Celebrating in an event of happiness to express joy is quite human. That is why we find almost all religions and cultures of the world with such celebrations, allowing their followers to express and emanate their auspiciousness regarding any particular event. Same is the case with Muslims. Muslim Ummah celebrates a few occasions every year globally, marking their joy and gratefulness to Allah Almighty for endowing them with such blessings.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH)
Out of all Islamic months, Rabi-Ul-Awwal holds the honor of being the month when humanity was endowed with the most valuable of all gifts from Almighty Allah, i.e. the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This happened more than 1400 years ago when humanity was passing through darkest of its periods. Ever since then, the fate of humanity in general and the fate of followers of Muhammad (PBUH) in particular, had been miraculously turned towards positivity, as emanated from the great teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In fact, Allah Almighty reveals to us in the Holy Scripture of Qur’anthat:
“We have sent him (Muhammad saw) as a source of mercy for the A’alimeen (humans, jinns and all else that exists),” (Surah 21.Al- Anbiya: Verse 107).
Linguistic experts are of opinion that the word “Milad” is a derivative of “viladat”, meaning birth. It means “Milad” as a word is used to signify the time and place of a particular birth. The whole word as it is mentioned here “Eid Milad-Un-Nabi (PBUH)” signifies of celebration and joy for Muslims in particular and the whole world in general, for getting blessed with the biggest honor from Allah Almighty to them in form of last of the prophets, Muhammad (PBUH).
Milad in relation to Quran
Quran, the Holy Scripture according to which Muslims are to live their lives, also contains content that suggests praising and celebrating the day when prophets (PBUT) of Allah Almighty are born. The following verse of Quran reveals the same as in case of Hazrat Yahya (A.S):
“The peace is on Him the day when he was born and the day when he will die and the day when he will be raised alive.” (Sura Al-Maryam, Verse 15)
This verse mentioned here is in connection with the complete Milad of Allah’s Prophet, Hazrat Yahya (A.S) as mentioned in great detail in the concurrent verses and chapter. Similarly, another narration also exhibits expressions of joy and celebration in relation to the birth of Hazrat Isa (A.S) (or Jesus), also in the same chapter of Qur’an:
“And the same peace on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I would be raised alive.”
(Holy Quran, Sura Al Maryam, Verse 33)
Comprehensive Quran Learningleads us to conclusion that Milad of a prophet is deemed as a praiseworthy event by Allah Almighty Himself. Based upon such inferences, it is quite logical to conclude that Eid Milad-Un-Nabi (celebrated on 12th of Rabbi-al-Awwal) should be an exceptional day of celebration for the followers of Allah (SW)’s last prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Eid Milad-Ul-Nabi (PBUH) in relation to Hadith
Hadith (descriptive narrations from Prophet PBUH) comes second to Quran for every Muslim to take heed from. There are many ahadith that signify the importance of Eid Milad-Un-Nabi, such as:
The one who rejoices on the birth day of the Holy Prophet would not be severely punished and it is hoped that a Muslim who celebrate the Milad un Nabi (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him), will not be punished in hell. Imam Bukhari Rahmatullah Alaih narrates that Abu Lahab would be punished lightly in the hell on Monday. Because he rejoiced and freed his handmaid indicating by his finger, when the Prophet of Allah Almighty (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) took birth. So as a reward of happiness on Milad un Nabi (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) he would be given water by his finger. (Saheehul Bukhari Vol. 2, Page 764)
Conclusion
For Muslims, having true faith is incomplete unless they love and respect Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) more than anything else, as evident from the following hadhith as well:
“None of you becomes a believer until I am dearer to him than his children, his parents and all mankind.” (as reported by Bukhari and Muslim)
That alone should serve a reason more than enough to express your joy and happiness for the greatest of gifts from Allah Almighty to humanity as true Muslims; so make the most of it this year as well.
Being a true Muslim is very special in so many ways; right from what one believes to what one acts, compounding to a human specimen that ought to be adored by angels as well. However, it is very unfortunate that only a meager percentage of Muslims stand up to what can be referred as a “True Muslim”.
