Muharram, The Start of A New Year

[Ummati]

The Sacred Month of Muharram

by Asma Binte Shameem

The month of Muharram is here and alhumdulilah we begin another Hijri year, 1433.

Just as the devout Muslim eagerly awaits any chance to earn good deeds and gain Allaah’s Good Pleasure, and is careful not to transgress any boundaries, we should prepare ourselves.

Muharram is one of the four months that are SACRED in the eyes of Allah.

“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve (in a year): It was so ordained, by Allaah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein…” [al-Tawbah 9:36]

These four months, according to the Prophet (pbuh) are Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. (Bukhaari)

Be EXTRA CAREFUL about SINS this Month

Due to its sacredness, any bad deeds done during the sacred months are WORSE than in other months.

Qutaadah said concerning the ayah (so wrong not yourselves therein…) that “Wrongdoing during the sacred months is more serious and more sinful that wrongdoing at any other time. Wrongdoing at any time is a serious matter, but Allaah gives more weight to whichever of His commands He wants….” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer)

Do EXTRA GOOD DEEDS this Month

Similarly, good deeds during this month bring a greater reward than in other months.

Ibn ‘Abbaas said in the tafseer for the above Ayah, that good deeds done during the four sacred months bring a greater reward. (Ibn Katheer)

Pay special attention to FASTING:

Fasting during the month of Muharram has special meaning and the Prophet (pbuh) has highly encouraged it.

Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) said: ‘The best of fasting after Ramadaan is fasting Allaah’s month of Muharram.’” (Muslim).

Fast on the Day of 'Aashooraa(10th Muharram)

[Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “The Prophet (pbuh) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Aashooraa’. He said, ‘What is this?’ They said, ‘This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Moosa fasted on this day.’ He (pbuh) said, ‘We have more right to Moosa than you,’ so he fasted on that day and commanded [the Muslims] to fast on that day.” (Bukhaari)

If one fasts on the 10th of Muharram, Allaah will forgive the sins of the previous year.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “For fasting the day of ‘Aashooraa’, I hope that Allaah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.” (Muslim)

Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “I never saw the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Aashooraa’.” (Bukhaari).

It is Mustahabb to fast the 9th of Muharram as well

It is mustahabb to fast on both the ninth and tenth days, because the Prophet (pbuh) fasted on the tenth, and intended to fast on the ninth. But, it is OK to fast only the 10th as well.

Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “When the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) fasted on ‘Aashooraa’ and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.’ The Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) said, ‘If I live to see the next year, insha Allaah, we will fast on the ninth day too.’ But it so happened that the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) passed away before the next year came.” (Muslim)

Some Misconceptions and Baseless Traditions

There are many wrong traditions associated with the Day of Aashooraa and Muharram, which have nothing to do with the Shariah. We have to guard ourselves from falling into these wrong traditions and bid’ah because this is also sin.

1) Some other people attribute the sanctity of Aashooraa to the martyrdom of Husain, RA. No doubt, the story of Husain, RA is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of 'Ashura' cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of 'Ashura' was established during the days of the Prophet (pbuh) , much earlier than the birth of his grandson Husain.

2) Some people consider Muharram an evil or unlucky month, for Husain, RA was killed in it. So they don’t hold weddings, and other celebrations during this month. This is again a baseless concept, which is contrary to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah. Having superstitions, such as this, is committing a kind of shirk since one associates a particular event or person with having power to harm or do good and only Allaah is the One Who has power over all things.

3)Some people think it is Sunnah to prepare a particular type of meal on the 10th, and they hold big gatherings for this purpose. This, again has no basis in the Sharee‘ah.

4) Some people mourn and lament over the death of Hussain RA and hold special ceremonies for this very purpose.
However, the Prophet (pbuh) has forbidden us from holding mourning ceremonies on the death of any person, which was the practice of the people of jahiliyyah (ignorance).

"He is not from our group who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah." (Bukhaari)

And if you really think about it, it is the greatest merit and reward that Hussain RA received, when he attained martyrdom for the sake of Allaah.

5) Some people go to the other extreme and dress up and cook special dishes, etc. as a kind of celebration for this Day and that is ALSO against the Quraan and Sunnah.

6) Others hold special prayers or offer sacrifice or visit the graves, specifically on the 10th of Muharram, thinking that there is special reward or meaning for doing so in the Sharee’ah and this is also a kind of bid’ah that one should stay away from.

In Conclusion:

Our behavior during this month should be like the behavior of the Sahabah, not one of mourning, neither one of celebration. Rather, we should value Muharram as one of Allaah’s sacred months in which we should strive to do good deeds and be extra careful of sinning. We should try and fast as much as we can in this month, especially the 9th and 10th. We should not be superstitious about it (or for anything else, for that matter) and if someone wants to get married during it, they may. We should not cook special meals on the 10th and if someone invites us for such a meal, we should not go.

