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’an that:

“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 Learning leads 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 12^th 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’an and 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 Education to 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!

One of the major questions asked by most of the Muslims residing in West is that, shaking hands with a non-mehram woman is permissible or not?

The ‘woman’ in the question includes both Muslim and Non-Muslim women. Though the Eastern countries provide far less places and chances, where non-mehram men and woman can shake hands with each other, on contrary survival is not possible without doing so in the western world. Moreover, shaking hands with a non-mehram woman is regarded as a sin in Islam.

As the Hadeeth of Prophet (PBUH) says:

“For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him than that he should touch a woman who is not permissible for him”

This Hadeeth shows the extreme disliking of the act of shaking hands or touching a non-mahram woman. Touching a non-mahram woman is a grievous sin, and receiving a fatal stroke of iron pin on head is better than committing this sin.

The Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is in direct compliance with the message of Quran. Therefore, there is not a single chance that Prophet (PBUH) would do what is against the Quran. Umaymah the daughter of Raqeeqah narrates that:

‘The Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “I do not shake hands with women”

This is the clear message of Holy Prophet (PBUH) in case you seek answer to your question of shaking hands with non-mehram women. No reply could be as clear as the reply in the above hadeeth.

Now if Prophet (PBUH) did not shake hands with any women, then the next question that arises in mind is, how did he take the bay’ah (pledge) of all the women?

The custom with men was that, Prophet (PBUH) would take the hand of the other person in his hand and then take his pledge of Tauheed and pronounce him a Muslim. However, in case of women, Prophet (PBUH) adopted a different strategy, which did not require physical touch of any sort. As narrated by Aa’isha (May Allah be Pleased with Her):

“He used to accept the women’s oath of allegiance by words only”

Meaning that he did not apply the same custom of taking pledge of men on the women, there was no handshake and no physical contact.

You will find different tafseers of Mufassareen, where they would mention that during the pledge, the Prophet (PBUH) would ask for a vessel of water, and would dip his hands in to it, and then the women would do the same to complete the pledge. Some of the mufassareeen  say that, the Prophet (PBUH) shake hands with woman, with a Qatari Cloak in his hand, and some say that Umar (May Allah be Pleased with Him), would do the hand shake with women on his behalf.

All of these tafaseer are untrue and unauthentic, especially the last one. If you learn Quran, you will know that Prophet (PBUH) was Masoom (infallible), and if the Infallible Prophet (PBUH) could not shake hand with women, then how could Umar (Allah be pleased with him) do so.

Islam is a religion of understanding, so in case of necessity where a woman does not have any other woman to help her, like in medical treatment, removing of tooth, or any eye procedure, then a non-mahram can touch a woman and it would not be considered a sin. Because the act was performed in dire necessity, and there was no other option.

In a nutshell, shaking hands or touching a non-mahram is extremely prohibited in Islam, with no leverage whatsoever. You can only have physical contact with a non-mahram, if he or she is in a medical treatment, and don’t have the option of being taken care by the same gender.

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.

Islam given special importance to Moral conduct, it is a way of behaving well with others by showing your nice word and kind manners. When a person asked about the moral conduct, Imam as-Sadiq answered:

“It is to become modest, speak honorable, and meet your brother cheerfully.”

Most of the individuals put effort on their looks and their personality. But the main aim of a person should be to look for the good Moral Conduct. Moral conduct is the base of all the virtues. Ahl-ul-Bayt used varieties of methods for the glorification of moral conduct:

Holy Prophet said:” The best amongst you are the most well-mannered and generous ones who go on intimate terms with people and people go on intimate terms with them, and whose places of residence are frequently trodden on by guests.”

It is also said that “You should be respected, if you want to be lenient and you might be severe, if you want to be disrespected.”

There were many messengers sent by Allah to people but first he developed moral conduct in them, which is a symbol of the virtues of prophet and also the representation of their personalities.

Prophet Muhammad(P.B.U.H) was a perfect example of the moral conduct, as well as other high moral standards. Because of his ideal moralities, he was able to seize the hearts, and deserved the worthily praise of Allah. There are many lessons of Moral Conduct mentioned in the Holy Quran.

Imam Ali described the moralities of Holy Prophet and said:

“He was the most generous, the bravest, the most truthful and the most faithful, and in terms of temper, the most lenient and in terms of association, the most honorable. Anyone seeing him for the very first time is filled with awe, and any one associating with loves him. I have never seen his like before and after him”.

Prophet Muhammad is a great picture of moral conduct; from Quran Learning you can see the story with Koreish. It can be seen that all the people there were against him and showed various sorts of bitterness that made him travel to his hometown. When Allah made him victorious against all these people, the people of Koreish knew that Muhammad will take his revenge. But the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said nothing to them, he said: “What do you think I am going to do with you? Only the good, for you are the noble brother and son of a noble brother,’ they answered. The Prophet Muhammad(P.B.U.H) said, “ I will repeat the same wording of my brother Joseph the prophet:(Today, you are not condemned.) Go, you are released.”

Once Imams AL-Hassan and AL-Hussein noticed that an old man was performing the ablution incorrectly. They avoided pointing him out directly, instead they made him the arbiter who should rule most accurate ablution.

Similarly, a dispute once occurred between Mohammad ibn al-Hanafiyya and al-Hussein who conveyed a message to his brother: “ So then, brother! Your and my father is the same. You are not preferred to me and I am not preferred to you in this point. Regarding your mother Fatima the daughter of the Messenger of Allah, if my mother possesses gold that is filling the earth, she will never reach the standing of your mother. If you read this message, you may visit me so that I will please you. You are surely worthier of virtue than I am. Peace and Allah’s grace and blessings be upon you.”