Heading off in the wrong direction
There can be countless reasons for that. Though majority of people might find it quite unlikely (or even uncomfortable!), but the fact remains that we literally start off in a wrong direction. One might wonder how. Well, the reality is that most of us simply take it for granted that like every other aspect of our lives that needs learning and practice for refinement, working upon being a “true Muslim” also pertains to learning and practice, which is seldom taken care of.
Setting the priorities right
For Muslims, adhering to Qur’anand Sunnah interprets as working towards being a true Muslim. Yet again, this is simply overlooked, for our love and care of worldly affairs rather than thinking for the betterment of an eternal life. Comparing to the worldly standards, if parents want their child to become a good doctor or engineer, they arrange for the best of resources and education for them. It is absolutely fine to care for the best interests of your offspring in providing them with the best of worldly support you can as parents. However, as Muslims, it is extremely ignorant not to think of their betterment in perspective of an eternal life as promised by Allah Almighty.
Unfortunately, this is what majority of Muslim parents all around the world are accustomed of doing in present times. They are misled themselves in believing to provide the best of resources to their children in getting the best of this life, while missing out providing the best of what they would need to do well in the eternal life hereafter.
“So whatever you have been given is but (a passing) enjoyment for this worldly life, but that which is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. And those who avoid the great sins and lewdness, and when they are angry, they forgive. And those who answer the Call of their Lord, and perform the Salah, and who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and who spend of what We have bestowed on them.” (Surah Ash-Shura 42:36-38)
Making the most of precious childhood time
Doesn’t it appear strange to you that we scientifically believe that childhood is the best phase to learn and yearn the best for our children by presenting them with the best of resources and learning opportunities for worldly benefits, but we simply overlook doing the same (if not more) when it comes to assist our children for a live that will last till eternity.
For non Muslims, things are different. They see life in a much different manner than Muslims are ought to do, and they set their priorities accordingly. For Muslims, however, despite being honored with the opportunity of understanding life in the manner Allah Almighty (the ultimate Creator) wants them to, not being able to provide for the best to their children is unfortunate. Providing the best of Quran Educationto their children should be the top priority of Muslim parents.
Conclusion
Therefore, in order to make sure that we provide our children with the best resources helpful to blossom their life in the world hereafter, devoting time, money and efforts in providing them with the most formidable basis of religious education during their childhood is the best way to deal with it. May Allah Almighty bless every Muslim parent with this honor!
Today, world is literally a flame, fueled by injustices and prejudices being inflicted upon the weaker ones. As a result, those who feel oppressed retort back and the situation becomes even graver, leading world to more plight and misery. The most unfortunate thing is that all the violence and misery of the world is wrongly associated with Islam, a religion that speaks of equality, justice, brotherhood, and respect.
Mainstream world media, however, is being played by forces of evil that thrive on this unrest and injustice, to label Muslims as oppressors and terrorist, while doing all the dirty work themselves for their monetary and other vested interests. The fact of the matter is that Islam is a religion that speaks of equality, justice, tolerance, brotherhood, and peace. With such high moral grounds to its foundations, it cannot be simply held accountable for worldwide atrocities.
To get acquainted with Islamic teachings, nothing serves as a better source other than Quran, the most exalted of Scriptures, descended to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for leading humanity out of the darkness and ignorance. Given below are some basic Islamic teachings from Qur’an that constitute the social structure and fabric of an Islamic society, and one thing is for sure, i.e. world can turn into a place of peace, harmony and tranquility following those teachings.