[Ummati]

Lets take a journey back into time..

What really signifies the new year? What marks it? What makes it so special?

[iloveAllah]

www.fahmedeen.org/new/file-2935-Nae%20Saal%20Ka%20Paigham%20(27-11-2011).html

[iloveAllah]

A New Year to rejoice?


(Please note that it is not appropriate in Islam to wish anyone happy New Year or to celebrate it as this is the practice of the pagans and other non-Muslims and has no root in Islam hence we should strictly stay away from such innovations.)

As the clock strikes twelve on the night of 31st December, we all start wishing each other a “happy new year”. We hear fireworks and gunshots in celebration of this glorious moment. But is this moment really all that auspicious, all that glorious?

After all that happened in 2011 we still have the audacity to wish each other a happy new year! Instead of going about wishing everyone and watching the fireworks did we even stop for a second and think about how 2011 was exactly? Or that what did we achieve this year? How many times did we say the right thing and stand up for what was right? But, hey, all that is really not important is it? The only thing important is that it’s a new year despite the fact that we wasted like the last 21 years or so of our lives. That’s really no big deal, because we have gotten another year and let’s just hope that this will be better than the last one because the last year could have had been SO much better. We actually just shut our eyes and update statuses on facebook and wish for the year to be a better one but did we do ANYTHING, anything at all, to make it better?

"What is done is done and cannot be changed. Why live my life worrying about the past and why not enjoy the little things in life?”

This is one of the many optimistic approaches taken up by people. In fact, they are not completely wrong in thinking that way either, because really what is done is done. The lives that were lost are lost. The people who lost the right track have really stayed off the track. And the lies that were not exposed have stayed hidden. The things not set right out of fear of authorities have created an insurmountable anxiety and further deteriorated the low faith. What could I have done anyway? I am just one person. But weren’t all the people who initiated a change individuals themselves? How can we expect change from Imran Khan or any other political leader for that matter when we aren’t ready to change our own selves?

We have become so lazy, so de-motivated, so selfish, that we watch the news, we see each day more people dying, more people becoming a victim of a horrific vicious cycle and yet we go on about our lives celebrating events that our not even a part of our own religion! So eager are we to celebrate events and enjoy life because we can’t always think about the miseries of our country.

But do you know why we can’t always think about it and why we need avenues to divert our attention? It is because we have not been the direct victims of all that we see in the television and all that we so enthusiastically debate about. It’s easy to go about our own businesses when we are not the ones suffering, the only tragedy is that while we thank God (only hypothetically of course, not all of us have the time to thank God either) that we are safe and sound in such conditions, we fail to realize that the people dying are our own people. When we turn a blind eye to our own people being killed then we are as much blameworthy as are the authorities that we so boldly accuse.

Coming back to where we started from; what exactly did we do all year round that we are so happy about? My own daily routine would be a good place to start from. I would sleep a lot, then waste time over the internet, do some university related work, apart from that most of my time would be spent at university while I moved from one class to the other, in between hanging out with friends, and then of course food and entertainment were also a big part of my routine. How productive was I? Did I improve as a person over the year? I doubt so. Did I make anyone happy at the cost of my own happiness? Just the very sound of it is funny. So where do I stand? I stand at the edge of a cliff from where I only look up not realizing that I’ll fall if I take a wrong step, not realizing that there was a reason I was sent up here in the first place. And that I wasn’t sent here to just stand and enjoy myself but was sent here for a reason. There is a much higher purpose for us being here than being deluded by meaningless festivities and finding pointless reasons to enjoy ourselves.

But what do I do? I keep wondering. I keep thinking. I keep procrastinating. I keep sleeping with this intention that may be tomorrow I would wake up. May be tomorrow would be a better day. May be tomorrow would not be that bad after all. I wait and wait and wait. There is just this fear though, that there may come a point from which there is no return. What would I do then? Would I just forfeit then and give up my life? Or would I break all the barriers and stand up for what is right? Every second that I wasted flashes right in front of my eyes now. Maybe I could have said something better. Maybe I could have dealt with that particular situation in a better way. Maybe I could have spoken the truth rather than feeling guilty later. Maybe what my mother advised me was really for my benefit. Maybe all the times she scolded me; she was really trying to make me a better person. If only I knew.

But I know now and I will remember all of it hopefully. Would tomorrow be a different day then, or would it be the same day but just a different year?

