The Sacred Muharram.

Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar [Hijrah] Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about in which the Holy Qur’an says:

"The number of the months according to Allah is twelve [mentioned] in the Book of Allah on the day He created the heavens and the earth. Among these [twelve months] there are four sanctified." [Surah At-Tawbah, 9: 36]

These four months, according to the Hadith, the authentic traditions [Prophetic narrations], are Dzul-Qa'edah, Dzul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Noble Qur’an are unanimous on this point, because the Noble Prophet SAW declared in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj [pilgrimage to Makkah]: "One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Dzul-Qa'edah, Dzul-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 Ramadhaan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that even the pagans of Makkah accepted their sanctity.

The sanctity of these four months was recognized right from the days of Prophet Ibrahim [Abraham a.s]. Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to him, they observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months.

In Islam, the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Qur’an referred to them as the "sanctified months". Muharram has certain other characteristics special to it, which is stated below.

Fasting During the Month

The Noble Prophet SAW said: 'The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadhan are those of the month of Muharram."

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will 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 voluntary fasts. It 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 'Ashura

Although 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 'Ashura. According to Ibn ‘Abbas the Prophet SAW when he 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 Prophet Musa [Moses]) a.s and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Prophet SAW said, "We are more closely related to Musa than you," and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of 'Ashura'. [Abu Dawud]

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. ‘Aishah r.a said: "When the Prophet SAW migrated to Madinah, he fasted on the day of 'Ashura' and directed the people to do likewise. 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." [Abu Dawud]

However, the Prophet SAW used to fast on the day of 'Ashura' even after the fasting in Ramadhan was made obligatory. Abdullah Ibn Musa reports that the Prophet preferred the fast of 'Ashura' rather than the fasts of other days and that of Ramadhan compared to 'Ashura'. [Bukhari and Muslim]

Misconceptions and Innovations

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 on which Adam was created. This is the day when Ibrahim a.s was born. This is the day when Allah accepted the repentance of Adam a.s. This is the day when Doomsday will take place. Whoever takes bath on 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. Some people take it as Sunnah [established recommended practice] to prepare a particular type of meal on the day of 'Ashura'. This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources.

Some other people attribute the sanctity of 'Ashura' to the martyrdom of Al-Hussain r.a. No doubt, the martyrdom of Al-Hussain 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 SAW much earlier than the birth of Al-Hussain. On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Al-Hussain that his martyrdom took place on this blessed day.

Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Al-Hussain was killed in it. It is for this misconception that some people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram. This is again a baseless concept, which is contrary to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah [Prophetic Tradition]. If the death of an eminent person on a particular day renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a day of the year free from this bad luck because every day is associated with the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW have liberated us from such superstitious beliefs.

Lamentations and Mourning

Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mourning ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Al-Hussain. As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Prophet SAW 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 Prophet SAW prevented the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying "Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'uun" [To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return]. A number of authentic hadith [narrations] 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 [ignorance]". [Bukhari]

All the prominent jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is impermissible. Even Al-Hussain shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Zainab not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said, "My dear sister! I swear upon you that in case I die you 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, 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 Islam as propagated by the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

©Islam web

Ma'al Hijrah #4

Prophet’s Hijrah to Madinah.

The Hostility of the Quraish

After 13 years of struggle delivering the message of God in Makkah, Prophet Muhammad SAW had only around 300 followers, most of who were persecuted for following him. Some were imprisoned, others were tortured, and many had to endure social and economic boycott. However, the truth was bound to appeal the people.

After the pledge of 'Aqabah between Prophet Muhammad SAW and the new Muslims from Medinah which they promised to support him and defend the religion as much as they could, the Prophet SAW encouraged his followers to migrate to Medinah.

Assassination Plot

When the Quraish tribe realized that a great number of Muslims had migrated in to Madinah and were achieving a considerable measure of success, their fury knew no bounds. The chiefs of all the Quraish tribes assembled at Darul-Nadwa, a council where they usually would meet to discuss their affairs, to find the best course of actions to be pursued. They unanimously agreed that was the only way that it could achieve their objective was that Muhammad SAW should be assassinated

In order to avoid the repercussion of tribal bloodshed, Abu Jahal, one of the staunchest enemies of Prophet Muhammad SAW came with a plan that the assassination will be carried by stalwarts and young men selected from all the clans rather than being executed by one man.

