The Islamic Calendar

Man has been confined to this world within the limit of time, which is so precious to all of us. For this reason it comes in a Hadîth:

"Two favours have been bestowed upon man, time and health. Alas, most people are unconscious about it." (Bukhari)

The time allocated to us in this world is nothing compared to it in the Hereafter. Just ponder only on the Day of Judgement which will be equivalent to fifty thousand years of this world, according to the Qur'ân: “The angels and the spirits ascend unto Him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years.” (70:4)

Hence to optimise our time in this world, Allah has given us two systems. The moon and the sun to monitor our time. The Quraan says: "The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed." (55:.5)

MUHARRAM is the first month of the Islamic, Hijrah calendar. We are at present in the year 1423. It is one of the four sanctified months about which Allah Ta'ala says, 'The number of months in the sight of Allah are 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 right religion. So wrong not yourselves therein.' (9:36).

The four months, according to authentic Ahaadith, are the months of Dhul-Qa`dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. The sanctity of these four months was observed in the Shari'ah of all the Ambiyaa (AS).

These months are very sacred and bears many virtues. For example, the Prophet (SA) has indicated to us in an authentic tradition that Muharram is the month of Allah. He has also mentioned about the fasts in the blessed month of Muharram.

He said: “The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadhaan is the fast during Allah's month of Muharram and the best of Salaats besides the Fardh (obligatory Salaat) is the Tahajjud Salaah (performed after midnight)”. (Muslim).

Among the days of this month, there is a very special day which is known for its blessings and virtues. It is known as the Day of Aashura which falls on the 10th of Muharram. The Prophet (SA) has exhorted the Ummah to fast on this day.

Hadhrat Aaisha (RA) reports that Nabi (S.A) ordered the observance of the fast of Aashura. However, when the fast of Ramadhaan became compulsory, Nabi (S.A) left the fast of Aashura (i.e. the compulsion). Thereafter, whosoever desired, kept this fast and whosoever desired not to keep it, did not observe this fast'. (Bukhari).


Virtues of the Fast of Aashura

With regard to the blessing of this fast, the Prophet (S.A) was asked regarding its virtue. He answered, 'It is a compensation for the sins of the past year.' i.e. the sins of one year that has just gone by will be forgiven. (Muslim).

Note: Only minor sins are forgiven. For the forgiveness of major sins, Towbah is a prerequisite.


The Fast of Aashura

Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas (RA) narrates that when Nabi (S.A) came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting on the day of Aashura, he inquired, 'What is the significance of this day on which you fast?' They replied, 'This is the day Allah saved Nabi Moosa (AS) and his followers and drowned Fir'oun and his army, thus Moosa (AS) fasted on this day as a token of thanksgiving. Therefore, we too, fast on this day.' (Muslim).

Rasulullah (S.A) also said, 'We are more worthy of Moosa (A.S) and nearer to him than you.' Thereafter, he fasted on this day and ordered the Sahaabah to fast on this day. (Muslim)

Hence, one should fast for two days: Either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th. To fast only on the 10th of Muharram is MAKROOH (reprehensible) and bears semblance to the Jews.


Misconceptions and Baseless Traditions

However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to 'Aashura' that have managed to find their way into the minds of the ignorant, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources.

Many people attribute the sanctity of 'Ashura' to the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain, (R.A), during his battle with the Syrian army. No doubt, the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain, (R.A), is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of 'Aashura' cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of 'Aashura' was established during the days of the Holy Prophet, (S.A), much earlier than the birth of Sayyidina Husain, (R.A). On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Sayyidina Husain, (R.A), that his martyrdom took place on the day of 'Aashura'.

Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Sayyidina Husain, (R.A), was killed in it This is again a baseless concept, which is contrary to the express teachings of the Holy Quraan and the Sunnah.

If the death of an eminent person on a particular day renders that day unlucky for all time to come, one can hardly find a day of the year free from this bad luck because every day is associated with the demise of some eminent person.

The Holy Quraan and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (S.A) have liberated us from such superstitious beliefs.

Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet (S.A), and his beloved grandchild Sayyidina Husain (R.A).


A Relook at the Hijrah and its Significance

Hijrah literally means migration and is derived from the Arabic Root (Ha Ja Ra) which means to migrate.

In a general sense it can be applied to any migration undertaken, like the migration to Abyssinia, in the 5th year after prophethood. It can be applied, even in our times, to the migration of a person from one country to another. However in context to the History of Islam or Seerah, it refers to that specific migration which was undertaken by the Prophet (S.A) and his illustrious companions from Makkah to Madinah in the thirteenth year after prophethood.

This Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah was not only an important event but a turning point in the History of Islam and the History of the world. It significantly contributed to the progress and development of Islamic heritage and lifestyle. It marked the beginning of the Islamic Calendar. The first thirteen years after Prophethood were difficult and hard for the believers.

In the 12th year, during the annual pilgrimage, the muslims of Madinah pledged their support to the Prophet Muhammad and invited him and his companions to Madinah and assured them their protection. The Prophet (S.A) allowed his followers to start migrating to Madinah while he himself stayed at Makkah awaiting the command of Allah. The unbelievers became furious to see the muslims migrating to Madinah.

In the thirteenth year after the Prophethood the unbelievers decided to assassinate the Prophet (S.A) before he migrated. They planned and plotted and they posted eleven strong men from the different tribes outside the house of the Prophet (S.A) at night with the instruction that he should be killed as soon as he left his house in the morning.

Their plan was revealed to the Prophet (S.A) by Jibrael (A.S) and the Messenger of Allah received the awaited permission to migrate. He arranged with Abu Bakr to organize everything for the journey, and asked Ali (R.A) to sleep in his bed at night.

Allah says: “And (remember) when the disbelievers plotted against you (O Muhammad) to imprison you, or kill you, or to get you out (from your home, i.e. Makkah) they were plotting and Allah too was planning, and Allah is the Best of the Planners.” (8:30).

The Prophet (S.A) then came out of his house at night and cast a handful of dust at the assassins, reciting verse (36: 9) of the Quraan: “And We have put a barrier before them and a barrier behind them, and we have covered them up, so that they cannot see.” This incident took place at the end of the month of Safar.

He then met Abu Bakr who had prepared two she camels and both then proceeded to a direction opposite to Madinah, towards the cave of Mt. Thaur. The assassins realized that the Prophet (S.A) had left under their noses and frantically mobilized a large force in search of him. The Prophet (SA) and Abu Bakr (RA) remained for three days and nights in the cave of Mt. Thaur. While in the cave, the enemies spurred on by the reward of 1000 dirhams, approached near the entrance. Abu Bakr (RA) became fearful for himself and even more for the Prophet’s safety. The Prophet consoled him saying. “Have no fear for Allah is with us.” (9:40).

Through a miracle of Allah a spider hurried to weave its cobwebs, two pigeons to build their nest and lay eggs, and a tree to grow its branches around the door. After three days, the Prophet (S.A), Abu Bakr and their guide Ubdullah bin Urayqit headed for Madinah traversing an untrodden path ridden with hardships passing along the coastal and rocky route. This was in the month of Rabiul Awwal. The journey to Madinah took about seven days. During this weary journey many interesting incidents happened, like the constant stumbling and sinking of the horse of Suraqah bin Malik who followed in pursuit of the Prophet (S.A) and his companions but then realized the futility of his quest and returned to Makkah.

Allah protected them until they reached Quba where he laid the foundation for the first Mosque in Islam. This corresponds to September 622 A.C. While going to Madinah he performed the first Jum’ah Salaah at the place of Banu Salim. He was heartily welcomed by the people of Madinah and stayed at the home of Abu Ayoob Ansaari. A mosque was then built which became the Masjid of the Prophet in Madinah. An annexed building was constructed for the Prophet (S.A) and his family.

Those who migrated were called Muhaajiruun (Immigrants) and those of Madinah who welcomed and helped them were called Ansaar (Helpers).


Significance of the Hijrah

Undoubtedly the Hijrah took place according to the will of Allah, since the Prophet (S.A) would not have taken such course of action except under Allah’s order in Whose knowledge the Hijrah must have been the necessary course for the progress of Islam.

The Hijrah signified the epoch of the Islamic calendar and heritage. This calendar was not instituted by the noble birth of the Prophet (S.A) nor by any previous events or migration, like the migration to Abyssinia, but by the Hijrah to Madinah. The Prophet (S.A) himself had indicated the beginning of the calendrical recording from this Hijrah. At the time of the second caliph, Umar (R.A), it was considered as Ijmaa (unanimous agreement of the companions) that from Muharram of the Hijrah Year, the Islamic Calendar would commence. Hazrat Umar then made it compulsory for the dates to be inscribed on all official correspondence.

From the Hijrah the social life of the Muslims became instituted. The twelve years during the Makkan period were devoted to inculcating religion and belief in the minds of individuals while hardly any pattern of a collective and social life based on true religious concepts could be presented. An example of the life-style in Makkah during the earlier part of the Prophet’s mission was that in a household, while the father was a disbeliever, the son or wife was a believer. Only a few homes had the entire family as Muslims. It was only after the Hijrah that people began to see clearly that Islam is a complete way of life which pays attention to, and reforms every facet of human existence, giving directions and detailed instructions to almost every moment of one’s conscious time. It was then that the Arabs saw the collective and social life of the Muslim household and society which contributed to the further progress of Islam.

