Muharram
The Islamic calendar starts with the month of Muharram, considered as
sacred. The word muharram comes from the Arabic word “haraam” which
means “Prohibition”. Why such a name, which moreover appears a little
severe allotted to the first month of the islamic calendar?
We notice, for example, particularly in the holy koran, that Allah
“thus” calls the great mosque of Makkah “Masjid-il-haraam”, “the Mosque
of prohibition”. Also the dress worn by the pilgrims in the enclosure
of this mosque is also called “Ihraam” which means “the forbidden” and
that the one who is in the state of ihraam is thus called the “Muhrim”
which means “the one who is under prohibition”…
The reasons of all these similar names which all are derived from the
same significance are very simple, reagarding the great mosque of
Makkah shareef, before the arrival of Islam on this ground, this place
was infested by idols everywhere and the idolaters were in total
perdition compared to the unicity of Allah ta’ala. Islam came to cut
down the idolatrous thus cleaning this sacred mosque.
As for the dress, those who bear it during the pilgrimage, are under
total interdiction of sin, even about actions which in normal time
would be allowed to him such as for example making a cajolery with
one’s wife or husband, under the state of Ihraam, the muhrim stay under
prohibition.
Regarding the month of Muharram, which marks the beginning of a new
year of the islamic calendar, the moral reason wants that the best way
to begin a new year is to avoid making sins, such a name allotted to
this month, which inter alia comprises the famous “Yawm-e-`Aashourah”,
the chief of all days (daytimes), celebrated on the 10th day of
Muharram.
We wish you all a Happy Hijri New Year with the blessings (barkats) of Allah ta’ala.
“Kullu `aam wa antum bi khaÿr”
“Nayaa saal Mubaarak”
The Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar is called the Hijrah. Hijrah means ‘migration’
and in this context, it refers to the migration of the last Messenger of
Allah, Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) from Makkah to
Madeenah. Although the Islamic calendar was implemented backdating from
the 16th of July 622 CE, during the caliphate of the second caliph, Umar
Ibn Al Khattab (Radiyallahu Anhu), it begins from the Hijrah of the
Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) from Makkah
to Madeenah.
Islamic calendar follows the cycles of the moon, therefore, is a
lunar calendar. It has approximately 355 days in a year (354 days, eight
hours and 42 minutes to be exact). Hence, in the Islamic calendar, the
days are approximately ten or eleven days shorter than the Gregorian
(Solar) calendar which have 365 days.
The companions of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam)
felt a need to establish a permanent system to record the various
Islamic events with one common point of reference. This issue was
discussed when Umar Ibn Al Khattab (Radiyallahu Anhu) was the Caliph.
They wanted to establish a common reference point for all Islamic
events.
Before the Islamic calendar was put in use, people of Makkah and Madeenah used to record or refer to the events with reference to the year of the elephant. This year is known in the history after a very unusual event. That year, the Governor of Yemen, Abraha, marched to destroy the Kabah. He had an elephant with him. His army was destroyed by Allah before they could reach Makkah. That event became memorable because it was the first time an elephant was seen in that part of the world.
Before the Islamic calendar was put in use, people of Makkah and Madeenah used to record or refer to the events with reference to the year of the elephant. This year is known in the history after a very unusual event. That year, the Governor of Yemen, Abraha, marched to destroy the Kabah. He had an elephant with him. His army was destroyed by Allah before they could reach Makkah. That event became memorable because it was the first time an elephant was seen in that part of the world.
The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) was
also born in the year of the elephant. According to most historians, the
event of the elephant took place on the 17th day of the first month of
the lunar calendar called Muharram. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu
Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) was born 40 or 50 days after this event in
the month of Rabi Ul Awwal. Muslims at that time used both of these
events:
1. The attack of Abraha’s army with an elephant and
2. The birth of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam)
2. The birth of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam)
as their points of reference while recording or referring to various
events. Muslims also used a third point of reference. It was the day and
the year when Allah chose Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi
Wassallam) as His last Messenger.
Abu Musa Ashari (Radiyallahu Anhu), a prominent Sahabah who was
appointed Governor of Syria during the Caliphate of Umar (Radiyallahu
Anhu), began to face problems in recording the every day events as there
was the absence of a permanent point of reference. He thus wrote to
Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) about this problem. Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) then
consulted Usmaan Ibn Al Affan (Radiyallahu Anhu), Ali Ibn Abi Talib
(Alaihis Salam) and several other prominent Sahabah (Radiyallahu Anhum).
All of them agreed for ending the confusion by providing a single point
of reference. They all suggested to start an Islamic calendar.
Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) got the Islamic calendar prepared after almost eighteen years after the Hijrah (Migration) of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam). The Islamic calendar (Hijrah) was thus implemented from the 20th day of Jamadul Aakhir (Sixth month of the Islamic calendar)
Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) got the Islamic calendar prepared after almost eighteen years after the Hijrah (Migration) of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam). The Islamic calendar (Hijrah) was thus implemented from the 20th day of Jamadul Aakhir (Sixth month of the Islamic calendar)
The Islamic calendar also has 12 months like the Gregorian one. Each
month of the Islamic calendar could be either 29 or 30 days long,
depending upon the visibility of the moon. Seven months of the Islamic
calendar are of 30 days and the remaining five are of 29. The first day
of the month start after the sighting of the moon. Today, the days and
months are calculated in advance, based on the lunar movements. This
practice began almost 150 years after the Hijrah (Migration) of the
Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam). The
beginning of Ramadan (9th month of the Islamic calendar), Eid Al Fitr,
Hajj (Pilgrimage to the Kabah) and other Islamic events, are always
announced only after the sighting of the moon.
