By Faeezah Adams
These sacred months are the months in which Allah has blessed our good deeds and cursed our sins. We are commanded to stay away from fighting and more interestingly we are urged to focus on ourselves. Yes, FOCUS ON YOU…Allah says:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months … of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them…” [9:36]
In general, we seem to never be mindful of our actions. We do exactly as we please, surrounded by a generation that coined the phrase ‘YOLO’ and ‘FOMO’ among others. Our sins are hastily dusted under the carpet in a feeble attempt to maintain a superficial facade of success. And when our sins hold no significance in our lives who is to say in what careless manner we perform our good deeds? And what is to be said about the acceptance of the obligatory acts? This is the oppression and the harm we inflict upon ourselves daily with a seemingly focused persistence. So Allah has favoured these months through his boundless wisdom and it is up to us to take full advantage of these seasons of transformation because our hearts yearn for change. We’re hardwired to take the good when it comes to keeping your hands free! Muharram is upon us.
Muharram
Adjective
- forbidden, prohibited, unlawful
A month surrounded by endless myths and misconceptions from the cooking of special food to self-flagellation, all of which have no basis in Islam. Muharram is not for those who excessively celebrate nor is it for those who continue to weep for the ones Allah has chosen to return to Himself. What we know for sure about Muharram is that it is a month among those which are considered sacred. Where we try to correct ourselves by becoming aware of our actions. Think about it, If Allah Almighty has honoured these days in these months…shouldn’t we? So…
Increase in good deeds.
Anas narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “When Allah wants good for a slave, He puts him in action.” It was said: “How does he put him in action O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “By making him meet up with the righteous deeds before death.” (Tirmidhi)
Fast as much as possible during this blessed month.
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is Allah’s month Al-Muharram.” (Tirmidhi)
Fast the day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram and the 9th along with it.
Abu Qatadah narrated that: The Prophet said: “Fast the Day of Ashura, for indeed I anticipate that Allah will forgive (the sins of) the year before it.” (Tirmidhi)
And dear brothers and sisters, remember the oppressed in your Duas. Remember their cries and difficulties and use whatever power Allah has given you to help them.
Narrated Anas: Allah’s Messenger (saw) said, “Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or an oppressed,” A man said, “O Allah’s Messenger (saw)! I will help him if he is oppressed, but if he is an oppressor, how shall I help him?” The Prophet (saw) said, “By preventing him from oppressing (others), for that is how to help him.” (Bukhari)
Remember how Allah gave victory to Musa (as) over Fir’awn and remind you to put your trust in the liberator of Musa (as) and the Lord of Muhammad (saw) and the Muslims!
And remember once more that those who choose to be with Allah, the people of Taqwa, will always prevail over injustice and terror.
“Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.” [9:40] And when Allah is with us we can ask for no better help.
Since this is a “New Year”, have you got the feeling that you can do something different and that you can tread a better path? It would be great ‘new year’s resolution’ to learn more about Islam, at home convenience by taking Islamic courses online at online.alkauthar.org