The Escape to Madinah

While the Quraish were nurturing their plot, God commanded Prophet Muhammad SAW not to sleep that night in his bed. He was also told that it was time for him to migrate to Madinah.

The role of ‘Ali Abi Talib & Abu Bakar

The Prophet SAW instructed 'Ali Abi Talib to take his place in his bed, while the Prophet SAW himself would escape and meet Abu Bakar at an appointed place. The Prophet SAW left Ali behind in order to undertake the duty of returning the properties to some people in Makkah which they kept with the Prophet SAW.

Abu Bakar was similarly informed and instructed to make the necessary preparations for the journey, after which the Prophet SAW returned to his house. Shortly after dusk, all the selected youths of the Quraish laid siege to the house of the Prophet SAW so that none might come out or go in, and waited for the Prophet SAW to appear so that they might fall upon him and kill him.

Divine Miracles

In the dead of night the Prophet SAW came out of the house and cast a handful of dust at the assassins while walking through them unnoticed, reciting verses of the Noble Qur’an:

"And We have put a barrier before them, and a barrier behind them, and We have covered them up, so that they cannot see." [Surah Yasiin, 36:9]

The assassins who laid siege to the house were waiting for the zero hour when someone came and informed them that the Prophet SAW had already left. They rushed in and to their utter surprise, found that the person lying in the Prophet’s bed was ‘Ali not Muhammad. This created a stir in the whole town.

The Prophet SAW had left his house on Safar 27th, the fourteenth year of Prophethood, i.e. 12/13 September 622 A.D. After leaving the house, the Prophet SAW himself went to the appointed place where he met Abu Bakar and left with him for Madinah, first by hiding in a cave called "Thuur," situated three miles out of Makkah.

The Quraish of Makkah convened an emergency session to determine the future course of action and explored all areas that could help arrest the two men. They blocked all roads leading out of Makkah and imposed heavy armed surveillance at all potential exits. A price of 100 camels was set upon the head of each one. Horsemen, infantry and skilled trackers scoured the areas around Makkah.

Refuge in the cave Thuur

The Quraish even reached the mouth of the cave where the Prophet SAW and Abu Bakar were hiding. When Abu Bakar saw the enemy at a very close distance, he whispered to the Prophet SAW: "What if they were to look through the crevice and detect us?" The Prophet in his God-inspired calm replied: “What do you think of those two with whom the Third is Allah.”

It was such a Divine miracle; the pursuers were only a few steps from the cave, but were unable to find them.

It was for three days that Muhammad SAW and Abu Bakar lived in the cave and Quraish continued their frantic efforts and failed to find them.

Assistance of Abdullah bin Uraiquit as Guide.

A man by the name of ‘Abdullah bin Uraiquit, who had not yet embraced Islam, but was trusted by Abu Bakar, and had been hired by him as a guide, required to come to the cave after three nights in accordance with their plan. He was tasked to bring with him Abu Bakar’s two camels and report about the search for the two of them. When it had slackened and the opportunity was suitable to leave, Abu Bakar would offer the Prophet SAW a swift ride to Madinah. Abdullah agreed with plan provided that he would be paid with its price.

Asma binti Abu Bakar Assistance.

Asma’, the daughter of Abu Bakar, was given the task to assist in providing them the food provisions that were brought and tied in a bundle of her waistband.

The Prophet SAW, Abu Bakar and ‘Amir bin Fuhairah, Abu Bakar’s servant departed, and their guide ‘Abdullah bin Uraiquit led them on untrodden roads along the coastal route. Some incidents had featured during their journey to Madinah.

Suraqah Abu Malik

The Quraish had offered reward whoever captures Prophet Muhammad SAW he would receive a hundred camels. This spurred many people to try their luck. Among those who were on the lookout for the Prophet SAW and his companion in order to get the reward was Suraqah, the son of Malik. He, on receiving information that a party of four, had been spotted on a certain route, decided to pursue them secretly so that he, alone, should be the winner of the reward. Soon after the Prophet SAW had left the cave he attempted to trace him, and followed him but his horse stumbled on the way and threw him.

