Islamic Calender

Muharram

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Literal meaning: Forbidden. It was forbidden to wage war and fight during this month. Muharram is so-called because it is sacred [harâm] and as an affirmation of its sanctity.

It is regarded as one of the sacred months [Ash'hurul-Hurum].

Rasûlullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam has said:

"The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadhân isfasting (luring Allâh's month (ie. Muharram) " (Sahih Muslim).

Âshura:

This is the tenth day of the month of Muharram and is a day of great significance and virtue.

Occurrence of Significance:

Allâh Ta'âla granted deliverance to Sayyidina Moosa Alayhis Salâm and the Bani Isra'îl from the tyranny of Fir'oun.
After the floods, the ark of Sayyidina Nûh Alayhis Salâm settled on Mount Judi.
Qiyâmah will be on a Friday, the 10th of Muharram.

Practices to be Observed on the Day of Âshura

1. To fast on the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram.

a. This is a nafl fast.

b. The act of fasting is sunnah.

The Jews in Madinah fasted on the 10th Muharram because Allâh Ta'âla saved Mûsa Alayhis Salâm and the Bani Isra'îl on this day from the tyranny of Fir'oun, Rasûlullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was informed that they fasted on this day. He then instructed us to fast on the 9th as well. Thus this will demonstrate a shift from the practice of the Jews.

In the light of this, the fuqahâ have ruled that it is makrûh to fast only on the 10th of Muharram only.

2. To spend freely on one's family.

Rasûlullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said:

"He who will be generous on his family on the day of Âshura, Allâh Ta'âla will be generous on him for the entire year." (Tabrani, Baihaqi).

NOTE: It is meritorious that one spends freely on one's family, however the needy, orphans and widows should not be forgotten.

Rewards for Fasting on the Day of Âshura.

Rasûlullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "It is a compensation for the sins of the past year."

All minor sins of the past year will be forgiven. The major sins are forgiven only when sincere Tawbah is made.

To Refrain from the following in Muharram and The Day of Âshura:

To incur debts so as to spend on one's family.
To be wasteful and extravagant in one's spending.
To make Taziah [Religious processions].
To read 'Mirthiya' and 'Shahadat Nama' [obituary on the martyrdom of Husain. radhiyallahu anhu or to cry, tear one's clothes etc].
To make sweet drinks with the belief that it would quench the thirst of those martyred in Karbala.
To prepare khitchra [food cooked with lentils] with erroneous beliefs.
To believe that a child born in the month of Muharram is prone to misfortune and likewise to believe a marriage in this month will bring ill fortune is not in accordance with Islamic beliefs.

To light fireworks.

Safar

Month of the year: Safar is the second month of the Islamic calendar.

Literal meaning: Empty. During this month the houses used to be empty and deserted because the ban on going to war in the month of Muharram came to an end and everyone proceeded towards the battlefield.

Safar also means to be yellow. When the names of the months were being given it was the season of autumn and the leaves of the trees were yellow.

Many people have erroneous beliefs regarding this month i.e. it is a month of misfortune and calamities. The teachings of Allâh Ta'âla and His beloved Rasûl sallallahu alayhi wa sallam gives us clear guidelines on such incorrect beliefs.

Allâh Ta'âla says in the Qur'ân: "No kind of calamity can occur, except by the will of Allâh". (Surah 64-Ayat 11).

These erroneous beliefs have also been condemned in the context of the following Ahâdîth:

There is no superstitious owl, bird, no star-promising rain, no bad omen in the month of Safar. (Sahih Muslim).

There is no bad omen in the month of Safar and no Ghouls (evil spirits) (Sahih Muslim).

There is no evil omen, no superstitious owl, bird and no bad omen in the month of Safar (Bukhari).

The above Ahâdîth clearly refutes all incorrect beliefs and superstitions regarding the month of Safar. These incorrect beliefs flow from the pre-Islamic period of Jâhiliyyah [Days of Ignorance].

The Month of Safar During the Days of Ignorance

The Muhaddithîn have recorded many of the superstitions harboured by the Arabs during the Days of Ignorance. A few are mentioned below:

The pre-Islamic Arabs believed Safar to be a snake which lives in the stomach of a human being and when hungry, bites the person. This is the discomfort one experiences when gripped by the pangs of hunger.

2. Some said Safar are worms which originate in the liver and ribs due to which the colour of the person becomes yellow, a condition we know today as jaundice.

3. According to some, the month of Safar flanked by Muharram and Rablul Awwal is full of calamities and misfortune.

With the advent of Islam and the teachings of Rasûlullah sallallahu alayhl wa sallam, all evil and incorrect beliefs common in pre-Islamic times were discarded.

Incorrect Beliefs:

Today too, there are some Muslims who hold incorrect beliefs regarding the month of Safar.

1.

A nikâh performed in this month would not be successful.

Sayyidina Ali radhiyallahu anhu married Sayyiditina Fatima radhiyallahu anha, (the daughter of Rasûlullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) in the latter days of Safar 2 A.H.

2.

This month is full of misfortune and calamities.

3.

To commence any important venture, business etc. during this month will bring bad luck.

