The Sacred Month of Muharram
These four months, according to the authentic traditions (Prophetic narrations), are Thul-Qi’dah, Thul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Noble Quran are unanimous on this point, because the Noble Prophet 
declared in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah): “One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Thul-Qi’dah, Thul-Hijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab.”Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar (Hegira) Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran Says (what means):{Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred…}[Quran 9: 36]
The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadhaan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that even the pagans of Makkah accepted their sanctity.
The sanctity of these four months was established right from the day Allaah created the universe. Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to Ibraaheem (Abraham) 
who observed the sanctity of these months, they also observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months.
who observed the sanctity of these months, they also observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months.In Islam, the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Quran referred to them as the “sanctified months”. Muharram has certain other characteristics special to it, which are stated below:
Fasting during the month:
The Noble Prophet said: ‘The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadhaan are those of the month of Muharram.”
said: ‘The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadhaan are those of the month of Muharram.”Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allaah Almighty. The Hadeeth cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the voluntary fasts. It does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.
The day of ‘Aashooraa’:
Although Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named ‘Aashooraa’. According to Ibn ‘Abbaas 
the Prophet when he migrated to Madeenah, found that the Jews of Madeenah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which Prophet Moosa (Moses) and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Prophet said, “We are worthier of Moosa than you,” and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of ‘Aashooraa’. [Abu Daawood]
the Prophet when he migrated to Madeenah, found that the Jews of Madeenah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which Prophet Moosa (Moses) and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Prophet said, “We are worthier of Moosa than you,” and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of ‘Aashooraa’. [Abu Daawood]It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ was obligatory for the Muslims. It was later that the fasts of Ramadhaan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ was made optional. ‘Aa’ishah 
said: “When the Prophet came to Madeenah, he fasted on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ and directed the people to do likewise. But when the fasts of Ramadhaan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadhaan and the obligatory nature of the fast of ‘Aashooraa’ was abandoned. Whoever so desires should fast on it and any other who so likes can avoid fasting on it.” [Abu Daawood]
said: “When the Prophet came to Madeenah, he fasted on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ and directed the people to do likewise. But when the fasts of Ramadhaan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadhaan and the obligatory nature of the fast of ‘Aashooraa’ was abandoned. Whoever so desires should fast on it and any other who so likes can avoid fasting on it.” [Abu Daawood]However, the Prophet used to fast on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ even after the fasting in Ramadhaan was made obligatory. Abdullaah Ibn Moosa reports that the Prophet preferred the fast of ‘Aashooraa’ on the fasts of other days and preferred the fasts of Ramadhaan on the fast of ‘Aashooraa’. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
used to fast on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ even after the fasting in Ramadhaan was made obligatory. Abdullaah Ibn Moosa reports that the Prophet preferred the fast of ‘Aashooraa’ on the fasts of other days and preferred the fasts of Ramadhaan on the fast of ‘Aashooraa’. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]Misconceptions and Innovations:
However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to ‘Aashooraa’ that have managed to find their way into the minds of the unlearned, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very common of them are these:
- This is the day on which Aadam was created.
- This is the day when Ibraaheem was born.
- This is the day when Allaah accepted the repentance of Aadam .
- This is the day when Doomsday will take place. Whoever takes a bath on the day of ‘Aashooraa’ will never get ill.
All these and other similar whims and fancies are totally baseless and the traditions referred to in this respect are not worthy of any credit. Some people take it as Sunnah (established recommended practice) to prepare a particular type of meal on the day of ‘Aashooraa’. This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources.
Some other people attribute the sanctity of ‘Aashooraa’ to the martyrdom of Al-Hussayn . No doubt, the martyrdom of Al-Hussayn is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of ‘Aashooraa’ cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of ‘Aashooraa’ was established during the days of the Prophet much earlier than the birth of Al-Hussayn . On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Al-Hussayn that his martyrdom took place on this blessed day.
. No doubt, the martyrdom of Al-Hussayn is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of ‘Aashooraa’ cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of ‘Aashooraa’ was established during the days of the Prophet much earlier than the birth of Al-Hussayn . On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Al-Hussayn that his martyrdom took place on this blessed day.Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Al-Hussayn was killed in it. It is for this misconception that some people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram. This is again a baseless concept, which is contrary to the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah (Prophetic Tradition). If the death of an eminent person on a particular day renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a day of the year free from this bad luck because every day is associated with the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet have liberated us from such superstitious beliefs.
have liberated us from such superstitious beliefs.Lamentations and mourning:
Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mourning ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Al-Hussayn .