Hastily remounting, he continued the chase, but the horse stumbled again, throwing him violently to a considerable distance. Again he remounted and again the horse, this time when his rider was close to the Prophet SAW and was preparing to shoot an arrow, stumbled and threw him off with great force, its own feet sinking into the sand.

"Then," says Suraqa, "it dawned on me that it was pre-ordained that the Prophet's cause should succeed." Renouncing all intention of murder at the behest of this inner voice, he approached the Prophet SAW and begged his forgiveness. The Prophet SAW forgave him with a smile, and imparted to him the happy news that one day he would wear the gold bangles of the ruler of Persia. This was a true prophecy of an event which happened twenty-four years later; for these words found fulfillment when the kingdom of the Chosroes of Persia fell to the sword of 'Omar and Suraqa was sent for and decorated with the bangles.

Umm Ma’bad Al-Khuza’iyah.

The party continued its journey until it reached to solitary tents belonging to a woman called Umm Ma’bad Al-Khuza’iyah. She was a gracious lady who sat at her tent-door with a carpet spread out for any traveler that might pass that way. Fatigued and thirsty, the Prophet SAW and his companions wanted to refresh themselves with food and milk. The lady told them that the flock was out in the pasture and the goat standing nearby was almost dry.

The Prophet SAW with her permission, touched its udders reciting over them the name of Allah and to his great joy, there flowed plenty of milk out of them. The Prophet SAW first offered it to the lady of the house and what was left by her was shared by the members of the party.

After having refreshed themselves the emigrants moved further, leaving the encampment of Umm Ma'bad, Prophet Muhammad SAW and his companions resumed their journey, going through unfrequented paths and suffering great hardships on account of scarcity of water and severity of heat.

In the evening when Abu Ma'bad, the husband of Umm Ma'bad, came to his house, the lady narrated to him this strange incident and described the Prophet SAW. He said: "By God, he is the same man whom the people of al-Quraish are searching for."

Abu Buraidah

On his way to Madinah, the Prophet SAW met Abu Buraidah, one of those driven by their lust for the reward of Quraish. No sooner did he face the Prophet SAW and talk with him, than he embraced Islam along with seventy of his men. He took off his turban, tied it round his lance and took it as a banner bearing witness that the Prophet SAW of security and peace had come to imbue the whole world with justice and fairness.

‘Ali reported on his own immigration

“When the Prophet SAW left for Madinah, immigrating for God’s sake, he commanded me to stay behind so that I would return articles which people had deposited with him for safe keeping. This is made him known as Al-Ameen, which means the trustworthy. I stayed for three days, walking about every day. Then I left, and followed the Prophet’s path, until I arrived at the quarters of Amr ibn Awf in Quba, when the Prophet SAW was staying with them. I was the guest of Kulthoom ibn Al-Hidm.”

Ali’s passage to Madinah was safe. He belonged to a noble family and no one could stand to his courage. The Quraish were still busy chasing the Prophet SAW and offering a large prize for anyone who could detain and return him. This facilitated Ali’s own immigration. The situation was not so for many Muslims. Abu Salamah Abdullah ibn Abd Al-Assad was one of the first to immigrate to Madinah, but his way was far from safe, as his wife tells their story:

Umu Salamah

Abu Salamah Abdullah ibn Abd Al-Assad was one of the first to immigrate to Madinah, but his way was far from safe, as his wife tells their story:

“When Abu Salamah decided on immigrating to Madinah, he prepared a camel for me and helped me to mount, placing my son, Salamah with me on the camel back. Men from my own clan, the Al-Mugheerah, went up to him and said: ‘If you intent on leaving, why should we allow you to take this woman of ours traveling across the land?’ They pulled the camel reign out of his hand and took me away from him. This enraged the Abd Al-Assad clan, to whom Abu Salamah belonged. They told my people ‘We will not leave our son with her now that you took her away from our man.’ The two groups fought over my son, each pulling him to their side, until they dislocated his shoulder. The Abd Al-Assad people took him away. Thus I was left with my clan, while my husband left on his own to Madinah and my son was left alone with his father’s clan.

