the verdict of a mujtahid, he promptly responded by saying this was not a change of ruling rather only a guidance from Najaf. He added that the experts in Najaf and elsewhere will carefully study the astronomical possibilities in various regions and recommend/guide the communities accordingly. He also asked CoEJ to provide its rationale two weeks prior to the beginning of the month for expert consideration and provided his personal email address to expedite communication.

The delegation was then taken to meet His Eminence to confirm the discussions with his son. His Eminence confirmed that his office will give guidance for the months of Ramadhan and Shawwal. For clarity he was asked again and confirmed that this was not a change in ruling but only guidance from his office in Najaf.

ASHURA

When asked about Ashura, His Eminence very firmly expressed that Ashura is a very important day in the Islamic calendar and should be observed on the same day when the majority observe. To seek further clarification, he was asked if it was our duty to inform the people of the actual Islamic date, he responded by saying there is no need to do this as this will create unnecessary confusion in the minds of the people. He repeated this entire message to the delegation twice in the meeting.

Agreed by:-