بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ
The month of Muharram has begun and Allah says in relation to this blessed month in Surah Tawba;
‘Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred, (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar) that is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein, and fight against the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) collectively , as they fight against you collectively but know that Allah is with those who are Al-Muttaqûn.’ (9:36).
We are all aware of the great importance that placed in this scared month. Even at the time of ignorance the Arabs would refrain from fighting and they would also honour this month by fasting on the 10th day of Muharram; the blessed day of Ashura. As such, we as Muslims should also honour and respect this month by increasing in the performance of good and refining our personality to ward off evil thoughts and actions.
The previous nations paid great significance to the day of Ashura. As mentioned earlier the Arabs would observe fast during the period of Jahiliyyah, the Jews would also observe a day of fast and the Christians would make the occasion by observing peace and celebrations.
Allah , through His Grace and Mercy, granted special mercies / favours on the 10th of Muharram. Some include; Hazrat Adam (as) was granted forgiveness, Hazrat Idris (as) was lifted to a high abode, Prophet Noah (as) and his followers was saved from the flood, the fire that was created to kill young Prophet Abraham (as) was extinguish, Prophet Yunus (as) was freed from the belly of the whale, the Israelites’ was saved from Pharaoh due to the parting of the Red sea, Hazrat Isa (as) was taken up to the heavens’, and Allah created the first of creation. These are just a few of the great things Allah bestowed on various persons and nations.
If all these beneficial things happened on the 10th of Muharram then we should honour this day by observing the recommendations lay out by Prophet Muhammad . Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (ra) relates: ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah say: "It is the day of ‘Ashura. Allah has not made fasting obligatory for you but I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it (does not have to) observe it.’
Another point to note is that another year has come and gone which means that our time in this world is diminishing gradually. What have you done to get closer to your Lord during the last year? Remember that one day we will return to Him and insha Allah we would all like the meeting with Him to be pleasant and beautiful. Analyse your own status, do you feel that you can leave this world in a pleasant manner or will there be difficulties.
Make a resolution that this year will be a bit different in that you would strive to get closer to Allah and you would not get districted. May Allah make this New Year a one filled with blessings and prosperity. May He save us from the temptations of Satan and may He forgive us, guide us and allow us to rise with the righteous on the Promised Day.