Life is one of the most precious gifts one can ever demand from the Mighty Lord of the universe, i.e. Allah Almighty; Who not only created human beings, but every single particle constituting the whole wide universe we can see and think of.

Especially blessed are the ones who have been honored with the chance of living life as a Muslim, following the principles of life laid by Allah (SWT) Himself, communicated to us through a scripture as exalted as Quran. However, erroneousness of human nature compels many human beings to go astray and follow a lifestyle that not only creates many problems for them in this life, but the life hereafter.

This article describes some of the ways and habits every Muslim should avoid in order to live a life of peace and prosperity, also guaranteeing the accord of Allah Almighty in the eternal world.

Stay away from the company of ill-intentioned people

This is very important. As mentioned earlier, human nature is prone to getting astray easily. In fact, that is why Allah Almighty had been blessing humanity with constant guidance in form of more than one hundred and twenty four thousand messengers who devoted their lives in guiding humanity out of abyss of ignorance. That is why wise people insist that the company a person keeps counts a lot in determining the way one would live their life. Rogue and ill-intentioned people around you serve to inspire and compel you for bad things, leading you away from Quran education and Sunnah principles, as also mentioned in the following verse:

“… real wish is to see that you become a disbeliever, as they have disbelieved, so that you may become exactly like them. So you should not take friends from their ranks unless they immigrate in the way of God…” (Qur’an; 4:89)

Stop looking for help from anyone other than Allah

Being a Muslim, one of the basic requirements is to consider none other than Allah to be the ultimate source of power and strength, seeking help only from Him. However, it is quite unfortunate and disturbing when people resort to sources other than Allah Almighty as their help. Allah (SWT) loves every human being more than anyone else ever could, and listens to the please and prayers of those who resort to Him with full faith. Consider the following verse to get a better understanding on this:

If My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. They should therefore respond to Me and believe in Me so that hopefully they will be rightly guided.
(Surat al-Baqara: 186)

Stop being ungrateful

For every human being in general, and for Muslims in particular, being ungrateful is the worst thing to do. Instead of asking for more and complaining for little things that you might have missed in life, think about how much you have gotten without even the need of asking from Allah Almighty.

Allah (SWT) says in Quran:

It is He Who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures: Therein is fruit and date-palms, producing spathes (enclosing dates): Also corn with (its) leaves and stalk for fodder and sweet-smelling plants. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny? (Al Rahman 55; verses 10-13)

Conclusion

It is really up to us how happily we want to live our lives. We can either be the cry-babies, whining, crying, and complaining for the little bit of what we do not have; or be the thankful and grateful beings, expressing our gratitude for countless bounties bestowed to us by Allah Almighty.

World has gotten to know so much about “Taliban”, especially after the horrific tragedy referred as 9/11 that served to perish the lives of more than 3000 innocent human beings in the United States of America. Ever since then, world media highlights any news about “Taliban”, a regime that operated in war-torn country of Afghanistan at the time United States of America in particular and the world in general was awestruck with the tragedy of 9/11.

III-intentioned Western Media – Portraying Taliban’s View About Female Education As That Of Islam’s

It is very unfortunate that western media is portraying the atrocities committed by Taliban as that of Islam, making it look like; perhaps Islam is responsible of all the absurdities committed by Taliban and their allies, particularly banning of education for women. Every now and then, media reports highlight torching a school (targeting girls’ educational institutions in particular), or bombing it, or harassing or terrifying school going girls in some other way; unfortunately again, all in the name of Islam, in a stark contrast to the actual teachings of Islam.

Islamic Concept Of Education

In fact, Islam is a religion that flourished because of knowledge; knowledge about oneness of Allah Almighty, and seeking knowledge of everything Allah wants humans to know.

The following verse from Holy Quran serves as a proof enough about the significance of knowledge and learning in Islam

“Are those who have knowledge and those who have no knowledge Alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful.” Al Zumar, 39:9.

Does it seem logical to you that a religion whose Scripture literally serves to encourage people to become knowledgeable, can ask its followers to ban education for women. This assumption goes as absurd as it can be. In fact, it questions the ranks of those who lack in knowledge as compared to the ones who acquire knowledge and apply it to reach the conclusion that there is no might, but Allah (SWT). Knowing about true teachings of Islam is not possible with detailed Quran education, which is why it is held mandatory for every Muslim irrespective of their gender.

Islam’s Viewpoint Regarding Education Of Females

Islam is a religion of logic and reason. Do you think a society as stubborn as Pagan Arabs could have been forcefully converted to a new religion with teachings totally different from what they had been practicing for centuries? It was made possible simply because of educating those people. It is a fact that females constitute the very basis of any society and discouraging them from education is like disregarding the future of your next generations.

The following hadith shall serve as one of the best examples of how significant Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) deemed the education of females:

Manumission of Slaves [46:723] Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ashari: The Prophet said, “He who has a slave-girl and teaches her good manners and improves her education and then manumits and marries her, will get a double reward; and any slave who observes Allah’s right and his master’s right will get a double reward.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This hadith not only informs us about Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) view about female education, but also indicate the fact that how he (PBUH) encouraged eradicating the practice of slave keeping that was so dominant in those times.

Conclusion

The fact is that males and females both serve their part in completion of humanity and keeping one half of humanity deprived of the blessings of knowledge is an unjust act, which would be far from Islamic teachings, since Islam does not promote any prejudice against group of humans. So, those sharing the viewpoint of Taliban shall reconsider their standing in perspective of true Islamic teachings.

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 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.

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 Holy Quran, 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 10^th 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 5^th 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).

Quran teaching in this regard informs us:

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 Quran also 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.