In the month of Muharram, we should remember the Hijrah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah. There are many lessons in this story and it can help us understand the basic significance of the Hijrah calendar. It is good to remember that Hijrah was a significant move for the growth of Islam and throughout history, Islam has benefited from the Hijrah.
It is also the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast on the 10th day (`Ashura'). When he came to Madinah, he found out that the Jews of Madinah were also fasting on this day remembering Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) admired this tradition and he said to the Jews, "We are closer to Musa than you are." He fasted and he also told his Companions to fast on this day. Later, before the end of his life on this earth, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told Muslims to add the 9th day also. Thus, it is recommended to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
It is also good to remember the great sacrifice of Al-Husain and his family (may Allah be pleased with all of them). Theirs was the true Jihad for the cause of truth and justice. We should learn the lessons of courage, patience and perseverance from the episode of Karbala' (year 61 A.H. / 680 C.E).
Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, president of the Fiqh Council of North America
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New year holidays are a blanket term that predominantly comprises of study leave for winter exams. So whilst I should be out there painting the town red (or white, to be in tune with the mood) or stuffing snowballs into some poor fella's hood, I'm glued to these four walls, torn between the bed and the table. I did go out yesterday, actually, but it didn't snow. Those white thingies are mischievous- they would usually choose exam days and those surrounding them to pay us a merry visit. How befitting.
4 comments:
I tried fasting yesterday but my hunger got the better of me. Pray that I get through today.
I've heard about the significance about fasting on the 10th of Muharram, but I never knew about also fasting on the 9th. Thanks for sharing.
p.s. Winter exams --> I get the idea of students having to build a snowman, go tobogganing and skating on frozen lakes while their performance is evaluated by a panel of juries. Good luck with that :)
lol... i feel so much better about my exams now. Think i'll add ice hockey, ski jumping, and bobsledding to that. haha. I so look forward to exams.
Selamat berpuasa sepanjang Muharram.
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