The Twelve Months of the Islamic Calendar are as follows:
1. Muharram Ul Haraam
2. Safar Ul Muzaffar
3. Rabi Ul Awwal
4. Rabi Ul Aakhir
5. Jumad Ul Awwal
6. Jumad Ul Aakhir
7. Rajab Ul Murajjab
8. Shaabaan Ul Mu’azzam
9. Ramadan Ul Kareem
10. Shawwaal
11. Zil Qadr
12. Zil Hajj
1. Muharram Ul Haraam
2. Safar Ul Muzaffar
3. Rabi Ul Awwal
4. Rabi Ul Aakhir
5. Jumad Ul Awwal
6. Jumad Ul Aakhir
7. Rajab Ul Murajjab
8. Shaabaan Ul Mu’azzam
9. Ramadan Ul Kareem
10. Shawwaal
11. Zil Qadr
12. Zil Hajj
Allah mentions four sacred months in Quran:
“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a
year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the
heavens and the earth that of them, four are Sanctified (Zil Qadr, Zil
Hajj, Muharram, Rajab). (Surah Taubah, Verse 36)
Arabs considered these four months sacred before Islam. They did not
fight and avoided traveling during these four sacred months, but in the
pre-Islamic era, different tribes used to change the sequence of the
months to suit their needs. For instance, if they were on a business
trip and one of the sacred months approached, they used to swap the
sacred month with some other month so that they can continue their trip.
They used to do the same while fighting.
Islam changed that and the sequencing of the months of the Islamic
calendar became non-swappable. Allah (God) has also mentioned about
maintaining the sanctity of the sacred months:
“O you who believe! Violate not the sanctity of the Symbols of Allah, nor of the Sacred Month.” (Surah Al Maidah, Verse 2)
The four sacred months are not mentioned by name in the Holy Quran, but their names are available from the Ahadith or saying of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam). In his farewell Khutbah (Sermon) he declared:
The four sacred months are not mentioned by name in the Holy Quran, but their names are available from the Ahadith or saying of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam). In his farewell Khutbah (Sermon) he declared:
“Time has completed its cycle and is as it was on the Day when Allah
created the heavens and the earth. One year consists of twelve months,
of which four are sanctified. Three of them are in sequence: Zil Qadr,
Zil Hajj, Muharram and the fourth is Rajab of Mudar which comes between
Jamadul Aakhir and Shaabaan.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Muslims should live by a code of conduct ordained by Allah (God) that
was demonstrated by His last Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi
Wassallam) for all the times to come and they should pay special
attention to respect the four months. Allah (God) has Commanded Muslims
not to commit sins during these sacred months. Committing sins any time
is bad, but committing sins during these sacred months is even worse.
Swafar
The second month of the Islamic calendar is the month of Swafar.
It is a month which is regarded as “heavy”. Heavy in terms of misfortunes (balaa). The chief of all the awliya-Allah, Hazrat Sayyidina Abdul Qaadir Jîlaani (r.a) said that Allah ta’ala created 10 diseases and that 9 arrive in the month of Swafar and the remainder is assigned in the eleven remaining months.
It is for that reason that it is necessary to do many ibaadats during
the month of Swafar, namaz nafils, swadaqa and to ask du’as so that
Allah ta’ala protects us from all these misfortunes.
The very day the moon of Swafar is visible, read, after the namaz
Isha, 4 raka’ats of namaz nafils with the niyyat (intention) to obtain
the protection of Allah ta’ala, as follows:
- 1st raka’at: sourah al-Faatihah + sourah al-Kaafiroun
- 2nd raka’at: sourah al-Faatihah + sourah al-Ikhlaas
- 3rd raka’at: sourah al-Faatihah + aourah al-Falaq
- 4th raka’at: sourah al-Faatihah + sourah an-Naas
After the salaam, read 70 times the Darood shareef, 21 times the 3rd
kalimah and then ask your du’as and among others, of the du’a for
protection.
Also, at last wednesday of the month of Swafar, read 2 raka’ats of
namaz nafil and in each raka’at, after sourah al-Faatihah read 11 times
sourah al-Ikhlaas. After the salaam, read Darood shareef and 21 times
“Iyyaaka na’budu wa iyyaaka nasta’iin”. By the virtue of this namaz
nafil, one will be insha-Allah protected.
It is to be reminded that it is the last wednesday of the month of
Swafar which the holy Prophet had started his short period of sickness
and was wafaat (deceased) the 12th day of the following month of
Rabbi-`ul-Awwal.
It should be noted that the name of that month is “Swafar” and not
“Safar” because it is not regular that some people will make an
excursion like a picnic at the seaside or whatever under the pretext of
Swafar.
May Allah ta’ala protects all of us during this month. Aameen.
Rabbi-‘ul-Awwal
It is during this holy month of Rabbi-‘ul-Awwal (Rabbi-‘ul-oulaa)
that Allah sub’haanahu-wa-ta’ala had chosen to send on earth (that is
to make take birth) his beloved and last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad
Mustwafaa as a blessing for the worlds that is the whole universe. He
took birth on the 12th day of the month of Rabbi-‘ul-awwal, is was a
monday, at the time of Subha-saadiq, which is day dawn, during the year
of the event of the elephant (waaqi’a-e-Feel) according to the most
authentic report. According to the gregorian calendar, it was on August
20, year 570 of the Christian era.
It should be noted that the 12th of the month of Rabbi-‘ul-Awwal is
not only the famous Meelaad-un-Nabi (birth of the holy Prophet ), but
also the date of his wafaat (death), it was a Monday too, of the 11th
year of Hijrat (11 Hijri), i.e the 8th of june of the year 632
according to the Gregorian calendar.