.As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbalaa’ is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Prophet has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of Pre-Islamic ignorance era used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Prophet prevented the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying “Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon” (To Allaah We belong, and to Him is our return). A number of authentic narrations are available on the subject. To quote only one of them: “He is not from us who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah (Pre-Islamic ignorance)”. [Al-Bukhaari]
has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of Pre-Islamic ignorance era used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Prophet prevented the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying “Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon” (To Allaah We belong, and to Him is our return). A number of authentic narrations are available on the subject. To quote only one of them: “He is not from us who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah (Pre-Islamic ignorance)”. [Al-Bukhaari]All the prominent jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is impermissible. Even Al-Hussayn shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Zaynab not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said, “My dear sister! I swear upon you that in case I die you shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death.” (Al-Kaamil, Ibn Katheer vol. 4 pg. 24)
shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Zaynab not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said, “My dear sister! I swear upon you that in case I die you shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death.” (Al-Kaamil, Ibn Katheer vol. 4 pg. 24)It is evident from this advice, that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Prophet .
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Cancelled: Dr. Salah As-Sawi is our khateeb on Dec. 9th, 2011
NOTICE: The khoutbah was cancelled because of conflict in Dr. As-Sawi’s scheduele. Sorry for the inconvenience and we apology for this issue.
Dr. Salah As-Sawi is our khateeb for the coming Friday (Dec. 9th, 2011). This is great news for our little mosque. Ma Sha2 Allah, Dr. As-Sawi is one of the most prominent scholars in North America. He is coming to give a course on Politics and Sharia.
The khoutba is in Arabic but he will be summarizing (in Sh2 Allah) in English at the end.
The Day of Ashura
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
‘Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram. On this day Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) fasted in Makkah with Quraish. When He migrated to àl-Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on this day. He continued fasting on that day and ordered the Muslims to fast too. Afterward Allah legislated the fasting during the Month of Ramadan. Then, the fast of ‘Ashura became a supererogatory fast. But it is likable for a Muslim to fast on this day. If one fasts on this day, it is better to fast the 9th of Muharram also to oppose the Jews.
The pieces of evidence for this point are as follow:
- Imam al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated from ‘Aisha () that she said: “The tribe of Quraish used to fast on the day of ‘Ashura in the pre-Islamic period, and Allah’s Apostle too, used to fast on that day. When he came to al-Madinah, he fasted on that day and ordered others to fast too. Later, when fasting of the Month of Ramadah was prescribed, he (the Prophet) said: “Whoever wishes may fast -‘Ashura- and whoever wishes may leave it” .
- Ibn Abbas related : When the Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) came to Madinah, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ (i.e. 10th of Muharram). They used to say: ‘This is a great day on which Allah saved Moses and drowned the folk of Pharoah. Moses observed the fast on that day as a sign of gratitude to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I am closer to Moses than them”. So, he observed the fast (on this day) and ordered the Muslim to fast on it“. [al-Bukhari and Muslim].
- It is reported in Sahihain (Bukhari and Muslim) from Ibn ‘Abbas, he said: “I never saw the Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) seeking to fast on a day more (preferable to him) than this day, (the day of ‘Ashura) or this month, i.e. the month of Ramadan. Imam al-Tirmizi narrated from Abu Qatadah that the Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I hope from Allah that the fast on the day of ‘Ashura atones for the sins of the preceding year.” Imam Ahmad narrated that “it atones the sins of two years, past and subsequent year”.
- Imam Muslim narrated from Ibn Abbas, he said: “When the Messenger of Allah (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) fasted on the day of Ashura and commanded that it should be observed as a fast, they (his Companions) said to him: Messenger of Allah, it is a day which the Jews and Christians hold in high esteem. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: When the next year comes, God willing, we would observe fast on the 9th . But the Messenger of Allah (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) died before the advent of the next year“.
This is the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) regarding to ‘Ashura. His Companions and their followers went on this way. They have not distinguished this day by any practice except fasting.
But many acts done by some ignorant Muslims which “deform the face of Islam” have no evidence from Qur’an and Hadith. These acts include celebrating on this day, slapping one’s face, tearing of one’s clothes, using swords and blood-shedding. None of these acts have any authentic relevance to ‘Ashura, but are among the innovations and bad deeds. The enemies of Islam use them to misrepresent Islam .
Allah knows best.
The Spread of Islam
From an Islamic perspective, there is absolutely no compulsion on people to embrace it. People have always entered Islam willingly. The historical presence of non-Muslim minorities living among Muslims is evidence of tolerance in Islaam.
Islam spread in the most populated Muslim countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and within Africa through contact between the natives and Muslim travellers and merchants, who brought with them not only goods, but also Islamic values such as straight dealing, honesty and generosity.