The Hijrah was important and significant in view of its economic aspects. It created an economic revolution for Madinah. The Muhajiruun were skilled and trained in many economic fields but were God-fearing, just and righteous, being taught by Rasulullah (S.A) himself. The Ansaar of Madinah had a noteworthy passion of self-sacrifice and love and were willing to divide all their belongings between themselves and the Muhajiruun. The Muhaajiruun however were not prepared to accept a status of being mere idle dependants. They adopted ways and means to earn righteously, becoming labourers, construction workers, traders, farmers, managers etc.

Thus it is only after the Hijrah that agriculture, industry, free trade etc. developed to the extent that the Muslims were in an uncompromised position of economic competition with the Jews as well as the Makkans which brought about an integrated, balanced and unfettered economy for the Muslims.

The Hijrah was also a very important and significant event for the Muslims as it brought about political freedom. Before the Hijrah the Muslims had no say in any matter, internal or external. They were the minority against whom the heads of the majority were full of enmity.

The Hijrah made the Muslims masters of their internal and external affairs and relations. In the event of differences occurring among Muslims the decision was made by the Amir, in this case, the Prophet (S.A). From this expanding political and administrative system it gave rise to a nation, to such an extent, that it encompassed the entire Arabian peninsular within a period of 10 years.

States were established and ruled by Muslims with Islamic penal legislation for violators, as well as accountability of rulers.

The Hijrah also set a record of unprecedented unity and brotherhood cemented with Iman (faith) and love for Allah. This was illustrated between the Ansaar and Muharjiruun.

In the eyes of some pessimists it may seem that the Hijrah was actually a loss or a failure for the Prophet (S.A) and the Muslims, since they were the ones who fled and left their home- land. However it was, in fact, within the great plan of Allah, to create a muslim state from which Islam will grow and progress, and is still growing in our present time being the fastest growing religion ever. This is in effect not failure but victory and success.

The reward for such a Hijrah can never recur. The Prophet (S.A) has said. “There is no Hijrah (reward for it) after the conquest of Makkah. But there is Jihad and Niyat (intention). So when the call is made go forth (in battle.)”

Thus the Hijrah of the Prophet (S.A) and the Muhajiruun cannot be repeated. But Hijrah can be made in other ways for which there are also great rewards.

In a Hadith the Prophet (S.A) said: “A Muhaajir or emigrant is one who migrates from that which Allah has prohibited.”

So let us begin, in this Holy month of Muharram, like a migrant, moving away from evil to goodness, from the darkness of ignorance to the light of faith, so that we can earn the immense blessings of Allah.


The Tragedy at Karbala

During the passage of time many heroic and brave acts were done for the establishment of truth. The Prophets of Allah, their devoted companions and those who remained on truth afterwards also were imbued with the same spirit of sacrifice.

In the history of Islam there are many stories of bravery and martyrdom for the sake of Allah. One such event which has definitely made a bloody mark is the tragedy at Karbala of Imam Hussain and his followers.

In brief, the Kufans who were under the rule of Muaawiyah, wrote many letters to Imam Husain pledging their support and seeking his help to reinstate true Islam. This took place in 60 A.H, when Muaawiyah had passed away and his notorious and evil son Yazid succeeded him.

Imam Husain remained unmoved of their petition knowing the history of the assassination of his father Ali (RA), and the poisoning of his elder brother, Hassan (RA). However when the people of Kufa started blaming him of the neglect in Deen and failing to carry out his duty, he decided to consider the matter by sending his cousin Muslim ibn Aqil to investigate. Muslim who became overwhelmed with the support of the muslims in Kufa, with a number rising to 18,000, dispatched a messenger to Imam Husain informing him of the support of the Kufans.

Yazid heard of the rising tension in Kufa and replaced the then governor, Nu’man ibn Bashir, with Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad who was thirsty for power and was very instrumental in the assassination of Uthman, Ali and even of Hassan (R.A). Ibn Ziyad spared no time in dissuading the Kufans from revolting and, in the process killed Muslim ibn Aqil by beheading him in public.

At this time Imam Husain and his followers had already left Makkah for Kufa inspite of warnings and discouragement from the Makkans. The journey continued for about one month. At this time hardly any of the Kufans were in his support despite their sympathy towards them knowing of the pending onslaught. Imam Husain dispatched another messenger Qays ibn Mushir to inform the people of Kufa of his arrival, but he was captured and killed by Ibn Ziyaad.

