Main Topic
Reflections on the arrival of Muharram, the significance of the Hijri calendar established by Sayyiduna Umar (R.A.), lessons from the fast of Ashura, and an analysis of the spiritual and political reality facing the contemporary Muslim Ummah.
Key Lessons
- Establishment of the Hijri Calendar: Sayyiduna Umar (R.A.) initiated the Islamic calendar from the year of Hijrah to serve as a perpetual reminder that Deen thrives through sacrifice (Qurbani).
- Fasting on Ashura: Fasting on the 10th of Muharram was originally obligatory before Ramadan was prescribed. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) encouraged fasting an additional day (the 9th or 11th) to distinguish Islamic practices from those of other faith traditions.
- True Meaning of Ashura vs. Misconceptions: Ashura is historically a day of victory and divine relief (such as the salvation of Sayyiduna Musa Alayhis Salam from Fir'aun), not a day for artificial annual mourning. While the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Hussain (R.A.) is a grave and honored event, Islam does not institute annual days of mourning.
- Root Cause of Ummah's Weakness: The current oppression suffered by Muslims globally stems from spiritual disease, specifically Hubbud Dunya (love of the world) and Karahiyatul Mawt (dislike of death).
Quranic/Hadith References
- Nahnu ahaqqu bi Musa ("We are more worthy of Musa than you") — Hadith regarding the fast of Ashura upon arrival in Madinah.
- Khaaliful-Yahood ("Oppose/differ from the Jews") — Prophetic instruction to add a day to the Ashura fast.
- Hubbud dunya wa karahiyatul mawt ("Love of the dunya and hatred of death") — Prophetic Hadith describing the spiritual downfall of the Ummah.
Practical Advice
- Utilize the Islamic (Hijri) dates in daily affairs and reflect on the sacrifice behind the calendar rather than adopting non-Islamic celebrations.
- Fast the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram with the intention of adhering to the Sunnah.
- Avoid imitating non-Muslim customs, lifestyle choices, and cultural trends in all facets of life.
- Turn to Allah Ta'ala with sincerity, prioritize the Akhirah over temporary worldly gains, and fulfill responsibility toward the Shariah.