It should be pointed out that we, muslims of the “Ahlé sunnat wal
jama’at” conviction, always celebrate the birth of the holy messenger
of Allah, since he is alive and will always stay alive till the day of
qiyaamat (the end of this world and time) and even beyond.
When the new moon of Rabbi-‘ul-Awwal become visible, perform after
the namaz Maghrib, 2 raka’ats of namaz nafil as follows: in each
raka’at, after the sourah al-Faatihah, read 3 times the sourah
al-Ikhlaass. After the salaam, lisez 100 times the Darood shareef and
do Isaale-thawaabs unto all beloveds of Allah, that is, the prophets,
sahaabas, taabi’eens, taaba-taabi’eens, swaliheens (grace of Allah be
upon them all).
Also, the awliya-Allah (r.a) advised us to do, from the 1st until
12th day of this sacred month, each day after the namaz Isha, 4
raka’ats of namaz nafil, in each raka’at after the sourah al-Faatihah,
read 21 times the sourah al-Ikhlaass. After the salaam, read the sourah
Yaaseen et and do du’a Iswaale-thawaab. If you don’t get the
opportunity to do this special namaz nafil during these 12 days, do it
if possible every 10 days of Rabbi-‘ul-Awwal or otherwise the 1th, 2nd,
8th, 10th et 12th or if you really don’t have such occasions, do it at
least on the 12th day. On doing this special namaz nafil, many
awliya-Allah (r.a) got the great and priceless gift to see the holy
Prophet in dreams and the latter even told them : « You are mine ».
During this blessed month of the birth of the holy Prophet , we make
many ceremonies of Meelaad and speeches on the life of the holy Prophet
. Indeed, many people nowadays think that these ceremonies are not
compulsory, but a true believer can’t remain insensitive to the arrival
among us of the one that Allah himself consider as the blessing for
the worlds ! After all, the whole Koran isn’t it a praise to the holy
Prophet ? So, celebrating the holy messenger of Allah is a
sunnate-Ilaahi (principle of Allah himself) and it is logic that whilst
doing it, we will reep the blessings of Allah tabaaraka-wa-ta’ala.
Aameen!
Happy festivals of Eid-e-Meelaad-un-Nabi Mubaarak to all of you!
Rabbi-`ul-Aakhir
The 4th month of the Islamic calendar is Rabbi-`ul-Aakhir.
On the third day of the visibility of the moon of this month, after
the namaz Isha, perform 4 raka’ats of namaz nafils, with in each
raka’at, after sourah Al-Faatihah, anyone other sourah you know. After
the salaam, read 111 times “Yaa Badii’u-Yaa Allah ” and then made your
du’as.
Verily it is on the 11th day of this month that was deceased
(wafaat), the Head of all awliya-Allah (friends of Allah) (r.a), Hazrat
Sayyidina Abu Muhammad Shaÿkh Abdul Qaadir Jeelani (r.a) in Baghdad
shareef. It was in the year 561 hijri (1182 gregorian). Among his
innumerable titles: Ghawthé-`Aazam, Ghawthé-Paak, Ghawthus-Swamdaani,
Ghawthuth-Thaqalaÿn, Peeraané-Peer Dastageer, Qutbé-Rabbaani,
Haÿkalin-Nouraani, Swaahibil-`Ishaarati, Muhyinid-deen,
Mahboubé-Subhaani, Sayyidil-Awliya, etc…
Since, the sunnis Muslims throughout the world celebrates the ‘Urs of
this great scholar through programs such as Faatihah,
Tilaawat-ul-Quraan, Khaÿraat and give food to the poor and to all those
who assist. It is a kind of miracle, that so many years after his
death (wafaat), the poor continue to obtain food on his behalf, and
this in many countries through the world where his `urs is celebrated.
Also, for this time, large the `Ulamas (scholars), Shaÿkh (spiritual
heads), Masha-ikhs (spiritual Guides), Muhaddith, Muftis, Imaams of all
the times, have recognized the value and the highness of Hazrat
Sayyidina Ghawth-e-Paak (r.a) and the great honor that Allah granted
him, continue to celebrate the `urs of this Great Saint, who is a true
torch of Islam in his time and who still continues to light the people
(ummat) of the beloved and noble Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustwafa.
Jamaadil-Awwal
The month of Jamaadil-Awwal
The 5th month of the Islamic calendar is the month of Jamaadil-Awwal (Jamaadil-oulaa).
The very day the moon is visible, read after the namaz Isha, 4
raka’ats of namaz nafils as follows: In each raka’at, after sourah
al-Faatihah, read 7 times the sourah an-Nawsr (“Izaa jaaa-a
naswrullaahi wal fathh”). After the salaam, read 25 times this duah:
“Astaghfirullaaha yaa zal jalaali wal ikraam min jamii’ iz-zunoubi wal
aathaam ” (I ask for forgiveness, Ô the one who has anger and kindness,
of all my sins and bad habits). Then, made your du’as (supplications).
Insha-Allah they will be qaboul (accepted), Aameen.
Jamaadil-Aakhir
The month of Jamaadil-Aakhir
The 6th month of the Islamic calendar is Jamaadil-Aakhir (Jamaadith-thâni).
The day that the moon is visible, read, after the namaz Isha, 2
raka’ats of namaz nafils as follows: In each raka’at, after sourah
al-Faatihah, read sourah al-Quraÿsh (“Li-eelaafi quraÿshinn”). After
the salaam, read 1 time the sourah Yousuf. If you cannot read sourah
Yousuf, then read 500 times “Yaa Samii’unn” (Ô the one who always
listen) and then made your du’as.