Imam Husain camped at Karbala where they were cut off from the water supply for three days, and realizing his plight, ushered his followers to depart seeking their own safety. However they were filled with devotion, self sacrifice and piety and remained with him even to the end.

The army then surrounded them and the battle ensued, thousands against seventy two. The army spared no life, not even of the six-month old baby of Imam Husain. Many were killed from the army but the ultimate end came to pass.

At the time of Jum’ah Imam Husain had placed his head on the ground submitting to Allah Almighty, when it was severed from his body. It was then taken to Yazid who displayed it on the tip of his sword. This tragedy took place on Friday the 10th of Muharram 61 A.H. The muslims were greatly appaled by the death of the grandson of the Prophet (S.A) and later revenged his death.

The matrydom of Imam Husain and his handful of followers for the sake of Islam is indeed a tragedy which will be remembered. However, together with rehearsing the great struggle and sacrifice for the cause of Islam which they made, let it also be remembered that it is a day of treachery and desertion. It reflects the desertion of the 18,000 or more Muslims who gave their allegiance and loyalty to Imam Husain, through whose pledges he travelled to his end.

The question may be asked, “Who were the real culprits, Yazid and his followers or the Muslims who were treacherous in their oath of allegiance?”

These were the same people who had written letters to Imam Husain seeking his help but then were brandishing their swords striking the necks of Imam Husain and his faithful band.

This should teach us to adhere to our covenant of Iman (faith) and not to betray our religion because of worldly fame and status.

This event also teaches us the spirit of self-sacrifice and the impact it can have on our lives. The sacrifice of Muslim ibn Aqil, of Qays ibn Mushir and those of Karbala showed moral courage which had an impact even after their deaths. The muslims afterwards, from Madinah and even those of Kufa, revolted in revenge.

This should be a lesson for us that acts of courage and sacrifice with sincere intention can have positive effects even after our demise.

Muslims have remembered the tragedy of Karbala throughout the ages but some have given it a position not deserving in Islam. The fact that it occurred on the day of Aashurah is mere coincidence and to assume that the sacrifice of Imam Husain and his followers was greater than the sahabahs in the many battles fought is an outright error.

We should also remember the sacrifice of Hamzah, the uncle of the Prophet (S.A.), the companions who fought and were killed in the first battle Badr, then in Uhud, Khandaq, etc.

Therefore to commemorate the tragedy of Karbala with mourning and lamentation and to put on black suits and making the Tazia (structure made at the time of Hosay), beating of drums and dancing, abstaining from marriage, etc. are all forbidden in Islam according to the Ahlus Sunnah was Jama’ah.

The Shiah have considered this day as one of the most important day in their calendar and would propagate these forbidden practices. However they have deviated from the true path of Islam and for Muslims to follow these acts because of culture or village festivals etc., is not allowed and in effect are imitating the Shiah. Islam has allowed mourning like that of a wife mourning the death of her husband for a period of four months and ten days. But after that, there is no apparent mourning like what happens in the yearly hosay activities.

Hosay activities are not Islamic and all muslims must abstain.

Muslim should not even condone or compromise their religion in these practices. To do so is to become treacherous of Islam a message which the Karbala incident teaches against. If we want to do something then read and learn the history of, not only Imam Husain, but of all acts of heroism and honour of the Sahabahs and those who followed. Then benefit from the lessons, teach it and make dua for those who stood up for the honor and prestige of Islam.

May Allah bless all those who struggle for the establishment of the Religion of Islam. We ask Allah to give us the noble qualities of the Prophet (S.A) and his illustrious companions. Aameen.


The Darul Uloom of Trinidad and Tobago

The Darul Uloom T &T is an Islamic institution disseminating primary to tertiary Islamic Studies and secondary academic education. We are a non-profit organization whose objective is to educate Muslims about the Sacred Deen of Allah (S.W.T.).

To achieve this end the Darul Uloom offers many programmes and courses on a full-time and part-time basis for brothers and sisters separately.

Our five-year full time secondary programme offers training in Islamic and academic studies up to O’levels. Graduates can further their studies for the next three years in the full time A’alim course where they can qualify as Maulana. There is also a full Hifz programme where students can memorize the entire Quraan with the aid of qualified teachers. There are also classes for adults on a part time basis on Monday and Wednesday nights for males and on Saturdays for females.

In addition to these programmes, services such as Counseling, the Issuing of Islamic legal opinions, and collection of Zakaah and Sadaqah are done at the Darul Uloom.

Through the Grace and Mercy of Allah (S.W.T) the Darul Uloom is able to conduct these various programmes and courses only through the kind and generous donations of the Muslim Community.

As a service to Islam you are humbly requested to contribute to these efforts as we strive together to establish the Deen of Allah (S.W.T).