4.

The first to the thirteenth of Safar is ill-fortune and evil.

5.

The person who distributes food or money on the 13th of Safar wiII be saved from its ill-fortune.

6.

To celebrate the last Wednesday of Safar and regard it as a holiday.

What to do:

1.

To shun all types of erroneous beliefs regarding the blessed month of Safar.

2.

To understand that the most unfortunate person is he who disobeys Allâh Ta'âla's commandments e.g. does not perform the five daily salaah etc. It is narrated in a hadîth that Rasûlullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "Pray, 0 Allah! Cause not anyone of us to be a wretched destitute." He then asked: "Do you know who is a wretched destitute?" Upon the request of the Sahabah radhiyallahu anhum he replied, "A wretched destitute is he who neglects his salât. " (Hadîth).

3.

We should understand that all conditions which befalls us, good or bad, favourable, or unfavourable are from Allâh Ta'âla, (as a result of our actions). Allâh Ta'âla says: " Whatever misfortune befalls you, it is due to the things your hands have wrought, and He forgives many a sin." (Surah 42 - Verse 30).

This can also be confirmed by the following Hadîth:

Sayyidina Jabir radhiyallahu anhu has said that, "I have heard Rasûlullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam saying, the descending of illness and evil superstition befalling in the month of Safar is untrue." (Muslim)

THE SECRET OF THIS VEIL IS UNTOLD AND UNTOLD IT SHALL REMAIN

It is said that Rasûlullah sallallâhu alayhi wa salâm was given three gifts upon this occasion:

The ending ayahs of Surah Baqarah.
The good news of salvation to those of his Ummah who do not attest polytheism.
The compulsory 5 times salâh.

With these he made his way back down, and met Mûsa alayhis salâm who questioned him, "What ordinance did you receive from that select place of audience?"

On hearing about the order of 50 times salâh, Mûsa alayhis salâm advised, "I have experienced a lot with Bani Israîl. Your Ummah will not be able to fulfil this. You must return and make a request."

Rasûlullah sallallahu alayhi wa salâm returned and requested, "Oh my Lord, my Ummah is weak in body and mind, pray lighten our load."

The order was, "Ten salâh have been made less," So he returned, but Mûsa alayhis salâm questioned him again and advised him to request once more. This happened repeatedly till at last all that remained were 5 salâhs. Regarding these Allâh Taâla said: "They are 5 prayers but they are equal in reward to fifty, for my word does not change."

He returned to Mûsa alayhis salâm who advised, "Go back to your Lord, by Allâh I urged Bani Israîl to do less than that and even then they failed."

Yet this time Rasûlullah sallallâhu alayhi wa salâm said, "I feel ashamed to go before my Lord again, and for disputing with Him."

Mûsa (alayhis salâm) said, "Then go down in the name of Allâh."

Thus, this was the end of a miraculous and fruitful journey, by the time Rasûlullah sallallâhu alayhi wa salâm returned to Masjid-e-Haram Fajr had dawned.

The significance of the night of Mi'râj

The miraculous night journey of Rasûlullah sallallâhu alayhi wa salâm provided him with additional proof to show to people that he had been sent by Allâh Taâla. It would not have been possible to prove his prophethood to people by describing his trip into the heavens as it was something none had ever experienced before. It would have only sounded like a dream or some far-fetched story. But some of them had then been to Jerusalem and so accurate was Rasûlullahs sallallâhu alayhi wa salâm description of the Masjid Al-Aqsa and its surroundings in detail that would confirm his claims. Besides he also provided a description of a caravan and lost camel and all this proved beyond doubt that he was a Nabi of Allâh Taâla.

Lessons learnt from Mi'râj

1. Salâh: The greatest pillar of Islam. Salâh was the first act of worship, which Allâh made compulsory on Muslims and it was the only one, which He ordered in Makkah. All the other pillars of Islam were made obligatory in Madinah, after the Hijrah. This pillar is so important that Allâh Taâla chose to ordain it when He spoke directly to Rasûlullah (sallallâhu alayhi wa salâm) in the heavens.

2. To make a firm commitment not to miss a single salâh in one's life.

The Mi'râj of a believer is one's salât five times daily. In this way one can be in contact with Allâh Taâla.
Not to delay in the performing of the salâh.
Males must read all their salâh with jamât.

Fasting

Learned scholars say it was not the practice of Rasûlullah sallallâhu alayhi wa salâm to fast on the 27th of Rajab.

Duâ:

Allahuma bârik lanâ fiy Rajab wa ballaghinâ ilâ Ramadhân

["O Allâh bless us in the month of Rajab and Shabân and let us see the month of Ramadhân."]

SHA'BAAN
Sha'baan

Sha'baan is the eighth month of the Islamic Calendar.

Literal meaning: Sha'baan means to spread and distribute. During this month blessings descend and the provisions and sustenance of man is distributed.

Beginning of Sha'baan

Blessings are initiated and progressively escalate so that by mid-Sha'baan the blessings have reached a considerable amount and finally these blessings reach their peak by the end of Ramadhaan.