“I was in absolute grief. I went out every day to Al-Abtah where I sat on the sand crying until the evening. I continued to do this for nearly a year. One of my cousins passed by and he was sympathetic to me, told the men from my clan: ‘Why do you detain this poor woman? You have separated her from her husband and her son. Let her go.’ They told me that I could join my husband if I wished. Then the Abd Al-Assad clan returned my son back. I prepared a camel and mounted it, with my son in my lap. I moved on towards Madinah. When I reached Al-Taneem [a few kilometers outside Makkah at the time, but within its boundaries nowadays], I met Uthman ibn Talhah of the Abd Al-Dar clan who asked me where I was going. When I told him, he asked: ‘Are you traveling alone?’ I said: ‘I have none with me other than God and this son of mine.’ He said: ‘By God! You cannot be left to travel alone. I will take you.’ He held the reign of my camel and walked on. I have never accompanied an Arab who is more honorable than him. When he reached a place for rest, he would sit my camel and step behind to allow me to dismount. He would then take off the camel’s things to let him rest, after tying him to a tree. He would then lay down under another tree. When it was time to move on, he would put the things on the camel back and step behind telling me to mount. When I had settled with my son on the camel, he would hold the reign and move on. He continued to do so until we reached Madinah. As we arrived at the quarters of the clan of Amr ibn Awf, he said to me that my husband was there. He left me and went back to Makkah.”

Umu Salamah later said: “I do not know any family which suffered as much as we suffered, and I have never seen a more honorable companion than Uthman ibn Talhah.”

This story shows that among the unbelievers were some who maintained good moral values. Uthman ibn Talhah was such a man. He would not leave a woman to travel all this distance alone across the desert. So he would take her, demonstrating how an honorable man should behave in such a situation. Uthman was later to join the Muslim ranks. He went to Madinah with Khalid ibn Al-Waleed and Amr ibn Al-Aas in the seventh year after the Prophet’s immigration, i.e. one year before Makkah fell to Islam. Thus, he ranked among the Muhajireen.

The Prophet SAW and his companions reached their destination safely; they were accorded with warm welcomed by the people of Medinah, as well as the building of “Quba” Mosque. Later Prophet SAW built the Masjidil Nabawi and became his residence till his death.

End.

Ma'al Hijrah #3

Prophet’s Hijrah to Madinah.

Prophet Muhammad SAW had preached publicly for thirteen years in Makkah. The opposition against him were intense, fearful for their safety, so much so he sent some of his followers to Ethiopia, where the Christian ruler extended protection to them, the memory of which has been cherished by Muslims ever since. But in Makkah the persecution worsened. Prophet Muhammad's followers were harassed, abused, and even tortured. Prophet Muhammad SAW also advised seventy of his followers to immigrate to the northern town of Yathrib, which was later renamed as Medinah ["The City"].

In the early 622, he learned of a plot by the Quraish to murder him and, and with his closest friend, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, they set off to join the emigrants Medinah.

In Makkah the plotters arrived at Prophet Muhammad's home to find that his cousin, 'Ali Abi Talib, had taken his place in bed. Enraged, the Makkahans set a price on Muhammad's head and set off in pursuit. Prophet Muhammad SAW and Abu Bakar, however, had taken refuge in a cave where, as they hid from their pursuers, a spider spun its web across the cave's mouth. When they saw that the web was unbroken, the Makkahans passed by and Muhammad SAW and Abu Bakr went on to Medina, where they were joyously welcomed by a throng of Medinahans as well as the Makkans who had gone ahead to prepare the way.

This was the Hijrah - anglicized as Hegira - usually, but inaccurately, translated as "Flight" - from which the Muslim era is dated. In fact, the Hijrah was not a flight but a carefully planned migration which marks not only a break in history - the beginning of the Islamic era- but also, for Muhammad SAW and the Muslims, a new way of life. Henceforth, the organizational principle of the community was not to be mere blood kinship, but the greater brotherhood of all Muslims. The men who accompanied Muhammad SAW on the Hijrah were called the Muhajirun - "those that made the Hijrah" or the "Emigrants" - while those in Medinah who became Muslims were called the Ansar or "Helpers."