Rajab
The blessed month of RAJAB
The 7th month of the Islamic calendar is the blessed month of Rajab.
This month contains also the very great night of the “Asraa” and
“Mi’raaj” (the rise towards the skies) of the holy prophet during its
27th night.
Allah ta’ala put many emphasis on the value of this great month and
in the hadiths, for example, the holy Prophet said: “Rajab is a month
for Allah, Sha’baan is a month for me and Ramadwaan is a month for my
people (ummat)” and in another hadith, the messenger of Allah said:
“Rajab is very noble month during which for each good deed of the
believer, Allah ta’ala grants a double reward”.
The holy Prophet showed his people, many virtues for the sacred month
of Rajab and recommended to do many namaz nafils and roza (fast), thus
many ibaadats (acts of worship) during this month.
The very day of the visibility of the moon, after the namaz Isha, read 2 raka’ats of namaz nafil as follows:
- 1st raka’at: after sourah al-Faatihah, 3 times sourah al-Kaafiroun
- 2nd raka’at: after sourah al-Faatihah, 3 times sourah al-Ikhlaas
- after the salaam: read 101 times the 2nd kalimah (kalma-e-Shahaadat)
- then go into sajdah (prostration) and read 11 times “Hasbunallaahu wa ni’mal wakeel, ni’mal mawlaa wa ni’man-nasweerr”
- finally, raise your hands and make your du’as.
In addition, the first Thursday of the month of Rajab is a day full
with virtues. The head of Taabi’eens, Hazrat Uwaÿss Qarni (r.a) reported
to have learned from Hazrat Ali (r.a) who on his turn learned from the
holy Prophet , virtues of first Thursday of Rajab. This day, accomplish
Sehri to fast and after the namaz Fajar, remain sitted at the same place
to make tilaawat (reading) of Quraan, Tasbeeh, Istighfaar (ask Allah
for forgiveness) and then after the rising of the sun, achieve the namaz
nafil Ishraaq at the same place and make your du’as.
During this day, made continuously (a maximum) of Tasbeeh and
Istighfaar. Men will make Iftaar in Masjid (Mosque). After the namaz
Maghrib, read 12 raka’ats of namaz nafil (2 by 2), as follows: in each raka’at, after sourah al-Faatihah, read 3 times sourah al-Qadr (“Innaa anzalnaahu fii laÿlatil Qadr…”) and 3 times sourah al-Ikhlaass. If you do not know sourah al-Qadr, read
12 times sourah al-Ikhlaass after sourah Al-Faatihah. After the salaam,
read 70 times the daroud as follows: “Allaahumma swalli `alaa
sayyidinaa Muhammadin-nabiyyil ummiyyi wa `alaa aalihi wa asw’haabihi wa
baarik wa sallim”. Then you make the sajdah and read 70 times: “Subbouhunn quddousunn rabbunaa wa rabbul malaa-ikati war-rouhh”, then you come up from sajdah and read
70 times: “Rabbighfir warham wa tajaawaz `ammaa ta’lamu fa-innaka antal
`aliyyil `azweem” then you remake a sajdah and read again 70 times
“Subbouhunn quddousunn rabbunaa wa rabbul malaa-ikati war-rouhh” and finally you go again into sajdah, your du’a which will be insha-Allah qaboul (accepted).
The month of Rajab contains a great night, the night of Asraa and Mi’
raaj (Laÿla-tul-Asraa-wal-Mi’ raaj), where the holy Prophet achieved
the celestial voyage to go to visit his Creator Allah subhaanahu wa
ta’aala, this is the 27th night of this month of Rajab. See our file on Mi’raaj and the ibaadats special Mi’ raaj to be made during this blessed night.
Sha’baan
The month of Sha’baan
The 8th month of the Islamic calendar is the holy month of Sha’baan.
It is a month filled of favours, blessings and grace of Allah.
It also contains a great blessed night, the Laÿla-tul-Bara’at (Night of freedom, in urdu “Shabbé-Bara’at”) which is the 15th night of this sacred month. It is also called Laÿla-tun-Niswfé-Sha’baan (the night of the half-Sha’baan).
The word “sha’baan” means Share and distribution since Allah ta’ala
makes the distribution with his creatures, of the different things
essential to their existence, like life (hayaa), death (mawt), food
(rizq), forgiveness (maghfirat), etc… and this for one whole year, until
next Sha’baan.
According to a hadith shareef of Daarmi, Hazrat Anas bin Maalik (r.a)
reports that the holy Prophet specified that this month is called
Sha’baan because in this month, Allah ta’ala distributes many thawaabs
to the mu’minns (believers). And according to a hadith of Baÿhiqi
shareef, Hazrat Bibi `Aïsha Siddiqa (r.a) reports that Nabi-e-kareem
observed many rozas nafils and many ibaadats during the very month of
Sha’baan. The reason is that the holy Prophet precised that the actions
of the believers go up towards Allah ta’ala during this month there and
that he likes that when his actions arise in front of the Creator, he is
meanwhile in the state of roza (fast).
Hazrat Anas bin Maalik (r.a) also reports that since then, as soon as
the moon of Sha’baan is visible, the sahabas (r.a), to imitate the holy
Prophet , began also to practice by achieving more rozas nafils, namaz
nafils, tilaawat-ul-Quraan, charity towards the poor and other good
deeds (‘amal).
The very day of the visibility of the moon of Sha’baan, accomplish after
the namaz Isha, 2 raka’ats nafils. In each raka’at, after sourah
al-Faatihah, read 3 times sourah al-Ikhlaass. After the salaam, read 100
times Darood shareef and made your du’as, among which, that Allah
ta’ala gives us health and courage to make well the ibaadats (acts of
worship) during the month of Sha’baan and after.
