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Muharram |
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The 10th of Muharram has several important connotations. When the Prophet s.a.w settled in Madinah, he encountered Jewish tribes there who fasted on the tenth (ashr) of the month to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt. Muslims were commanded to fast during the month of Ramadan, and the fast of Ashura is a sunnah. Ashura is also significant for Muslims because of a great tragedy that occurred in 61 AH (680 CE). Husayn (the grandson of the Prophet s.a.w) and about 70 of his family members and supporters were massacred by an Umayyad army on the plain of Karbala in Iraq. Despite their differing view of leadership, both Sunni and Shi‘i Muslims mourn the loss of Husayn. |
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Safar |
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Rabi-Ul-Awwal |
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Rasulullah s.a.w was born on the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal into a respected family within the Quraysh tribal aristocracy of Makkah. Orphaned at a young age, he worked as an honest and well-liked shepard and merchant, before receiving a call to prophethood at the age of 40. His life story is dear to Muslims, and he is viewed as the model human being. Throughout the past fourteen centuries, Muslims have studied his sunnah (actions and sayings) in order to emulate him. While this effort is a daily one, the Milad al-Nabi (birthday of the Messenger) provides an opportunity for Muslims worldwide to gather informally to discuss Rasulullah s.a.w teaching and example, to recite poetry and sing praises in his honor, and to reflect on their own spiritual journey.
Rabi^ul-'Awwal - in Islamic History
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Rabi-Ul-Akhir |
1-Start of Month |
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Jumada-Awwal |
1-Start of Month |
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Jumada-Akhir |
1-Start of Month |
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Rajab |
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In 620 CE, Rasulullah had a miraculous experience: he was transported from Makkah to Jerusalem on a winged steed, and then he ascended to the heavens from Jerusalem and had an audience with Allah s.w.t. During the experience, he met the prophets Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and others, whom he led in prayer. This experience took place within one night, and he returned to his place of sleep in Makkah before the dawn prayer. |
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Sha'baan |
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In Arabic Bara’at means forgiveness and pardon. The night of 15th of Sha’ban (the night between 14th and 15th) has come to be known as Shab-e-Bara’at, the night of pardon from sins, probably because of a Hadith recorded by Imam Tirmizi. There is nothing about this night in Qur’an. Imam Tirmizi has recorded the following Hadith: “Narrated Hazrat Ayesha that one night (she awoke and) she did not find Prophet (Pbuh) (in his bed). She went out (to search for him) and found him in Baqi’ (the graveyard in Madinah).The Prophet (Pbuh) said: In the night of 15th of Sha’ban, Allah descends to the lowest of skies and grants pardon to the people more than the number of hair of the goats of Kal’b tribe.” (Tirmizi) After recording the above Hadith Imam Tirmizi wrote the following note underneath: “Hazrat Abu Bakr has also reported to have narrated such Hadith.I have heard Imam Bukhari saying that this Hadith is Za’eef as Hajjaj. One of the chain of its narrators is Za’eef (less reliable). (Tirmizi; Abwab-us-Saum) However, since according to the findings of the scholars, the above Hadith is only Za’eef (not fully reliable) and not Maudhoo’ (False), there is a chance of its being reliable. The principle laid down by the Fiq’h scholars is that a Za’eef Hadith is to be followed if nothing contradictory is found in Qur’an or any other Sahih (absolutely reliable) Hadith. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the night should be spent in asking forgiveness especially when there are other Hadiths verifying it. There is a Hadith recorded by Ibne Maja that Hazrat Ali narrated that the Prophet (Pbuh) said: “Offer Salat in the night of 15th Sha’ban and keep fast in the day. Allah descends to the sky of the earth after sunset in this night and says: Beware! Is there someone who asks forgiveness so that I forgive him? Beware! Is there any seeking the countenance so that I bestow on him? Beware! Is there any in trouble so that I rid him of it? Beware! Is there such and such etc. It goes on till there is Faj’r.” (Ibne Maja) Following is another Hadith from Ibne Maja: Narrated Abu Musa Ash’ari that the Prophet (Pbuh) said: “Allah pays (special) attention to the people of the world in the night of 15th of Sha’ban and grants pardon to all (seeking His pardon) except those who ascribe partners to Him and those who keep grudge against others in their heart.” (Ibne Maja) |
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Ramadhan |
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Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims fast daily throughout the month from dawn to sunset. Fasting (sawm) is one of the religious duties of Muslims, demonstrating commitment to God’s commandments, self-restraint and introspection, compassion for the underprivileged, and the quest for personal piety. Each day, a pre-dawn meal is taken, and the fast is broken at sunset with refreshments and dinner. Ramadan is considered a blessed month because it is the month in which the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed. The night on which the revelation occurred is called Laylat al-Qadr “the Night of Power”. |
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Shawwaal |
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One of the two formal religious holidays in Islam, Eid al-Fitr is the joyous “Celebration of Breaking the Fast” and signals the completion of Ramadan. It takes place on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The Eid is marked by a special congregational prayer gathering in the morning, followed by visitation of family and friends, elaborate meals, picnics, gift exchanges and relaxation throughout the day. |
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Zul-Qaidah |
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Zul-Hijjah |
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The second religious holiday in Islam, Eid al-Adha is the “Commemoration of Sacrifice” and reinforces Muslims’ connection to the patriarch Abraham. The Eid takes place on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Over several days leading up to the 10th, several million Muslims perform the rites of the hajj (pilgrimage) in and around Makkah, reenacting the struggles of Abraham and his family in ancient times to live righteous lives committed to God. On the day of Eid, Muslims around the world join with the pilgrims in Makkah in celebrating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in fulfillment of God’s command. |