The impact of Muslims upon these communities was tremendous. In Singapore, near the port where the Arab traders used to land, the residents say that the natives used to prefer to buy from Muslim merchants because they expected good treatment and fair prices.
As was the case in most of the areas to which Islam spread, peaceful and voluntary reversion was far more important than conquest and force in spreading the faith in Southeast Asia. Almost everywhere in the islands of the region, trading contacts paved the way for reversion. Muslim merchants and sailors introduced local peoples to the ideas and rituals of the new faith and impressed on them how much of the known world had already been reverted. The first areas to be won to Islam in the last decades of the 13th century were several small port centres on the northern coast of Sumatra. From these ports, the religion spread in the following centuries across the Strait of Malacca to Malaya.
It is unfair to compare the spread of Islaam in Asia and Africa with the spread of Islaam in the West, and blame Muslims for not effectively promoting their religion in the West. Unlike the modern western world, the Asians’ and Africans’ history was free from hostility and enmity against Muslims, and therefore, their reversion to Islam was natural and easy.
Could Da’wah Fail?
Allaah will guide, through Da’wah (Islamic propagation), those who are worthy and qualified for His Mercy; those who have good hearts and are sincerely searching for the truth. He will turn away from it those who do not deserve His mercy; those who chose to divert from His way. This is decreed according to His perfect Wisdom and Knowledge.
The success of Da’wah is guaranteed as a fulfilment of Allaah’s promises; He Says (what means): “… And who is more truthful than Allaah…”[Quran: 4:87]
- Allaah promised to make the way for Da’wah easy for Prophet Muhammad salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and his followers alike; He Says (what means): “And We will ease you toward ease.” [Quran: 87:8]
- Allaah also promised to preserve the Quran, His last guidance to mankind. It is forever protected from any sort of distortion, change, or modification; He Says (what means): “Indeed, it is We who sent down the message [i.e., the Quran], and indeed, We will be its guardian.” [Quran: 15:9]
- Allaah promised to make Da’wah prevail and reach every place on earth, so that all mankind will be aware that Islaam is the truth from their Lord; He Says (what means): “We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth…” [Quran: 41:53]
- Prophet Muhammad assured us that Islam is the religion of the future and will spread all over the world when he said: “Indeed, Islam will reach every place that the day and night reach. There is no house (in city or desert) on the Earth except that Islam will enter it.” [Ahmad]
- Due to all of these reasons, Da’wah can never fail; that is why Prophet Muhammad expected his followers to outnumber the followers of other prophets; He said: “All of the prophets before me were given (tangible) miracles, due to which, people believed in them. But the miracle that has been given to me is indeed a revelation that Allaah revealed to me [i.e., Quran and Sunnah]. So I hope, on the Day of Judgement, my followers will outnumber the followers of other prophets.” [Al-Bukhaari]
In order for Da’wah to be effective, the caller must have sincere intention and, above all, a strong sense of piety. In order to share Islam with people, we must develop strong relationships within our Ummah (Muslim community) to support these efforts with Da’wah centres and well-written material. Each of us has a gift from Allaah and we should not ignore our obligation in fear of rejection or failure, but join together to contribute our talents and resources to share the gift of Islaam.
Maire de Montréal: Bonne Année 1433 Happy New Year
Chers amis(e),
Vous trouverez ci-joint le message du Maire de Montréal, M. Gérald Tremblay:
À l’occasion du Nouvel An 1433 de l’hégire, je suis heureux d’offrir mes meilleurs vœux à l’ensemble de mes concitoyennes et concitoyens de la communauté musulmane. Voilà une belle occasion de célébrer et de nous réjouir d’habiter une ville qui favorise la paix et l’harmonie ici et dans le monde. Montréal vient justement d’être accréditée comme « Cité interculturelle ». Notre ville a obtenu cette reconnaissance internationale du Conseil de l’Europe et de la Commission européenne pour l’ensemble de ses actions dans le domaine interculturel. Cet honneur, je suis heureux de le partager avec vous et je veux vous assurer que nous allons continuer à faire tout en notre pouvoir pour renforcer Montréal comme métropole inclusive.
Je vous souhaite une année à la mesure de vos espérances!
I am pleased to extend my best wishes for the New Islamic Year 1433 Hijri to my fellow Montrealers from the Muslim community. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and to rejoice that we live in a community committed to peace and harmony here and throughout the world. The Council of Europe and the European Commission have just recognized Montréal as an “Intercultural City” for its many intercultural activities. I am pleased to share this honour with you and I can promise that we will do everything in our power to build on Montréal’s reputation as an inclusive metropolis.