P.S.: Time to go to sleep again. Tomorrow is another day.
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If only we knew what the cost of everything is that we so easily forego:

monetary, social, societal and religious. If only I knew. I wanted to learn Arabic. I was too lazy to do so. I wanted to memorize the Qur’an. I hardly learned a few verses. I wanted to serve my religion. I stayed at my home, made myself feel cozy, updated awe-inspiring statuses on facebook; was that not enough? After all I was doing the right thing and calling people to Islam while not even leaving my bed. How very convenient?

It is sad really the situation of US Muslims today. No I am not talking about the Muslims in the U.S.A. but I am talking about us Muslims; I’m talking about me and you. We are in a despicable position and the worst part is that we are proud of it!! If we cursed someone today and made him feel bad, we are proud of it. If we can mimic someone behind their backs, we are proud of it. If we waste a lot of time while sleeping, on facebook, or just doing random stuff then we are proud of even that. What we are not proud of is the fact that we are Muslims! We are ashamed of talking about our religion when we are in our group of friends. Yet we enjoy all sorts of vulgar stories and childish jokes each and every time. They never get old, do they? All of this is so disturbing that it’s actually not even funny.

We love talking about change and how we are so up for it. Oh look how we are the proponents of change and how we would like to end the miserable situation of this state! But did we care to stand up, leave our homes, and take a look at our very own neighborhood? Did we care to leave our home for the house of God to ask from Him? Did we even bother asking our Creator, the Sustainer, the Lord of the entire universe, and the Provider of all to remove us from this miserable state? Did we ever care to do that? We love complaining to others about our sorry state but did we just even once disclose our worries to our Loving God. Did we, despite having the means to, improve the life of the beggar across the street by providing him with food and/or shelter? Did we EVEN approach him with a smile and greeted him as if he was a human being? Did we do that? Or did we just go past him like he was some object lying on the street? It is sad really the situation we are in; the situation I am in. We call ourselves Muslims when we are not even deserving of being called human beings.

We call ourselves crème de la crème. Fancy name, isn’t it? But do we even justify our worth? What are we? What am I? What are you? Aren’t we all created from that very same fluid that was so impure it would make impure anything it landed on and yet God gave us this beautiful shape? Why exactly then am I better than anyone else? Is it because I have more knowledge than the one who cannot afford it? Oh yes I am well educated am I not? I just happen to lie though, cheat in my exams, copy stuff for reports/assignments, speak in a loud voice with my parents, indulge in frivolous and vulgar talks with friends, waste my time on the internet, tv, and cell phone; I am more educated though mind that! I can put my shades on, wear branded clothes, put on perfume, and walk on the face of the Earth with pride. Who are you to stop me from doing that?

I just wonder why the companions of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) then have such a tough time after his demise? Why did they have to leave their homes in Medina to start their journey to the rest of the world to call the people to Islam? Why would they leave their homes for 30 years, to come back and not even be able recognize their own sons? Why would they set out to cross the oceans to inform them of the purpose of life? Why didn’t they just sit at home and make poetry, just like I am writing this article, and read it out loud to those around them? Wouldn’t that have sufficed? Well maybe it was just an injunction on THEM, right? And all of that is not for me.

And aren’t there people in the Masjid who have the same responsibility, so why should I bother then? Interestingly I was born a Muslim and raised up in an educated Muslim family, Alhamdulillah! But did I choose that for myself or was this just ONE of the many amazing blessings of Allah (S.W.T) on me? Or is the person who is born handicapped is so because he was at some fault? Did that illiterate person earn the anger of Allah and hence he’s poor and illiterate? For me this life is a blessing and for those in difficulty it is a test. What if I was in their place? What if I was born handicapped, mentally retarded, and with no parents to look after me? What would I do then? Wouldn’t even I beg for a living, having no other means to survive, and then wouldn’t I be rebuked as well and be told not to do such a horrific thing (just like I tell the beggars not to do so now)?

2012 COULD be the year of change and I desperately wish it is! I wish for it to be the year that I change for the better; the year that I speak the truth and invite others to do what is good and stop them from doing what is bad. I wish this to be the year that I make a deliberate effort to serve my religion, the year in which I am concerned about my brother just like I am concerned about myself, the year about which I can really say that yes this was the year I had been waiting for all my life and the year that builds the foundation for the rest of my life till I pass away.


wwwabouttime-dw.blogspot.com/

[Ummati]

The Month Of Muharram


By: Shaykh Mufti Taqi Uthmaani (Hafidhahullah)



Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran says,

“The number of the months according to Allah is twelve months (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day in which He created heavens and the earth. Among these (twelve months) there are four sanctified…” (Surah 9, Ayah 36)

These four months, according to the authentic traditions are the months of Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Holy Quran are unanimous on this point, because the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj, has declared: One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab.

