السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
My chosen topic today is Muḥarram & ‘Āshūrā’.
The Islamic calendar, at-Taqwīm al-Hijrī or just Hijrī, started from the year our Beloved Prophet صَلَّىٰ ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ performed the Hijrah (migration) from Makkah al-Mukarramah to Madīnah al-Munawwarah.
Since that historical and memorable event, 1441 years have passed, and we have now entered 1442 Hijrī. The Islamic calendar also has 12 months, similar to the English calendar, but is based on the lunar cycle.
Each month will be either 29 days or 30 days, depending on whether the moon has been sighted, or not. The first month is known as Muḥarram. The 10th day of Muḥarram is a very blessed day known as ‘Āshūrā’.
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported Allāh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم as saying:
The most excellent fast after Ramaḍān is the fast of Allāh’s month, al-Muḥarram. And the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed (Fara’idh) is prayer during the night (Tahajjud). (Muslim 1163)
For those following the Central Moon Sighting Committee (CMSC), ‘Āshūrā is on Saturday 29th August and for those following Wifāqul ‘Ulamā (WU) ‘Āshūrā’ is on Sunday 30th August.
We are recommended to fast one day before or after as well. My humble request to all is to fast on Saturday and Sunday, so that you have definitely covered ‘Āshūrā’ from both sides.
Also, please do ensure you start your fast at the correct time. My humble request to all is to follow the timetable prepared by Wifāqul ‘Ulamā, https://www.wifaqululama.co.uk/salahtimes.
Almighty Allāh make this new Islamic year a year of happiness and joy for all the Muslims across the globe, Āmeen.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala
Further references
The Month of Muḥarram (Leaflet) – Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā Muḥammad Saleem Dhorāt Ḥafizahullāh
The Month of Muḥarram (English Lecture) – Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā Muḥammad Saleem Dhorāt Ḥafizahullāh
Fasting exclusively on 10 Muḥarram (Fatwa) – Mufti Yūsuf Shabbir
Spending on the family on ‘Āshūrā 10 Muḥarram (Fatwa)- Mufti Yūsuf Shabbir
The Islāmic Calendar (Short Book) – Shaykh Ebrahim Noor
Charity and Spending on One’s Family on Ashura (Fatwa) – Mufti Muḥammad ibn Ādam
Virtues of ‘Āshūrā : 10th of Muḥarram (Video Lecture) – Mufti ‘Abdur Raḥmān ibn Yūsuf