Ramadhan
The sacred month of Ramadan, 9th month of
the Islamic calendar is regarded as the most sacred of all the months of
the Islamic calendar. It is during this month full with blessings that
Allah ta’ala (The Almighty) revealed the holy Koran (Al-Quraan), his
last message, considered as the best of all the sacred books, to his
last and most supreme of all the prophets, Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) by
the means of the head of all the angels, Hazrat Jibraïl (a.s) (archangel
Gabriel). In regard and respect to these values, Allah ta’ala imposed
the fast during this sacred month to us. Of course, the fast is
compulsory for all those who are physically fit, i.e. having a state of
health which allows it to them.
In the month of Ramadaan it is very
important that we spent a few moments to understand some of the wisdoms
and lessons that we can learn from this month of fasting.
Unfortunately, many Muslims come in to
this month and they are as a companion of the Prophet, peace be upon
him, said: “Let it not be that the day that you fast and the day that
you break fast be equal.” Meaning, one’s behaviour, attitude and outlook
are the same whether one fasts or not, i.e. fasting has no effect upon
that person. This is why we need to reflect on some of these lessons.on Friday ·
Allaah legislated fasting for gaining taqwaa,
“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain taqwaa.” (meaning of SoraatulBaqarah (2):183)
Taqwaa in this case means to make a shield between oneself and Allaah’s anger and Hellfire. So we should ask ourselves, when we break our fasts, ‘Has this fasting day made us fear Allaah more? Has it resulted that we want to protect ourselves from the hellfire or not?
Allaah legislated fasting for gaining taqwaa,
“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain taqwaa.” (meaning of SoraatulBaqarah (2):183)
Taqwaa in this case means to make a shield between oneself and Allaah’s anger and Hellfire. So we should ask ourselves, when we break our fasts, ‘Has this fasting day made us fear Allaah more? Has it resulted that we want to protect ourselves from the hellfire or not?
This is achieved by reciting and
reflecting on Al-Qur’aan during night and day, attending the taraaweeh
prayers, remembering Allaah, sitting in circles of knowledge and, for
those who can, making `umrah. Also for those who can, making I`tikaaf
(seclusion) in the last ten nights of Ramadaan, so as to leave all
worldly pursuits and seclude oneself in a masjid just thinking of
Allaah, so as to bring oneself closer to Allaah (SWT). When one sins,
one feels distant from Allaah. That is why one might find it heard to
read the Qur’aan and come to the masjid. However, the obedient
worshipper feels closer to Allaah and wants to worship Allaah more,
because he is not shy from his sins.
Allaah has mentioned patience more than
seventy times in the Qur’aan and has commanded patience in more than
sixteen ways in His Book. So when one fasts, and gives up one’s food and
drink, and one’s marital sexual relations for those hours, one learns
restraint and patience. This Ummah needs man and women that are strong
willed, who can stand upon the Sunnah and the Book of Allah and not
waver. We do not need emotional people, who just raise slogans and
shout, but when the time comes to stand upon something firm, they cannot
do so, they waver.
Ihsaan means to worship Allaah as if one
sees Him, and even though one does not see Him, He sees all. Hasan
al-Basree said, “By Allaah, in the last twenty years, I have not said a
word or taken something with my hand or refrained to take something with
my hand or stepped forth or stepped back, except that I have thought
before I have done any action, ‘Does Allaah love this action? Is Allaah
pleased with this action?’ So when one is fasting, one should gain this
quality of watching oneself and also staying away from riyaa’ (showing
off). That is why Allah said in a hadeeth qudsee, “Fasting is for Me and
I reward it.” (al-Bukhaaree) Allaah singles out fasting from all other
types of worship saying, “Fasting is for Me”, because no one knows
whether you are fasting or not, except Allaah. For example, when one is
praying or giving charity or making tawaaaf, one can be seen by the
people, so one might do the action seeking the praise of the people.
Sufyaan ath-Thawree used to spend the nights and the days crying and the
people used to ask him, “Why do you cry, is it due to the fear of
Allaah? He said, ‘No.’ They said, “Is it due to the fear of the
Hellfire?” He said, ‘No. It is not the fear of Hellfire that makes me
cry, what makes me cry is that I have been worshipping Allaah all these
years and doing scholarly teaching, and I am not certain that my
intentions are purely for Allaah.’”
The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing
and peace upon him) said, “Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word
and action, then Allaah (SWT) has no need that he should heave his food
and drink.” (al-Bukhaaree) What we learn from this, is that we must pay
attention to the purification of our manners. The Prophet (may Allaah
send His blessing and peace upon him) said, “was sent to perfect good
manners.” (Maalik) So we must check ourselves, are we following the
behaviour of the Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon
him)? For example: Do we give salaam to those we don’t know and those we
do know? Do we follow the manners of Islaam, by telling the truth and
only telling the truth? Are we sincere? Are we merciful to the creation?
Laailaaha Illallaahul Hayyul Qayyumul Qaaimu Alaa Kulli Nafsin Bimaakasabat.
Translation: Allah – there is no
God except Him; He is Alive (eternally, on His own) and the Upholder
(keeps others established); so is He who keeps a watch over the deeds of
every soul.
Read this du’a 7 times at sehri and (for
each star that there is on sky) you will get the 1000 time sawaab, 1000
time gunaa will be forgiven and you will get 1000 time higher rank…
The swalaat (namaz) of Taraaweeh during the Ramadhan
As
Allah ta’ala did precise us, it is during the sacred month of Ramadwaan
that the holy Koran was revealed. The companions of the holy Prophet (
peace be upon him ) witnessed that i twas during this great blessed
month that the holy Prophet ( peace be upon him ) was reading the holy
Koran more.
Hazrat
Ibné Mas’oud (r.a) repports that the holy Prophet ( peace be upon him )
said: « For each alphabet of the holy Koran that someone read, he
receive one (1) “neki” and one “neki” is equal to 10 “thawaabs”, I don’t
say that alif-laam-meem is an alphabet, but that alif is an alphabet,
laam is an alphabet and meem is an alphabet » (ref. Tirmizi &
Mishkaat).
During
the Ramadwaan, this neki is doubled. According to a hadith, the one who
accomplish a sunnat or nafil during Ramadwaan, it is considered as if
he accomplished a faraz namaz of other months and when he accomplish a
faraz namaz during Ramadwaan, it is as if he made 70 (seventy) faraz
namaz of other months.
The
heart of the believer get tranquility (sukoun) with the lecture and
listening of the holy Koran. It is a book that, the more we read it, the
more we want to read and listen to more. Contrary to the other worldly
(dunya) books that when you have read it once, you don’t want to read it
once more. Whereas the holy Koran, the sacred words of Allah, even if
you read it several times, you will never get bored.
It
happens unfortunately that we don’t have sufficient time in our daily
life to spend in tilaawat-ul-Quraan and see how Allah ta’ala send his
“fazlo-karam” (supreme favour) upon his servants, on the people (ummah)
of the holy Prophet ( peace be upon him ) during this great blessed
month since we have the great occasion to benefit from tilaawat
(lecture) of Qur’aan shareef during the namaz of Tarâwîh. It is said
that the one who listen to the lecture of the Qur’aan earn the same
thawaabs as the one who read.
Hazrat
Abu Huraÿrah (r.a) repports that the holy Prophet ( peace be upon him )
said: « The one who accomplish the namaz of Taraweeh with sincerity and
faith, will receive the forgiveness of his passed sins » (ref. Muslim
& Mishkaat).
The
namaz we accomplish during the Ramadwaan after the namaz Ishaa is
called the Taraaweeh. In the mosques, is done in congregation (jama’at).
The arabic word “taraaweeh” is the plural of the word “tarweeha” which
means “rest”. Because sahâba-e-kiraams (companions of the holy Prophet (
peace be upon him ) and the taabi’eens (generation who came after the
sahabas) used to take a little rest (a little pause) after each 4
raka’ats while performing the Taraweeh.
Some
think that Taraweeh consist of 8 raka’ats, but it’s not the case for
the following reasons: if we accomplish only 8 raka’ats, there will be
only one (1) rest (pause) or a maximum of two, in this case in Arabic
language, we would call this “tarweehatan” in spite of taraweeh. Whereas
in the case of 20 raka’ats, we obtain more rests (pauses) and thus it
can be called “taraweeh”.
The
sahaaba-e-kiraams (r.a) all agreed that the Taraweeh much consist of 20
raka’ats. According to a hadith rapported by Hazrat Abdullah Ibne
‘Abbass (r.a), Nabi-e-kareem used to accomplish 20 raka’ats during the
month of Ramadwaan. (ref. Tibrani & Baihiqi). It is thus a
Sunnat-e-Mu’aqada.
At
the time of Hazrat ‘Umar Faarooq (r.a), the 2nd caliph of Islam, one
used to accomplish the namaz of Taraweeh in 20 raka’ats in congregation
(jama’at) and this principle was brought to the time of the 3rd et 4th
caliphs, Hazrat ‘Uthmaan-e-Ghani (r.a) et Hazrat ‘Ali (r.a).
We quote hereby the maslas (rules) which regard namaz-e-Taraweeh :
· The namaz Taraweeh is sunnat mu’aqada for men and women (according to the Hanafi rite). They must not neglect it.
· Men must accomplish it in congregation (jama’at) at the mosque and ladies without jama’at (isolated) at home.
· The
Taraweeh consist of 20 raka’ats in 10 salaams (2 by 2 raka’ats). After
each 4 raka’ats it is mustahab (recommanded) to ake a short pause which
can last as long as the time spent to accomplish these 4 raka’ats.
· The
time of Taraweeh begins after namaz Ishaa, and last till subha-saadiq
(dawn), but it is better to do it before midnight (which means before
Tahajjud).
· The
one who has not accomplished the namaz faraz of Ishaa, has not the
right to do neither the Taraweeh nor the Witr as long as he has not done
the faraz of Ishaa.
· During the Ramadwaan, it is preferable to do the Witr in jama’at, after having done the Ishaa in jama’at.
· The one who do the namaz Ishaa alone (without jama’at), will have to do the Witr alone (without jama’at).
· The
one who missed part of the Taraweeh and that the Imaam already stood to
do the Witr, will be able to do the Witr in jama’at provided to have
done the faraz-Ishaa in jama’at. He will then have to replace the number
of raka’ats of Taraweeh he missed. He can also do the Witr alone after
having replaced his Taraweeh.
· It is makruh (disadvised) to do the Taraweeh in the sitting position without a valid reason (according to the shari’ah).
· The
muqtadees (those who accomplish the namaz behind the Imam) have not the
right to sit and wait for the Imaam to go to the ruku to get in the
namaz. This action is condemnable and is compared to the hypocrites
(munaafiqeens). Allah says in the holy Koran that the hypocrites stand
in namaz with idleness. [Sourah 4-Verse 142].
· To
do a Khatam-ul-Qur’aan (complete recitation of the holy Koran) once
during the Ramadwaan is sunnat-mu’aqada. To do it 2 times is better and 3
times is best.
· It is permitted to read the small sourahs (sourates) in Taraweeh when we cannot do a complete khatam of the holy Koran.
· Alike
in namaz (faraz, sunnat, etc…) there are faraïzs (obligatory conditions
of namaz) and waajibaats (necessary conditions of namaz), the same
conditions exist in Taraweeh. Le Taraweeh will not be valid (that is,
won’t be accepted by Allah) if the conditions are not respected. For
exemple, when people hurry and don’t do the ruku and the sajdah
correctly.
· Shabina
: When we do shabina in the Taraweeh (a complete khatam-ul-Qur’aan
during a single night of Taraweeh), we must do it strictly and
respectfully, which means it is not permitted that people spend their
time out of the namaz and come back to get in when the Imaam will go to
the ruku. This way of doing is haraam (prohibited).
May
Allah ta’ala give us all the tawfeeq (the good occasion) to read and/or
listen to the tilaawat (recitation) of the Qur’aan-shareef (holy Koran)
correctly according to the shari’ah and may we respect this great
blessed and sacred book
Shawwal
The holy month of Shawwal
Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic Calendar.
Meaning of the word Shawwaal:- Uplift/breakage. Before Islam, Arabs believed
that any marriage held in Shawwaal would always turn out to be unsuccessful.
Hence, the month deprived the above metioned meanings, however the
superstitious belief was later abolished.
The month Shawwaal:- From the months of Hajj, Shawwaal is the first of them.
The first day of Shawwaal is Eid-Ul-Fitr and also the day when sins are forgiven.
Six fasts of Shawwaal:- In the month of Shawwaal it is Sunnah to keep six fasts,
as narrated in the following Hadeeth by Abu Ayyub Ansari (R.A) that the Holy
prophet Hazrat Mohammed (saw) has said, “If one throughout his life keeps the
fasts of Ramadhaan and keeps six consecutive fasts in Shawwaal it will be as
though he has kept a whole life time of fasts, and if one keeps the six
consecutive fasts for one Shawwaal month it will be as though he has observed
fast all year round.” (Muslim)
Events in Shawwal
• Sayyidina Hazrat Aa’ishah Siddiqah (r.d.a) was born in Shawwaal four
years after Prophethood which is nine years before Hijrah.
• Sayyidina Hazrat Aa’ishah Siddiqah (r.d.a) was married in this month ten
years after Prophethood which is three years before Hijrah
• The fight between Banu Qaynaqaa took place between the battle of Badr
and Uhud (Shawwaal 2 A.H. after Hijrah)
• The battle of Uhud also took place in Shawwaal, three years after Hijrah.
• Hadhrat Hussain (r.d) th e Holy prophet Hazrat Mohammed (saw)
grandson was born in the month of Shawwaal four years after Hijrah.
• The Holy prophet Hazrat Mohammed (saw) married Hadhrat Umme
Salamah (R.A.) in Shawwaal in the fourth year after Hijrah.
• Sayyidina Hazrat Aa’ishah Siddiqah’s (r.d.a) mother passed away in 5
A.H.
• The Holy prophet Hazrat Mohammed (saw) uncle Abu Talib departed from
this world during the middle of Shawwaal in the year 5 A.H.
• Imam Bukhari (r.a) was born on a Friday of Shawwaal in the year 194 A.H.
Blessed month of Shawwal• Beginning of the Ashur-ul-Hajj
• Eid-ul-fitr
• The Night Preceding ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’
• Before Going to Eid Prayer
• Sadaqat-ul-fitr
• The ‘Eid Prayer
• How to Perform Eid Prayer
• Khutbah: The Address of ‘Eid-ul-fitr
• Six Fasts in the Month of Shawwal
Shawwal is the first of the three months named as “Ashhur al-Hajj” (i.e. the
months of Hajj). Although the major acts of Hajj are normally performed in the
first ten days of Zulhijjah, yet the whole period starting from the first of Shawwal
up to the 10th of Zulhijjah is held to be the period of Hajj because some acts of
Hajj can be performed any time during this period. For example, the Tawaf-ulqudum, followed by the Sai’ of Hajj cannot be performed before Shawwal, while it
can be performed any day after the beginning of Shawwal. Similarly, an ‘Umrah
performed before Shawwal cannot be treated as the ‘Umrah of Tamattu: while
the ‘Umrah performed in Shawwal can be affiliated to the Hajj, making it a Hajj of
Tamattu: Moreover, ihram of Hajj should not be started before Shawwal, because
it makruh.
Important Dates
• Eid al-Fitr on 1st of Shawwal
• Nikah ; Bibi Hadrat Ayesha Siddeeqa (r.d.a) on 4th of Shawwal
• Urs of Hadrat Khawaja Usman Harooni, Makkah Shareef on 6th of Shawwal
• Battle of Uhud on 6th Shawwal 3 Hijri
• Battle of Hunain on 7th Shawwal 8 Hijri
• Urs of Hadrat Owais al-Qarani on 9 th of Shawwal
• Martyrdom of Hadrat Amir Hamza, Madinah Shareef on 14th of Shawwal
• Battle of Khandaq on 15th Shawwal
Meaning of the word Shawwaal:- Uplift/breakage. Before Islam, Arabs believed
that any marriage held in Shawwaal would always turn out to be unsuccessful.
Hence, the month deprived the above metioned meanings, however the
superstitious belief was later abolished.
The month Shawwaal:- From the months of Hajj, Shawwaal is the first of them.
The first day of Shawwaal is Eid-Ul-Fitr and also the day when sins are forgiven.
Six fasts of Shawwaal:- In the month of Shawwaal it is Sunnah to keep six fasts,
as narrated in the following Hadeeth by Abu Ayyub Ansari (R.A) that the Holy
prophet Hazrat Mohammed (saw) has said, “If one throughout his life keeps the
fasts of Ramadhaan and keeps six consecutive fasts in Shawwaal it will be as
though he has kept a whole life time of fasts, and if one keeps the six
consecutive fasts for one Shawwaal month it will be as though he has observed
fast all year round.” (Muslim)
Events in Shawwal
• Sayyidina Hazrat Aa’ishah Siddiqah (r.d.a) was born in Shawwaal four
years after Prophethood which is nine years before Hijrah.
• Sayyidina Hazrat Aa’ishah Siddiqah (r.d.a) was married in this month ten
years after Prophethood which is three years before Hijrah
• The fight between Banu Qaynaqaa took place between the battle of Badr
and Uhud (Shawwaal 2 A.H. after Hijrah)
• The battle of Uhud also took place in Shawwaal, three years after Hijrah.
• Hadhrat Hussain (r.d) th e Holy prophet Hazrat Mohammed (saw)
grandson was born in the month of Shawwaal four years after Hijrah.
• The Holy prophet Hazrat Mohammed (saw) married Hadhrat Umme
Salamah (R.A.) in Shawwaal in the fourth year after Hijrah.
• Sayyidina Hazrat Aa’ishah Siddiqah’s (r.d.a) mother passed away in 5
A.H.
• The Holy prophet Hazrat Mohammed (saw) uncle Abu Talib departed from
this world during the middle of Shawwaal in the year 5 A.H.
• Imam Bukhari (r.a) was born on a Friday of Shawwaal in the year 194 A.H.
Blessed month of Shawwal• Beginning of the Ashur-ul-Hajj
• Eid-ul-fitr
• The Night Preceding ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’
• Before Going to Eid Prayer
• Sadaqat-ul-fitr
• The ‘Eid Prayer
• How to Perform Eid Prayer
• Khutbah: The Address of ‘Eid-ul-fitr
• Six Fasts in the Month of Shawwal
Shawwal is the first of the three months named as “Ashhur al-Hajj” (i.e. the
months of Hajj). Although the major acts of Hajj are normally performed in the
first ten days of Zulhijjah, yet the whole period starting from the first of Shawwal
up to the 10th of Zulhijjah is held to be the period of Hajj because some acts of
Hajj can be performed any time during this period. For example, the Tawaf-ulqudum, followed by the Sai’ of Hajj cannot be performed before Shawwal, while it
can be performed any day after the beginning of Shawwal. Similarly, an ‘Umrah
performed before Shawwal cannot be treated as the ‘Umrah of Tamattu: while
the ‘Umrah performed in Shawwal can be affiliated to the Hajj, making it a Hajj of
Tamattu: Moreover, ihram of Hajj should not be started before Shawwal, because
it makruh.
Important Dates
• Eid al-Fitr on 1st of Shawwal
• Nikah ; Bibi Hadrat Ayesha Siddeeqa (r.d.a) on 4th of Shawwal
• Urs of Hadrat Khawaja Usman Harooni, Makkah Shareef on 6th of Shawwal
• Battle of Uhud on 6th Shawwal 3 Hijri
• Battle of Hunain on 7th Shawwal 8 Hijri
• Urs of Hadrat Owais al-Qarani on 9 th of Shawwal
• Martyrdom of Hadrat Amir Hamza, Madinah Shareef on 14th of Shawwal
• Battle of Khandaq on 15th Shawwal
Zil Qadah
The 11th month of the Islamic calendar is Zil-Qa’dah.
It is a month that Allah ta’ala put the emphasis in the holy Koran as
one of the 4 sacred months that is: Zil-Qa’dah, Zil-Hajj, Muharram and
Rajab.
It is in the month of Zil-Qa’dah that Hazrat Ibraaheem (a.s) the
prophet Abraham began the reconstruction of the Ka’bah shareef
accompanied by his son, Hazrat Isma’eel (a.s) the prophet Ismael. And
many among other prophets (a.s) have received their nubuwwat (order of
prophetic mission) and Scriptures from Allah ta’ala during that month.
When the moon of Zil-Qa’dah is visible, read after the namaz Isha, 2
raka’ats of namaz nafils, with in each raka’at, after the sourah
al-Faatihah, 3 times sourah al-Qadr (“Innaa anzalnaahu fii
laÿlatil-Qadr”), if you do not know that sourah, then read 11 times
sourah al-Ikhlaass (“Qul huwallaahu ahad”) instead. After the salaam,
read 11 times Darood shareef, 11 times sourah al-Faatihah and again 11
times Darood-shareef. Then make your du’as (supplications).
Zil Hajj
The 12th and last month of the Islamic calendar is Zil-Hijjah, commonly called Zil-Hajj.
This month is filled with blessings and as its name indicates, during this month the famous Hajj the pilgrimage in Makkah shareef is achieved.
In this blessed month, make a maximum of ibaadats, namaz nafils, tilaawat-ul-quraan, roza, tasbeeh, takbeer, swadaqa, etc… there are many thawaabs (rewards) especially during its first 10 days.
Hazrat Hafsah (r.a) said that there are 4 things which the holy prophet ( peace be upon him ) never missed, among the following:
-
To fast (roza) the of Yawm-e-Aashourah (10th Muharram)
-
To fast (roza) from the 1st to the 9th day of Zil-Hijjah
-
To fast (roza) three days every month: 13th, 14th and 15th
-
To achieve before the faraz namaz of Fajar, 2 raka’ats of namaz (this is what we observe as Sunnat-ul-Mu’aqiddah in the namaz Fajar).
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