Equality
Islam tells us that all human beings are to be respected and honored, for the fact that all of them are created equal. The division we see in them based on families, tribes, and nations serves only to differentiate them rather than to turn it into a matter of fake pride and ego to suppress the weaker ones. There are clear instructions in Qur’an about that, as mentioned in the following verse as well:
“O mankind, we have created you from a male and a female, and made you into races and tribes, so that you may identify one another. Surely the noblest of you, in Allah‘s sight, is the one who is most pious of you. Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (49:13)
Freedom of Expression
One of the biggest allegations Islam has to face ever since its inception is that it forces people from other religions to turn towards it. This is totally baseless an allegation as it could be, meant only to label Muslims as oppressors unfairly. Quran teaching in this regard shall clear any doubts that Islam favors or resorts to the use of force. In fact, Islam believes in complete freedom of expression and will, as evident from many verses in Quran, for example:
“There is no compulsion in religion.” Qur’an 2:256
And
Everyone is allowed whether to believe or to deny: “Now, whoever so wills may believe and whoever so wills may deny.” (18:29)
Justice and Fair Treatment
In fact, the principles of justice and fairness led many early non-believers to convert to Islam, and this continues even today, though with much lesser frequency and strength. Islam knows that it becomes suffocating and unacceptable for people to live in societies which are devoid of justice and fairness without any prejudice. The following verse should dawn it to people how strict Islam is about prevalence of justice and fairness:
“O you who believe, be upholders of justice – witnesses for Allah, even though against (the interest of) your selves or the parents, and the kinsmen. (4:135)
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the kind of teachings Islam bestows upon humanity. If people were to follow such morally high principles, world would definitely turn into a better place to live for all of us. Instead of believing in media led blunt lies about Islam, exploring Holy Quran is a much better way to differentiate reality from fabrication.
All praise be to the mightiest Allah, all creations are mere sign of Whose ultimate supremacy. For Muslims, even the whole life of worship and thankfulness cannot serve to repay the tiniest bit of endless blessings by Allah Almighty, especially the gift of Islam, which is not merely a religion, but a complete code of life.
Muhammad (PBUH) And Quran – Offering Everything Needed As Guidance
Muslims and Islam are especially blessed by Allah Almighty to be graced with the presence of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as last of the Prophets ever to enlighten humanity with his truest of teachings, leading humanity to the way of Allah (SWT). The second most gracious gift of Mighty Allah to Muslims is Quran, the glorious of all books and Scriptures, which suffices as the absolute source of guidance for humanity.
Collectively, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Qur’an contain everything that shall be needed by any human being to enjoy the gift of life by Allah Almighty till The Day of Judgment. In fact, that is why Islam is referred not as any other religion, but as the one offering complete code of conduct for living a blessed life.
Sacred Months Blessed To Muslims
Quran offers guidance on every aspect of life, from the smallest daily life issues to the matters of faith and belief, so much so, that this Holy Book contains teachings on the number of months, as described by Allah Almighty:
At-Taubah [9:36] The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year)― so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred; that is the straight usage. So wrong not yourselves therein and fight the pagans all together as they fight you all together. But know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.
Now, according to religious explanations, those four months are: Zul-Hijjah, Muharram, Safar, & Rabi-al-Awwal. This article, from here on, sheds light on various blessing of Muharram, the first month of Islamic calendar.
Honors of Muharram
Muharram not only holds the honor of commencement of Islamic calendar, but it is also beholder of various other honors special to it. Though whole of this month is deemed as highly sacred, but 10th of Muharram is the day considered to be the most sacred of all, with various significances to it, such as:
The Month Of Allah
Muharram is referred as “The Month of Allah” according to Islamic traditions.
Emancipation of Bani-Israel
Prophetic traditions inform us that 10th of Muharram was the day of emancipation of Bani-Israel [the children of Israel – Jacob (May Allah be pleased with him) from the wrath of Pharaohs]. The Jews were liberated from the cruelties of Pharaohs and their accomplices by Divine intervention on this very day.
Savior Of Prophet Noah And His Companions
Islamic traditions also tell us that this was the day Allah Almighty saved Prophet Noah and his companions from the catastrophic flood, decreed upon infidels of the time of Prophet Noah by Allah Almighty due to their mischievous acts.
Fasting And Charity On Ashura
There is a Prophetic tradition pointing towards the blessings of fasting on Ashura (the 10th of Muharram), according to which the rewards of fasting and other pious acts on this day, such as giving charity, Quran Recitation, etc., are increased multiple times. Fasting on this day is rewarded as fasting for the whole year, while giving charity on this day is also deemed as giving charity the whole year.
Conclusion
In every act of the Mighty Allah, there are concealed countless blessings for humanity; so is the case of bestowing a month as sacred as Muharram by Allah Almighty to Muslims. This is a chance offered to Muslims to begin every new year of their blessed life with acts of piousness and gratitude towards Allah (SWT), so that every single day of the year to pass by, can help them go a step closer to the Mightiest Allah by pursuing what He wants us to.
There are countless attributes that make Islam quite different from other major religions preceding it. The biggest virtue of Islam is that creator of the universe, Allah Almighty, has declared it as a religion of His preference that shall serve to guide humanity till The Day of Resurrection.
In fact, there are a few verses describing precisely about this in HolyQuran, such as:
Aal-e-Imran [3:85] If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah) never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).
Comprehensiveness Of Islam
As mentioned earlier, there are countless attributes that set Islam quite distinctively from other religions, one of them being beholder of the widest canvass that addresses all spheres of life, rather than just focusing on typical religious facet.
Islamic Concept Of Months
That is why Islam is also referred as a religion that offers complete code of life. It serves to address everything, from faith to practicalities of life, taking into account finer details of life. Qur’an, the book of Allah bestows its followers even the mechanism of months, describing it in detail, as mentioned in the following verse:
At-Taubah [9:36] The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year)― so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred; that is the straight usage. So wrong not yourselves therein and fight the pagans all together as they fight you all together. But know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.
Not only has this beautiful verse made it clear that Allah Almighty has eased out humanity by giving them an order of 12 months to mark an year, but it also makes clear that Allah Almighty holds 4 months sanctified than the rest, i.e. Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also signified this fact in his last sermon during his last Hajj in the following words:
“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.”
Sanctity Of Muharram
This article concerns with one of them majorly, i.e. Muharram, a sacred month that marks the beginning of the lunar Hijjrah Calendar. Though every month of the year is important, but there are some events of historical or religious importance associated with some months which make them a bit special than others. Same is the case with Muharram. Some of the significances of Muharram are listed here:
Fasting During Muharram
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said:
‘The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram.”
This is very much of self explanatory hadhith that clearly signifies the importance of this month. The importance of fasts is very obvious to Muslims and when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) specifically mentions them with respect to a particular month other than Ramadan, there should be no doubt whatsoever about the sanctity of such a month, which is Muharram in this case. More important is the fact that these fasts are not mandatory, but they are promised of great rewards, and can be observed during whole month.
The Sacred “Ashurah” Day
As mentioned previously, every single day of Muharram is sanctified, but the 10th of Muharram holds the highest significance among all other days, also referred commonly as “Ashurah”. Ibn-e-Abbas, a revered companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) narrates:
The Prophet (PBUH), 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 Prophet Musa (Moses), alayhis salam, and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said, “We are more closely rotated to Musa, alayhi salam, than you,” …and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of ‘Ashura’. (Abu Dawood)
Conclusion
Islam is definitely a religion that not only offers a code of conduct for life, but also bestows its followers with countless bounties engulfed within its teachings. This becomes even clearer to us by virtue of Quran learning, offering us blessings, as well as awakening of mind and soul.
Muslims should try their level best to follow the guidelines of the greatest and truest religion (Islam) blessed to them by Allah Almighty, and not only observe the sanctity of Muharram, but all through the year and all through their lives.
Islamic calendar comprises of 12 different months, each of them having its own significance; “Dhul-hijjah” being the last of them and perhaps the most important of them as well, because it offers Muslims all around the world the honor of “Hajj”, followed by “Eid-al-Adhaa”.
The two of these are considered to be the most revered of religious occasions (celebrations, in fact) for Muslims. This post serves to furnish you with some basic information about both “Hajj” as well as “Eid-al-Adhaa”.
Hajj – The Annual Religious Pilgrimage
“Hajj”, also referred as the “Annual Pilgrimage to Makkah”, is basically a special way of worship performed during designated days of this month. Hajj is one of the most important ways of worship practiced in Islam. In fact, it is taken as 5th pillar of Islam along with Shahadah (acknowledgment of Allah’s oneness and acceptance of Prophet Muhammad PBUH as His last Prophet), Salah(5 times daily prayers), Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan), and Zakat (sparing a fixed amount from your wealth to the poor and needy ones).
Al-Baqara[2:197]Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah Knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.
Hajj, being extremely significant element of Islamic ideology, needs detailed elaboration, which is not possible in this short space. In fact, there are many detailed books available on the topic, explaining the essence and details of the philosophy and rituals of Hajj. Given below is only the most basic and most important information about it:
Hajj is an obligation for every adult Muslim (for males as well as females) who is physically and financially sound enough to understand and carry out the rituals of Hajj, at least once in their life.
One needs to dress up in a specific manner (different for males and females) before reaching Makkah to perform Hajj rituals.
According to some, the essence of Hajj is the recital one needs to practice while circling around “Haram”. It translates as:
“Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at Thy service and Thou hast no partners. Thine alone is All Praise and All Bounty, and Thine alone is The Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners.”
Eid-al-Adhaa (The Sacrifice)
Eid-al-Adhaa can be referred as the culmination of Hajj, where Hujjaj (the ones who performed Hajj) and all other Muslims around the world who afford to do so, sacrifice an animal in the name of Allah, to please The Mightiest. In fact, sacrificing an animal is considered being an act of sacredness in all religions beholder of Divine Book. Even societies other than those also considered sacrificing of an animal as an act to please their God(s).
The process of sacrifice follows very much after Hajj, when Hujjaj sacrifice an animal (only from the “halaal” or permitted to consume ones) as a commemoration and homage in association to the act of Prophet Abraham (A.S) who vowed to sacrifice his son Ismael (A.S) as his ultimate love and submission to Allah Almighty. The following verse from Quranalso highlights the act of sacrifice:
Al-Baqara [2:196] And complete the hajj or `Umrah in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (from completing it) send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill or has an ailment in his scalp, (necessitating shaving) (he should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again) if anyone wishes to continue the ‘Umrah on to the hajj, he must make an offering such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should fast three days during the hajj and seven days on his return making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is strict in punishment.
Conclusion
Dhul-Hijjah is a month that bestows Muslims with the opportunity to end their year reverting to Allah Almighty, courtesy to Hajj and Eid-al-Adhaa; thus helping them seek the accord of their Lord. May Allah bless us with the honor of understanding and performing an activity as revered as Hajj.
Islam, as a religion, graced humanity some 1400 years ago. Allah Almighty bestowed humanity with the praiseworthy presence of Muhammad (PBUH) as last of His Apostles. Since then, Muhammad (PBUH) serves humanity as the last human guide ever to lead humanity to the ways of Allah Almighty, the sole creator of the universe, aided by the Holy Scripture referred as Quran. In fact, Muslims believe that the life of Muhammad (PBUH) and Quran are the two main pillars supporting the foundations of Islam.
Historically speaking, let alone religiously, Islam is nothing short of a miracle and a revolution, the one that transformed the lives of a society from almost barbaric to the most cultured society of the whole world. Even astonishing is the fact that this revolution took only about two to three decades.
The revolution whose foundations were laid in the period of Muhammad (PBUH) soon became a universal phenomenon stretching its horizons from East to West. This brought in a great cultural diversity to Islam, making it a beholder of truly colorful heritage. Given below is a description of different colors that set the foundations of this multicolor (but unidirectional) religion referred as Islam.
Green – Beholder Of Islamic Sacredness
It is the most revered color as far as Islamic perspective is concerned. In fact, it is referred as the symbol of Islamic religion itself. It is regarded highly in Islam, because Muslims believe it was worn preferably by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Additionally, Quran also mentions the color green as a one dear to Allah Almighty as well, as evident from many verses, such as this one:
Al-Kahf [18:31] For them will be Gardens of Eternity; beneath them rivers will flow; they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade; they will recline therein on raised thrones. How good the recompense! How beautiful a couch to recline on!
Perhaps, that is why we often see dooms of mosques as well as robes of Quran bearing Green color dominantly.
Black – Emanating Holiness
Black is also a symbol of holiness from Islamic point of view. Holy Kaaba, the physical nucleus of all Muslims of the world, a place referred as Allah’s home on earth, is robed in black. Additionally, there is a black stone of high reverence from Islamic perspective, referred ad “Hajr-e-Aswad”, present in Holy Kaaba. Though bowing and worshiping of anything other than Allah is strictly prohibited in Islam, but Muslims feel honored in kissing this black stoned present in Kaaba. By doing so, they associate themselves with the kiss Holy Prophet (PBUH) placed on it while affixing it in a wall in Holy Kaaba.
White – Representative Of Islamic Message Of Peace And Prosperity
The color “White” also bears a special place in Islamic ways of life. It is a representative of the message of universal peace, brotherhood, and harmony that Islam preaches. That is why we see Muslims all over the world wearing white dominantly on the holy day of Friday for observing their prayers.
Blue
Blue color is also known to be associated with Islamic lifestyles in numerous ways. That is why we can see quite dominant presence of Blue in sacred Islamic places, such as mosques and shrines. In fact, there are a lot of Mosques (the prayer house of Muslims) famously painted in blue in countries like Turkey, Afghanistan, Armenia, etc.
Conclusion
Unlike the common perception prevailing about Islam in today’s world, Islam is a beholder of true colors and joys of life. To understand the true Islamic perspective about life and death, one needs to Learn Quranhimself rather than being influenced by false propagandas led by media giants with malicious intents.
After the end of the month of Ramadan, the month of Shawal begins. Shawal in Arabic means uplift or breakage. This meaning has historical importance as before the spread of Islam, Arabs were of the view that weddings that take place during the month of Shawal result in unsuccessful marriages.
The Days of Shawal
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawal. This day is full of festivals, joy and happiness. During this day, Allah forgives all the sins and rewards Muslims for fasting, reading the Holy Quran, and worshipping Allah during the month of Ramadan.
According to Sunnah, Muslims are suggested to fast six days during Shawal. However, Allah has forbidden Muslims to fast on the Eid day as during this day, Allah has recommended all Muslims to engage themselves in festivity and joy.
Shawal and the Fasting of Six Days
Mostly, people assume that the blessings of fasting and worshipping end as soon as the holy month of Ramadan ends. However, this is not the case. The six days that follow the end of Ramadan are also very important when it comes to blessings and rewards. The Prophet (PBUH) said,
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days from Shawwal it is as if they fasted the entire year.” [Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah; Ahmad transmitted it from Jabir, Muntaqa]
According to Sayyiduna Thawban (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) also said,
“Whoever fasts Ramadan, and then six days after Eid, it is an entire year. Whoever does a good deed shall have ten times its reward.” [Ibn Majah, Muntaqa]
Therefore, during this month, Muslims should increase their Quran recitation as well along with fasting.
Other Considerations that Prove the Importance of Shawal
Other important considerations that may help individuals understand the importance of the six days that follow Ramadan and Eid are given below.
1. According to most fuqaha, it is best to fast for six consecutive days of Shawal. This has been recommended by Hanafi, Shafi and the Hanbali School.
2. Muslims are permitted to fast separately or consecutively during the month of Shawal.
3. It is also suggested to fast during this month as it allows the individuals to make up for any shortfall in the mandatory fasts of the month of Ramadan. Therefore, those who have missed even one of the mandatory fast of the month of Ramadan should fast during Shawal as it holds high value.
Events During Shawal
The importance of this month can be gathered from the following historical Islamic events that took place during this month.
1. Hazrat Aisha (RA) was born during this month.
2. Hazrat Aisha was also got married to the Prophet (PBUH) during this month. This took place 10 years after Prophethood and 3 years prior to Hijrah.
3. The battle of Uhud was also during the month of Shawal.
4. Hazrat Hussain, who was the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH) was also born during this month.
5. The uncle of the Prophet (PBUH), Abu Talib died during the month of Shawal.
Conclusion
In lieu of the above mentioned events and the Sunnah and Hadith, one can gather the importance of Shawal.
The word Qadar stands for honor and dignity. In this regard, the night of Qadar means that it is the night of honor and dignity. It is considered to be among the most blessed and auspicious nights and is expected to take place on any one of the odd nights of the last ten days of the Holy month of Ramadan.
The night of Qadar is full of blessings and rewards. Its significance in Islam is a lot. People cannot deny the importance of this night in Islam.
Significance of the Night of Qadar
It is the night of Qadar during which the divine revelation of Allah was blessed upon the Prophet (PBUH). Quran was revealed during this special night thereby increasing its significance for Muslims.
It is also believed that the rewards and blessings of worshiping Allah during this night are greater than the worship of a thousand months. This is almost equal to an individual’s life. Therefore, during this day, all Muslims pray voluntarily to increase their gains and also enhance the recitation of the Holy Book. Muslims also increase the remembrance of Allah and pray as much as they could.
The Prophet (PBUH) said,
“The person who offered prayers to Allah in the night of Dignity with faith and with hope of reward from Allah, all his past sins have been forgiven.” (Bukhaari)
The Prophet (PBUH) also said,
‘Seek the night of Dignity in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan’ (Bukhaari)
The odd nights in this regard mean the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and the 29th of the month of Ramadan. This night has not been fixed to any specific odd night and hence those who want to be near Allah, Quran learningand worshipping Allah more during odd nights is the best.
Prayers for The Night of Qadar
Some important prayers and dua’s for this night are given below,
1. Those who seek forgiveness should recite the following:
“Allahumma innaka afuwwun kareemun tuhib-bul af-wa fa-afo anni” (O Allah, You are the One who grants pardon for sins, loves forgiving, so forgive me)
2. Recite Surah Qadar 700, 70 or 7 times and Allah will forgive the sins of the individual and will save him or her from troubles. Also, 700,000 angels will also pray that the individual gets a place in the Paradise.
3. Offer Salatul Tasbih during this night
4. Pray 2 Rakat nafal namaz and in every rakat after reciting Surah Fatiha, recite INNAA ANZALNAHU thrice and Surah Ikhlas seven times. This will reduce the pain of death and will save you from the agony and torment of the grave.
5. Offer 2 rakat nafal namaz and in every rakat recite Surah Fatiha followed by Surah Ikhlas 7 times. After the namaz recite the durood 100 times and Astaghfar 100 times. This will bless you with a lot of rewards.
Conclusion
During this night, Allah listens to the prayers of all except those who are Muslim enemies, those who don’t pay zakat, those who break relationships, those who are lazy to offer namaz, those who backbite and those who performed shirk, kufr, haram, laughed at the graves etc. Therefore, make sure you are not one of them and seek forgiveness for all sins.
The Holy month of Ramadan is full of blessings and rewards for all Muslims. But, a special emphasis is placed on the last ten days of this month because of several reasons. The last ten days of the Holy month are prestigious as reflected from the recommendations and actions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) during these days.
During these days, the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions would perform three essential tasks or practices. These are given below.
1. Worshipping during the Last Ten Days
According to a narration regarding the Prophet (PBUH) and his actions during the last ten days,
“He would strive [to do acts of worship] during the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time.”
Hazrat Aisha also reports that the Prophet (PBUH) would work hard during these days and pray all night and would also wake up his entire family to pray, worship and read the Quran.
2. Performing Itikaf in the Mosque
The act of Itikaf means secluding and isolating yourself in the mosque with pure intentions of increased Quran recitation and increased worship and praying. Muslims also perform Itikaf to get closer to Allah. This was a known practice of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Abu Hurairah reports,
“Allah’s Messenger, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to perform i`tikaf for ten days every Ramadan, then when it was the year in which he was taken (died), he performed I`tikaf for twenty days.” [Bukhari]
Hazrat Ayesha also reports that the Prophet (PBUH) “used to perform itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took him.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
Itikaf is a mustahabb (recommended) act and has many hidden benefits for all Muslims. Generally, the distractions and preoccupations of this world corrupt the mind. When one isolates, these distractions are reduced and one can easily devote the entire day to the worship of Allah. The benefits of Itikaf are given below.
a) Itikaf protects the heart from indulgence into physical things.
b) Itikaf protects from consequences of talking too much.
c) It also protects from sleeping too much.
d) It allows an individual to free himself from the worldly desires and turn towards Allah.
During itikaf, individuals are allowed to perform the following actions.
a) Voluntary praying
b) Quran recitation
c) Remembrance of Allah
d) Combing hair, cutting nails, cleaning the body, wearing nice clothes etc.
e) Bidding farewell to the wife.
3. The Night of Qadar
The night of Qadar is the greatest nights of Islam. Allah also revealed a complete Surah for this night. Allah says,
“Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (ie. Jibreel [Gabriel]) by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn.” [97:1-5]
Therefore, the night of Qadar has great value and those who worship during this night get great rewards.
Conclusion
Therefore, give more emphasis to worship during the last ten days of the Holy month of Ramadan by performing the three main practices given above.