Prophet Muhammad SAW was well acquainted with the situation in Medinah. Earlier, before the Hijrah, the city had sent envoys to Makkah asking Muhammad SAW to mediate a dispute between two powerful tribes. What the envoys saw and heard had impressed them and they had invited Muhammad SAW to settle in Medinah. After the Hijrah, Muhammad's exceptional qualities so impressed the Medinahans that the rival tribes and their allies temporarily closed ranks as, on March 15, 624, Muhammad SAW and his supporters moved against the pagans of Makkah.

The first battle, which took place near Badar, now a small town southwest of Medinah, had several important effects. In the first place, the Muslim forces, outnumbered three to one, routed the Makkahans. Secondly, the discipline displayed by the Muslims brought home to the Makkahans, perhaps for the first time, the abilities of the man they had driven from their city. Thirdly, one of the allied tribes which had pledged support to the Muslims in the Battle of Badar, but had then proved lukewarm when the fighting started, was expelled from Medinah one month after the battle. Those who claimed to be allies of the Muslims, but tacitly opposed them, were thus served warning: membership in the community imposed the obligation of total support.

A year later the Makkahans struck back. Assembling an army of three thousand men, they met the Muslims at Uhud, a ridge outside Medinah. After an initial success the Muslims were driven back and the Prophet SAW himself was wounded. As the Muslims were not completely defeated, the Makkahans, with an army of ten thousand, attacked Medinah again two years later but with quite different results. At the Battle of the Trench, also known as the Battle of the Confederates, the Muslims scored a signal victory by introducing a new defense. On the side of Medinah from which attack was expected they dug a trench too deep for the Makkahan cavalry to clear without exposing itself to the archers posted behind earthworks on the Medinah side. After an inconclusive siege, the Makkahans were forced to retire. Thereafter Medinah was entirely in the hands of the Muslims.

The Constitution of Medinah, under which the clans accepting Muhammad as the Prophet of God formed an alliance, or federation - dates from this period. It showed that the political consciousness of the Muslim community had reached an important point; its members defined themselves as a community separate from all others. The Constitution also defined the role of non-Muslims in the community. Jews, for example, were part of the community; they were dhimmis, that is, protected people, as long as they conformed to its laws. This established a precedent for the treatment of subject peoples during the later conquests. Christians and Jews, upon payment of a yearly tax, were allowed religious freedom and, while maintaining their status as non-Muslims, were associate members of the Muslim state. This status did not apply to polytheists, who could not be tolerated within a community that worshipped the One God.

Ibn Ishaq, one of the earliest biographers of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, says it was at about this time that Muhammad sent letters to the rulers of the earth, the King of Persia, the Emperor of Byzantium, the Negus of Abyssinia, and the Governor of Egypt among others - inviting them to submit to Islam. Nothing more fully illustrates the confidence of the small community, as its military power, despite the battle of the Trench, was still negligible. But its confidence was not misplaced. Muhammad SAW so effectively built up a series of alliances among the tribes his early years with the Bedouins must have stood him in good stead here- that by 628 he and fifteen hundred followers were able to demand access to the Ka'abah during negotiations with the Makkahans.

This was a milestone in the history of the Muslims. Just in a short time before, Muhammad SAW had to leave the city of his birth in fear of his life. Now he was being treated by his former enemies as a leader in his own right. A year later, in 629, he reentered and, in effect, conquered Makkah without bloodshed and in a spirit of tolerance which established an ideal for future conquests. He also destroyed the idols in the Ka'abah, to put an end forever to pagan practices there. At the same time Muhammad SAW won the allegiance of 'Amr ibn al-'As, the future conqueror of Egypt, and Khalid ibn al-Walid, the future "Sword of God," both of whom embraced Islam and joined Muhammad SAW. Their conversion was especially noteworthy because these men had been among Muhammad's bitterest opponents only a short time before.

In one sense Muhammad's return to Makkah was the climax of his mission. In 632, just three years later, he was suddenly taken ill and on June 8 of that year, with his third wife 'Aishah in attendance, the Messenger of God "died with the heat of noon."

The death of Prophet Muhammad SAW was a profound loss. To his followers this simple man from Makkah was far more than a beloved friend, far more than a gifted administrator, far more than the revered leader who had forged a new state from clusters of warring tribes. Prophet Muhammad SAW was also the exemplar of the teachings he had brought them from God: the teachings of the Quran, which, for centuries, have guided the thought and action, the faith and conduct, of innumerable men and women, and which ushered in a distinctive era in the history of mankind. His death, nevertheless, had little effect on the dynamic society he had created in Arabia, and no effect at all on his central mission: to transmit the Quran to the world. As Abu Bakar put it: "Whoever worshipped Muhammad SAW let him know that Muhammad SAW is dead, but whoever worshipped God, let him know that God lives and dies not."

Supplication of Year End

Ma'al Hijrah #2

Significance of Hijrah

Today is 1st Muharram 1428, an important milestone in the Islamic history. We, the Muslim ummah in Malaysia treat the day as in important date and celebrate this auspicious day and it known as Maal Hijrah.

I'm tempted by what Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, President of the Fiqh Council of North America, wrote about the significance of Hijrah:

In the Glorious Qur'an, Allah SWT says:

“Those who believe, and migrate and strive in Allah’s cause, with their goods and their persons, have the highest rank in the sight of Allah: they are indeed the successful people. Their Lord does give those glad tidings of a Mercy from Himself, of His good pleasure, and of Gardens where enduring pleasure will be theirs: They will dwell therein forever. Verily in Allah’s presence is a reward, the greatest [of all]” [Al-Tawbah 9: 20-22]

It is important for us to keep in mind the meaning and significance of Hijrah.

Hijrah was one of the most important events in the history of Islam. It is for this reason `Umar [may Allah be pleased with him] adopted Hijrah date to calculate years. Muslims chose Hijrah as the focal point to reckon their chronology. In physical terms, Hijrah was a journey between two cities about 300 miles apart, but in its grand significance it marked the beginning of an era, a civilization, a culture and a history for the whole mankind. Islam progressed not only from the physical Hijrah, but because Muslims took Hijrah seriously in all its aspects and dimensions.

When the Prophet Mohammad [peace and blessings be upon him] made the Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah, he did not just transfer his residence or took shelter in another city, but as soon as he arrived in Madinah he began the transformation of that city in every aspect.

It is important for us to study and reflect on the things that he did in Madinah. There are many lessons for us in that history and we can learn many things for our life.

1. Masjid [Mosque]: The Prophet SAW first established a Masjid for the worship of Allah. He himself worked in carrying the stones and building that small, humble but most powerful structure. This was the beginning, but soon other Masajid were established in Madinah.

2. Madrasah [Islamic school and educational institution for the community]: The first school under the supervision of the Prophet SAW was the school of Suffah. Later many other schools were opened. There were nine schools opened in Madinah alone in the time of the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him].

3. Mu'akhah: He established brotherly relations between the Muhajirun [Muslims who migrated from Makkah] and the Ansar [residents of Madinah who helped the Prophet and his Companions]. Masjid and Madrasah were not enough; what was also important was to have good relations between Muslims. They should have their brotherhood on the basis of faith, not on the basis of tribes as they used to have prior to Islam.

4. Intercommunity and Interfaith Relations: Prophet SAW also established good relations with other communities living in Madinah. There was a large Jewish community as well as some other Arab tribes who had not accepted Islam. The Prophet SAW prepared a Mithaq [a covenant or a constitution] for relations between these communities.

5. Cleaning the City: Yathrib [previous name of Madinah] was a dirty city. When the Sahabah [Prophet's Companions] came from Makkah to Madinah, many of them got sick and did not like that city. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him] asked them to clean the city and remove its dirt and filth. `Aishah, May Allah be pleased with her, said: “We came to Madinah and it was the most polluted land of Allah. The water there was most stinking. [Al-Bukhari, 1756]

6. Water System in the City: The Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] asked the Sahabah to dig wells in different parts of the city. It is mentioned that more than 50 wells were opened in the city of Madinah and there was enough clean water for every one.

7. Agriculture and Gardening: The Prophet SAW encouraged the Sahabah to cultivate the land and make gardens. He told them that any one who would cultivate any dead land, would own it. Many people started working and cultivating and soon there was enough food for every one.

8. Poverty Eradication: In a short period of time it happened that there were no poor people in Madinah. Every one had enough and the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] used to give gifts to coming delegations.

9. Safety, Security, Law and Order: Madinah became the safest city in the world. There were very few incidents of theft, rape, drunkenness or murder and they were immediately taken care of.

In short, Hijrah teaches us that wherever Muslims do, they should bring goodness to that land. Muslims should work for both moral and material goodness of the society.

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The Unique Nature Of Islamic Calendar Year

The Islamic calendar is also known as the Hijrah calendar, reminding us of the noble Prophet Muhammad s.a.w historic migration from Makkah to Madina in September 622 C.E. The Hijrah calendar is a purely lunar calendar and goes back to the central historic event of early Islam that led to the foundation of the first Muslim city-state, a turning point in Islamic and world history.

It contains 12 months that are based on the motion of the moon, and because 12 months are only 12 x 29.53=354.36 days, the Islamic calendar is consistently shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

The names of the 12 months that comprise the Islamic year are Muharram, Safar, Rabiulawal, Rabialakhir, Jamadilawal, Jamadilakhir, Rejab, Sha’aban, Ramadhan, Syawal, Zulkaedah and Zulhijjah.

The Hijrah year of 1427 is not just a sentimental system of time reckoning and dating important religious events such as the month of fasting and pilgrimage to Makkah. To Muslims, the Islamic calendar has a much deeper religious and historical significance.

Allah says:

"They ask you O Muhammad [peace be upon him] about the new moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage...." [Quran, Al Baqarah 2: 189]

Another verse reads:

"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; of them four are sacred, [i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar]." [Quran, At Taubah 9:36]

Since the Islamic calendar is purely lunar, as apposed to solar, the Hijrah year is shorter than the Gregorian year by about 11 days, and months in the Islamic year are not related to seasons, which are fundamentally related to the solar cycle. This means that important Muslim festivals, which always fall in the same Hijrah month, may occur in different seasons. For example, the Hajj and Ramadan can take place in the summer as well as the winter. It is only over a 33-year cycle that lunar months take a complete turn and fall during the same season.

The important dates to remember in the Islamic year are:

1. 1st Muharram [Islamic New Year];
2. 27th Rejab [Israk wal Mi’raj];
3. 1st Ramadhan [first day of fasting];
4. Last 10 days of Ramadhan [which include Lailatul Qadar];
5. 1st Shawal [Eidil Fitri];
6. 8-10 Zulhijjah [the Hajj]; and
7. 10 Zulhijjah [Eidil’adha] amongst other days.

With these and many other important dates, the significance of the Islamic calendar in today’s time needs to be highlighted. Muslims today are unaware of their rich historical heritage and pay little heed to their extraordinary past. Many of our children are unable to even name the twelve months let alone state a historical event.

This should not be our attitude towards such a glorious heritage. Preserving Islam through history should be a top priority in our homes and schools. With numerous interactive learning resources available today, our communities should not merely be a reflection of our glorious past but a positive practicing Muslim neighborhood.

The Significance Of Hijrah

Today is 1st Muharram 1427,the Muslim ummah celebrate Maal Hijrah .

Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, President of the Fiqh Council of North America, wrote the following:

In the Glorious Qur'an, Allah S. W. T says:

Those who believe, and migrate and strive in Allah’s cause, with their goods and their persons, have the highest rank in the sight of Allah: they are indeed the successful people. Their Lord does give them glad tidings of a Mercy from Himself, of His good pleasure, and of Gardens where enduring pleasure will be theirs: They will dwell therein forever. Verily in Allah’s presence is a reward, the greatest [of all]. [Al-Tawbah 9: 20-22]

It is important for us to keep in mind the meaning and significance of Hijrah.

Hijrah was one of the most important events in the history of Islam. It is for this reason `Umar [may Allah be pleased with him] adopted Hijrah date to calculate years. Muslims chose Hijrah as the focal point to reckon their chronology. In physical terms, Hijrah was a journey between two cities about 300 miles apart, but in its grand significance it marked the beginning of an era, a civilization, a culture and a history for the whole mankind. Islam progressed not only from the physical Hijrah, but because Muslims took Hijrah seriously in all its aspects and dimensions.

When the Prophet Mohammad [peace and blessings be upon him] made the Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah, he did not just transfer his residence or took shelter in another city, but as soon as he arrived in Madinah he began the transformation of that city in every aspect.