What is Sha'baan ?

Sha'baan is the month that comes between Rajab and Ramadhaan. There are many virtuous days with which Allah Ta'aala has blessed His Nabi's sallallahu alayhi wasallam Ummah. He has promised us great reward for each and every virtuous deed, even if it be as small as removing something from a pathway that may trouble others.

Yet, look at the ignorance of the Muslims. We let things slip through our fingers not realising that time is lost forever ! Each breath of a man is a step nearer to his death, nearer to the time of reckoning before his Creator, on the Day of Resurrection.

Every day Allah Ta'aala through His love and mercy has allocated a specific time in which those who call unto Him are answered. He has set aside certain days in which mercy has no limits, to those who plead for it. From amongst the special times and days is the month of Sha'baan, in which each deed acted upon, is rewarded more generously by Allah Ta'aala than compared to any other day.

Why is Sha'baan important ?

In a Hadeeth Sayyidina Usamah radhiallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "There is a month between Rajab and Ramadhaan called Sha'baan, people are very ignorant towards this month, even though the reward of each deed is greater within it and the deeds are presented to Allah Ta'aala." (Imam Baihaqi reports this hadeeth in his kitaab Shuab-ul-Imaan).

It has been narrated by Sayyidina Anas radhiallahu that upon the arrival of Rajab, Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam used to recite,

"OAllah! bless us abundantly in Rajab and Sha'baan and deliver us safely unto Ramadhaan."

It has also been stated in the kitaab 'Daylami' that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam proclaimed, "Sha'baan is my month." In another hadeeth Sayyiditina Aa'isha radhiallahu anha narrates that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam preferred to observe the fasts of Sha'baan thus uniting them with the fasts of Ramadhaan. From the above Ahaadeeth we learn the significance of Sha'baan and Rasoolullah's sallallahu alayhi wasallam attachment to this blessed month.

This month should be spent preparing for Ramadhaan, by dong virtuous deeds, so that in Ramadhaan we undertake even more virtuous deeds. By then hopefully our religious duties would become habitual.

Events of Sha'baan

1. 'Laila-tul-Baraa'at' (Night of forgiveness), the fifteenth night of Sha'baan.

2. 'Qibla', the direction to face in Salaat, was once again reverted to the Kabah in Makkah (after facing Bait-ul-Muqaddas in Jerusalem for a short period of time). This took place two years after Hijrah on the 15th of Sha'baan.

3. Fasting in the blessed month of Ramadhaan was made compulsory two years after Hijrah on the 25th of Sha'baan

What to do on Laylatul Baraa'ah (I5th night of Sha'baan)

As much time as possible should be spent in nafl salaah and reciting of the Qur'aan. It is reported that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said to Sayyidltina Ayesha radhiyallahu anha, "On this night read this dua and teach it to others too, for Jibra'eel alayhis salaam has taught this dua to me"

I seek protection in Your forgiveness from Your wrath, and I seek shelter in Your pleasure from your displeasure, and I seek safety with You from You. Glory be to You. I cannot fully praise You, as You have praised Yourself

Virtue of the 15th night of Sha'baan

Allah Ta'ala descends to the lower heaven and turns with special mercy and forgiveness towards those who repent and seek forgiveness. Unlike any other night, wherein Allah Ta'ala descends during the latter part of the night, on the 15th night of Sha'baan, Allah Ta'ala descends to the lower heaven from sunset onwards.

Authenticity

Allamah ibn Taymlyyah, a prominent scholar dedicated to refute innovations, states "So many Ahadeeth and reports exist regarding the excellence of the fifteenth night of Sha'baan, that one is compelled to accept that this night does possess some virtue".

Unfortunate People

It is understood from the Ahadeeth that even on this night, some servants of Allah Ta'ala are deprived of His forgiveness.

They are as follows:

1 . Idolators

2. Consumers of alcohol

3, Those who disobey their parents

4. Those who commit adultery and murder

5. Those who sever family ties

6. Those who harbour enmity against others

7 Those who wear their trousers, kurtas, lungis etc. below their ankles.

We can thus gauge the severity of these sins and the need to abstain from them as they are so grave that even on an occasion when Allah Ta'ala's mercy comes to the fore, they still poise an obstacle to our forgiveness.

Shawwal

Month of the Year: Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic Calendar

Literal Meaning: Shawwal means to be light and vigorous. During this month the Arabs used to be active and hunt a lot, giving this month its name.

The first day of this month marks the end of Ramadhân and is also the day of "Eid-ul-Fitr".

It is the beginning of Ash'hurul Haj (the months of Haj are Shawwal, Dhul Qa'dah and the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.

Dhul Qa'dah

Dhul Qa'dah is the elevent month of the Islamic Calendar. It is a month amongst the months of Hajj. It is the first among the four sacred months (Ash'hurul Hurum).

Literal Meaning: Qa'dah means to rest. The Arabs used to stop fighting when this month set in and stayed home. This is from among the sacred months.

However, no specific rules are prescribed for this month, except for those persons performing Hajj and are in the Sacred City of Makkah Mukkaramah and are required to follow the Rules of Hajj.