The Gregorian calendar

Question:-

As mentioned in the following Wikipedia article, ‘A.D.’ is said to be an abbreviation of a medieval Latin phrase which translates in English as “in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ”. In view of this, what is the ruling with regards to using A.D. by Muslims when using the Gregorian Calendar. Should people be strongly advised to use the abbreviation C.E. (Common Era) or can the use of A.D. be overlooked.

Link to Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anno_Domini

Answer:-

It is imperative that we, as Muslims, follow and adhere to the teachings of the Quraan-e-Majeed and the Mubarak Sunnah of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam at all times. Allah Ta’ala states in the Quraan-e-Majeed:

اَلۡیَوۡمَ اَکۡمَلۡتُ لَکُمۡ دِیۡنَکُمۡ وَ اَتۡمَمۡتُ عَلَیۡکُمۡ نِعۡمَتِیۡ وَ رَضِیۡتُ لَکُمُ الۡاِسۡلَامَ دِیۡنًا

Today I have perfected your religion for you and I have completed my favours upon you and I am pleased with Islam as a Deen (way of life) for you.

After researching the abbreviation ‘AD’ we have reached the conclusion that it does have some connotations of Kufr in it. The abbreviation ‘AD’ refers to a Latin phrase “Anno Domini” which translates as, “In the year of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  

The Quraan Sharif confirms that Hadrat Essa Alaihis Salaam is a Nabi and servant of Allah Ta’ala, whereas the above-mentioned abbreviation contradicts the teachings of the Quraan Sharif.

Therefore, we, as Muslims, should avoid using this abbreviation and strive in using the Islamic Calendar. However, if the people of an area are not accustomed to using the Islamic calendar and there is a need to quote the Gregorian calendar, then doing so on the basis of necessity will be permitted. However, the abbreviation ‘A.D.’ should be omitted.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:-

Maulana Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 12 Jumadal Ukhra 1444 / 05 January 2023

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai