Entries Tagged 'Muharram' ↓

Among days of Islamic calendar, the tenth of Muharram is perhaps one of the most important days because of its significance in the pre-Prophet (PBUH) religious history, and secondly, its importance in the post-Prophet (PBUH) Islamic history.

The tenth of Muharram signifies the saving of Abraham (AS) from the fire of Nimrod, the saving of Moses (AS) and Children of Israel from Pharaoh by crossing the red sea, and the Martyrdom of Hussain (AS) in the field of Karbala.

The lines below discuss the events that took place on tenth of Muharram, with special emphasis on the martyrdom of Hussain (AS), what he stood for, and what Muslims need to learn from his example.

Pre-Prophet (PBUH) history:

There are two important events that took place in the Pre-Prophet (PBUH) Islamic history. First one was the saving of Abraham (AS) from the fire of Nimrod, and the second one was the saving of Children of Israel by Moses (AS) from the forces of Pharaoh.

Abraham (AS) was thrown in a humongous fire because he stood against the tyranny of Nimrod who claimed to be God. Abraham (AS) said that there is no God but Allah, and all the idols and Nimrod himself are nothing. Nimrod being in power, arrange for a big fire to be lit and then threw Abraham (AS) in it, who was miraculously saved by Gabriel on the order of Allah Almighty, thus, the right turned victorious over wrong and tyranny.

On the other hand, Moses (AS) freed the Children of Israel from the tyranny and brutality of Pharaoh, who also claimed to be their lord. On the tenth of Muharram, Moses (AS) took the children of Israel and crossed the Red Sea, who by the order of Allah Almighty split into two and gave them way and they crossed. While Pharaoh and his forces were following them in the Red Sea, it came back to normal and all the tyrants drowned. Thus in case of Moses (AS) also, truth and righteousness conquered over evil and falsehood.

The Incident of Karbala:

The tenth of Muharram marks the martyrdom of Hussain (AS); the grandson of Prophet (PBUH); in the field of Karbala. He along with his family and followers all were martyred by the army of Yazid. Hussain (AS) refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, who wanted to be Caliph, but did not deserve it because he was not a good Muslim.

What Hussain (AS) Stood For?

Hussain (AS) stood for the same thing which the Prophets before and Muhammad (PBUH) himself stood for. Hussain (AS) stood against the tyranny of Yazid in the same manner in which Abraham (AS) and Moses (AS) stood against Nimrod and Pharaoh. Hussain (AS) stood against injustice and falsehood in the same way as did his Grandfather, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did. Therefore, what happened in Karbala was only are revival of the spirit of Islam, that always requires sacrifice.

The Call of Hussain (AS):

When Hussain (AS) was about to go for his final blow at the enemy, he did two things with his bleeding, dehydrated, and wounded body. First, he made a pray to Allah Almighty, and secondly he made a call.

His pray was:

“O Allah! In You I place my trust amid all grief. You are my hope amid all violence. You are my Refuge and Provider in everything that happens. How many grievances are there that weaken the heart, leaving me with no means to respond; during which friends desert me while enemies rejoice.”

This prayer of Hussain (AS) shows his faith on Allah Almighty, and how he relied on Allah only through every thick and thin. This belief on Allah is what made him stand against Yazid and give the sacrifice of which there is no example in human history.

The second thing that he did was to make a call to the people present. He said:

“Is there anyone who will come to assist us? Is there anyone who will respond to our call for help?”

His call at a superficial level was to the people present there to come and support him, although he knew that those who would have helped had already deserted him. However, on symbolic level, his call was to all the generations to come. His call addressed all those who see something wrong happening, and do not dare to help the righteous in fighting the evil.

The Message:

The message that the martyrdom of Hussain (AS) conveys to all the Muslims is of having faith in Allah Almighty, being patient, and never compromise with evil, tyranny and injustice. Hussain (AS), saw all his family martyred in front him but did not complain to Allah Almighty, rather he stayed patient. Hussain (AS) had only to pledge allegiance to Yazid to save his followers and family from all the aetrocity, but he did not bow down to tyranny and injustice, rather sacrificed all what he had in the way of truth, righteousness and gave a new life to spirit of Islam.

May Allah give us the guidance to learn from the incident of Karbala, and help us develop the characteristics of having strong Faith, patience, and the courage to stand against evil and tyranny! Ameen!

O Allah! In You I place my trust amid all grief. You are my hope amid all violence. You are my Refuge and Provider in everything that happens. How many grievances are there those weaken the heart, leaving me with no means to respond; during which friends desert me while enemies rejoice.”

Then, this beloved grandson of the Prophet and the apple of his eye raised a call: “Is there anyone who will come to assist us? Is there anyone who will respond to our call for help?” He turned directions and repeated the call several times. Who was he calling out to? Surely he was not expecting anyone there to come to his aid since those who he had relied upon had already betrayed him? Perhaps it was a call to people of conscience of every period, every generation in every land. It was a call for help against corruption which everywhere in every age rears its ugly head to oppress justice and undermine the truth.

Every day and everywhere

Imam Hussain’s martyrdom at Karbala provides evidence of the moral victory of right over wrong, of virtue over vice, of principle over compromise, of the oppressed over the oppressor, of the denied over the denier; the ultimate victory of blood over sword. A lesson teaching humankind through the inscription of blood on the scrolls of human history, how he conveyed to the world, through his struggle, the meaning of life; that that living is truly of value which offers itself for a cause greater than it’s self; that to die with honor is better than living in subjugation to injustice.

For those conscious of their moral obligations, consistently striving against injustice and oppression; EVERY DAY IS ‘ASHURA AND EVERY PLACE IS KARBALA. The killing of Hussain is in fact the death knell of Yazid, as Islam is revived after every such Karbala”.

Remember Never to Forget

The commemoration of ‘Ashura on the 10th of Muharram every year serves to remind us of the sacrifices of the righteous throughout our glorious history. It reconnects us with our spiritual and moral legacy making us aware of the people, then and now, who bravely stood up for what was right; as well as those who tried to destroy the family of the Prophet and the noble ideals that the family stood for. More than that, it exposes those who watched what was happening, knew what was right; and yet did nothing.

How many are there even today who shy away; not only from mentioning the struggle at Karbala, but from the very memory of Hussain. God forbid that we ever become of those who forget.

The month of Muharram has great importance in Islamic history and beliefs. Historically, it is the month when Ibrahim (AS) was saved from the fire of Nimrod, it is the month when Moses (AS) was saved the children of Israel from Pharaoh by crossing the Red Sea, and it is the month when Hussain (R.A) the Grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was martyred along with his family in the ground of Karbala.

The martyrdom of Hussain (R.A) has been inspiring Muslims through ages. However, at this point of time, Muslims in general and Muslims of Gaza in particular need to get inspiration from the incident of Karbala. The martyrdom of Hussain (R.A) can only inspire us if we understand the place of Hussain (R.A) in Islam and the value he stood for in the field of Karbala.

Hussain (R.A) belongs to the Ahl al-Bayt or the people of household of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and regarding them, Allah Almighty says in Quran:

Say [Oh Muhammad]! Let us call upon our children and your children, our ladies and your ladies, ourselves and yourselves, then we pray so that Allah’s wrath be upon those who are false. (Quran 3:16)

The ayah shows that Allah Almighty commended Prophet (PBUH) to take His family to debate with the Kuffar and their families; and Hussain (R.A) was a part of His family, which shows the importance of Hussain (R.A) when confronting evil.

At another instance Allah Almighty says in Quran:

Allah desires but to remove filth from you Oh Ahl al-Bayt and purify you thoroughly. (Quran 33:33)

This ayah shows that the Ahl al-Bayt were people pure at heart and their hearts were void from any kind of filth. Therefore, Hussain (R.A) was pure at heart.

Furthermore, Allah Almighty says in Quran:

Say [Oh Muhammad]! I ask you of no reward except that you love my close kin. (Quran 42:23)

This ayah also shows that Prophet (PBUH) wanted Muslims to love his close kin, and Hussain (AS) is one of them.

The saying of Prophet (PBUH) is perhaps the most evident example of the stature Hussain (AS) holds in Islam and for Muslims. Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Hussain (R.A) is from Me and I am from Hussain (R.A).”

Besides signifying the blood bond between Prophet (PBUH) and Hussain (R.A), this saying goes beyond the blood bond and shows the spiritual bond between Prophet (PBUH) and Hussain (R.A). Therefore, what Hussain (R.A) accomplished in Karbala, was not solely because of his sharing blood with Prophet (PBUH), rather it was also because he belonged to the Prophet (PBUH) spiritually.

Moving forward, pertaining to what Hussain (R.A) stood for in the field of Karbala. Hussain (R.A) did not take a stand against Yazid, because he wanted to be Khalifa and only he had the right of being Khalifa and Yazid was not eligible for it. Rather, the stand Hussain (R.A), took in Karbala was about not submitting to the tyrant, and that truth shall and must never submit to or show allegiance with falsehood.

What Hussain (R.A) did in Karbala is the same, which Ibrahim (AS) did against Nimrod, which Moses (AS) did against Pharaoh, and which Prophet (PBUH) did against the idol worshipers of Makkah. They all stood for truth and did not submit to falsehood and evil.

As far as the Muslims and the Muslims of Gaza are concerned, they need to take a leaf out of the life of Hussain (R.A) and be inspired. The Muslims in general must wake up and take a stand against all the tyranny and oppressing of Muslims in countries like Gaza, Congo, Lebanon and many more, and let the world know that Muslims are united and they feel for each other.

On the other hand, the Muslims of Gaza must relate with what happened with Hussain (R.A) in Karbala. He had to see all his family members martyred before him, but he did not lose faith and did not submit to the tyrants, rather he gave his own life in the path of justice and truth. Thus, the Muslims of Gaza need to have a strong belief and must not yield to the tyrants and keep the Islamic spirit of standing for righteousness alive and throbbing.

May Allah help all Muslims learn from the example of Hussain (R.A) and give us the courage to stand for the truth and never submit to falsehood and the tyrants. Ameen!

The sighting of moon of Muharram marks the beginning of new Islamic year. A year, for which everyone makes prayers that; may Allah bless them and their loved ones; and they have a peaceful year and experience prosperity in each of its months.

Every month of Islamic year has its own significance and blessings; every month brings a specific set of blessings with it. Muharram is the first month of Islamic calendar, and contains numerous blessings and instructions both from Allah Almighty and from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The lines below give the importance and significance of Muharram in light of Quran and Ahadith.

Importance From Quran:

A Qualified Quran tutor, who knows and understands Quran will definitely emphasize on the importance of Muharram to his or her students. Almighty Allah says in Quran:

“Four of them (Zil-Qadah, Zil-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab) are sacred.” (At-Tawbah:36)

Virtues Of Muharram From Ahadith:

Every month of Islamic calendar carries certain virtues and has specific sayings of Prophet (PBUH) about it. Among several other virtues of Muharram the one emphasized the most is the virtue of fasting. There are several sayings of Prophet (PBUH) regarding fasting in Muharram; some of them are given below:

“The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadan is the fasting of Allah’s month of Muharram.” (Muslim)

The hadith clearly shows that besides the Holy month of Ramadan in which Muslims fast for the whole month, the other month that is most recommended for fasting is Muharram.

In another hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The one that keeps a fast in the month of Muharram will receive the reward of thirty fasts for each fast (in this sacred month).” (Tabraani)

The hadith clearly differentiates between the obligatory fasts and Nafl fasts. The obligatory fasts are of the month of Ramadan and have no equal in reward. However, when it comes to Nafl fasts, a person who fasts for one day in Muharram receives the reward for 30 Nafl fasts. Therefore, if you are thinking of fasting out of will, then Muharram is the best month to fast.

Moreover, to receive the reward for 30fasts against one fast, it is not the condition that a person must fast for the whole of Muharram. Rather, fasting any day of it will equal the reward of 30 fasts.

Aashora:

Although the whole month of Muharram is sacred but the day of Aashora, which is the 10^th day of Muharram is the most sacred of all. Aashora is among one of the most blessed and prestigious days of Islamic calendar.

History- When Prophet (PBUH) migrated to Madina with His companions, He saw the Jews of Madina who would fast on the 10^th day of Muharram. The Jews fasted on this day in rememberance of the freedom which Allah Almighty provided Bani-Israel from Pharoah, when Prophet Musa (AS) crossed the Red Sea miracoulusly with his followers, while Pharoah drowned in it. On seeing their fast, Prophet (PBUH) said:

“We are more closely related to Musa than You.” (Abu Dawood)

Afterwards, Prophet (PBUH) directed the Muslims to fast on the Aashora day.

Furthermore, to distinguish Muslim fasting from Jews, Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Observe the fast of Aashora and oppose the Jews. Fast a day before it or a day after.” (Baihaqi)

Different other Ahadith and scholars say that to compliment this hadith, Muslims must fast either a day before or a day after along the day of aashora.

Recommended Deeds- Although The Quran proves the sanctity of the month of Muharram, but there are certain deeds which are emphasized by Prophet (PBUH) in his different Ahadits for the day of Aashora. Some of the ahadiths pertaining to the deeds of Aashora are given below:

Prophet (PBUH) said pertaining to fasting on the day of Aashora:

“This fast is a compensation for the (minor) sins of the past year.” (Muslim)
Prophet (PBUH) also instructed on being more generous and loving towards the family on aashora days more than normal days. Prophet (PBUH) said:

“One who generously spends on his family on the day of Aashora, Allah will increase (his provision) for the whole year.” (Baihaqi)

Meaning that besides fasting, a Muslim needs to be extra generous towards his family, the fruits of which will then start appearing throughout the year.

Bottom Line:

In short, Muharram is one of the most sacred months in Islamic calendar in light of both Quran and Ahadith. Among the days of Muharram Aashora is the most sacred one, and Muslims must try to observe fast on Aashora day and perform whatever good deeds possible.

May Allah Almighty bless us in this Holy month of Muharram and We all enjoy a prosperous and peaceful year.

Ameen!

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 book, 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 10^th 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 10^th 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 10^th 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.