The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadhan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that their sanctity was accepted even by the pagans of Makkah. In fact, every month, out of the twelve, is originally equal to the other, and there is no inherent sanctity which may be able which may be attributed to one of them in comparison to the other months. When Allah Almighty chooses a particular time for His special blessings, the same acquires sanctity out of His grace. Thus, the sanctity of these four months was recognized right from the days of Sayyidina Ibrahim (Alayhis salaam). Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to Sayyidina Ibrahim (Alayhis salaam) they observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months. In the Shariah of our Noble Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Quran referred to them as the “sanctified months”. The month of Muharram has certain other characteristics peculiar to it which are specified below.


Fasting During Muharram

The Noble Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said: “The most excellent fast after Ramadan is God's month, al-Muharram...” (Sahih Muslim)

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet, the one who fasts in these days out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the Nafl fasts i.e. the fasts one observes out of his own choice without being obligatory on him. The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.


The day of ‘Ashurah’

Although the month of Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named ‘Ashurah’. According to the Holy Companion Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhiallaahu Anhu). The Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), when migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa (Moses) (Alayhis salaam) and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said,

“We are more closely rotated to Musa (Alayhis salaam) than you” and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of ‘Ashura’. (Abu Dawood)

It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ was obligatory for the Muslims. It was later that the fasts of Ramadhan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of ‘Ashura’ was made optional. Sayyidina ‘Aisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) has said:

“When the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) came to Madinah, he fasted on the day of ‘Ashura’ and directed the people to fast it. But when the fasts of Ramadhan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadhan and the obligatory nature of the fast of ‘Ashura’ was abandoned. Whoever so desires should fast on it and any other who so likes can avoid fasting on it.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)

However, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to fast on the day of ‘Ashura’ even after the fasting in Ramadhan was made obligatory. Abdullah ibn Musa (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) preferred the fast of ‘Ashura’ on the fasts of other days and preferred the fasts of Ramadhaan on the fast of ‘Ashura’. (Bukhari and Muslim)

In short, it is established through a number of authentic Hadiths that fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ is Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and makes one entitled to a great reward.

According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of ‘Ashura’ should either be prefixed or suffixed by another fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th of it. The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is that the Jews used to fast on the day of ‘Ashura alone, and the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) wanted to distinguish the Muslim way of fasting from that of Jews. Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to that of ‘Ashura’. Some traditions signify another feature of the day of ‘Ashura. According to these traditions one should be more generous to his family by providing more food to them on this day as compared to other days. These traditions are not very authentic according to the science of Hadith. Yet, some Scholars like Baihaqi and Ibn Hibban have accepted them as reliable. What is mentioned above is all that is supported through authentic sources about Ashura.


Misconceptions Regarding Ashura

However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to ‘Ashura’ that have managed to find their way into the minds of the ignorant, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very common of them are these: This is the day in which Adam (Alayhis salaam) was created. This is the day in which Ibrahim was born. This is the day in which Allah accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam (Alayhis salaam) This is the day on which the Qiyaamah (doomsday) will take place. Whoever takes bath in the day of ‘Ashura’ will never get ill.

All these and other similar whims and fancies are totally baseless and the traditions referred to in this respect are not worthy of any credit. Furthermore, some people take it as Sunnah to prepare a particular type of meal in the day of ‘Ashura’. This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources.


Attributing Sanctity of Muharram to Hazrat Hussain’s Martyrdom and Considering it Unlucky

Some other people attribute the sanctity of ‘Ashura’ to the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain (Radhiallaahu Anhu) during his battle with the Syrian army. No doubt, the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain (Radhiallaahu Anhu) is one of the most tragic episodes of our history.

Yet, the sanctity of ‘Ashura’ cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of ‘Ashura’ was established during the days of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) much earlier than the birth of Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Anhu). On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Anhu) that his martyrdom took place on the day of ‘Ashura’.

Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Sayyidna Husain was martyred in it. It is for this misconception that people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram. This is again a baseless concept which is contrary to the express teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah.

Such superstitions have been totally negated by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). If the death of an eminent person in a particular day renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a day, free from this bad luck, out of 360 days of the whole year, because each and every day has a history of the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) have made us free from such superstitious beliefs, and they should deserve no attention.


Mourning Ceremonies in Muharram

Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mouming ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Anhu). As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of jahiliyyah (ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying “Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon”. A number of authentic Ahaadith are available on the subject. To quote only one of them:

“He is not from our group who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah“. (Sahih Bukhari)

All the authentic jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is absolutely impermissible.

Even Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Anhu) at shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Sayyidah Zainab (Radhiallaahu Anha) at not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said,

“My dear sister, I swear upon you that you, in case I die, shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death”. (Al-Kamil, ibn Kathir vol. 4 pg. 24)

It is evident from this advice of Sayyidna Husain, (Radhiallaahu Anhu) that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his beloved grandchild Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Anhu).