It is important for us to study and reflect on the things that he did in Madinah. There are many lessons for us in that history and we can learn many things for our life.

1. Masjid [Mosque]: The Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] first established a Masjid for the worship of Allah. He himself worked in carrying the stones and building that small, humble but most powerful structure. This was the beginning, but soon other Masajid were established in Madinah.

2. Madrasah [Islamic school and educational institution for the community]: The first school under the supervision of the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him)] was the school of Suffah. Later many other schools were opened. There were nine schools opened in Madinah alone in the time of the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him].

3. Mu'akhah: He established brotherly relations between the Muhajirun [Muslims who migrated from Makkah] and the Ansar [residents of Madinah who helped the Prophet and his Companions]. Masjid and Madrasah were not enough; what was also important was to have good relations between Muslims. They should have their brotherhood on the basis of faith, not on the basis of tribes as they used to have prior to Islam.

4. Intercommunity and Interfaith Relations: Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] also established good relations with other communities living in Madinah. There was a large Jewish community as well as some other Arab tribes who had not accepted Islam. The Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] prepared a Mithaq [a covenant or a constitution] for relations between these communities.

5. Cleaning the City: Yathrib [previous name of Madinah] was a dirty city. When the Sahabah [Prophet's Companions] came from Makkah to Madinah, many of them got sick and did not like that city. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him] asked them to clean the city and remove its dirt and filth. `Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “We came to Madinah and it was the most polluted land of Allah. The water there was most stinking. [Al-Bukhari, 1756]

6. Water System in the City: The Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] asked the Sahabah to dig wells in different parts of the city. It is mentioned that more than 50 wells were opened in the city of Madinah and there was enough clean water for every one.

7. Agriculture and Gardening: The Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] encouraged the Sahabah to cultivate the land and make gardens. He told them that any one who would cultivate any dead land, would own it. Many people started working and cultivating and soon there was enough food for every one.

8. Poverty Eradication: In a short period of time it happened that there were no poor people in Madinah. Every one had enough and the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] used to give gifts to coming delegations.

9. Safety, Security, Law and Order: Madinah became the safest city in the world. There were very few incidents of theft, rape, drunkenness or murder and they were immediately taken care of.

In short, Hijrah teaches us that wherever Muslims go, they should bring goodness to that land. Muslims should work for both moral and material goodness of the society.

Maal Hijrah 1427

Indeed, I would like to wish all the Muslim ummah a happy Maal Hijrah, Islamic New Year 1427 with bounds of Allah blessing.

Indeed, there are many causes behind naming months of the Islamic calendar as such:

1. Muharram: is named so because the Arabs used to prohibit fighting during it.

2. Safar: is named so because the Arabs used to leave their homes during that month as they used to set out to fight their enemies. It is also said that they used to leave their homes to escape summer heat.

3. Rabi` al-Awwal: is named so because it usually coincides with the spring time.

4. Rabi` al-Akhar: is named so because it usually coincides with the winter time.

5. Jumada al-‘Ula: The Arabs named it so because water gets frozen at winter time, and that coincides with the time of Jumada al-‘Ula.

6. Jumada al-‘Ukhra: is named so because it coincides with winter time.

7. Rajab: is derived from the Arabic word ‘rajaba’ which means to ‘sanctify’ something. The Arabs used to sanctify the month of Rajab by putting a halt to fighting during that month.

8. Sha`ban: The Arabic word Sha`ban is derived from the word ‘tash`aba’, which means to go in different directions. It is said that Sha`ban takes such a name because the Arabs used to go in different directions fighting their enemies.

9. Ramadhan: The word Ramadan is derived from ‘Ar-ramda’ which refers to extreme heat. Ramadhan time used to coincide with that extreme climate of heat in the Arab Peninsula, and that is why it is called Ramadan.

10. Shawwal: The name Shawwal is derived from the Arabic word ‘tashawwala’, which refers to the scarcity in she-camels’ milk.

11. Dzul-Qai`dah: refers to Arabs decline to go out fighting their enemies as the early Arabs used to call it a sacred month.

12. Dzul-Hijjah: is named so because the Arabs used to perform Hajj during that month