One unique thing about Islamic calendar
is that it did not commence with something less significant.
With divine guidance, it started with the sacrifice of the early
Muslims and the triumph of truth over evil. That is Hijrah.
In ordinary terms, Hijrah was a journey
between Makkah and Madinah, about 300 miles apart; a migration that
changed the situation of the early Muslims for better. It marked the
beginning of an era, a civilization, a culture and a turning point
for Muslims in history. Some would argue that there is no special
religious ceremony to mark the New Year. Yes! but it is one of the
appreciated developments which will continue to be new every twelve
lunar months especially when the need for a shift for Islamic
calendar becomes necessary for the Muslim Umah. Hijrah as a principle
that is integral to Islam, should not be relegated to a mere date;
its celebration should be loud and be seen to impact positively in
the lives of Muslims. Essentially, the celebration should remind us
about the meaning and significance and make us to be focused on the
need for absolute compliance.
The meaning of the word Hijrah is often
translated as “exile, exodus, flight or migration”. It is also
used to mean leaving a wrong condition and moving to a better
condition, even though it may involve some difficulty. In this
context, Allah says: “And Lot believed him. [Abraham] said,
“Indeed, I will emigrate to [the service of] my Lord. Indeed, He is
the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (Al-Ankabut 29: 26) In some other
places, like in Baqara, Anfal and At-Taobah, the word is used
together with Iman and Jihad. “Those who believe, and migrate, and
struggle in the cause of Allah, as well as those who give (them)
asylum and aid, these are (all) truly the Believers: for them is the
forgiveness of sins and a provision most generous.”(Al-Anfal 8 :
74) This shows the importance of the word has in the activities of
Muslims.
Its denotative meaning however, is much
more dynamic and active in the lives of Muslims. It means “to
leave, to move, to shun and to quit”. It is used for cases like
dumping an idea or habit and turning a new leaf. It means a total and
radical departure to a new way whether as an individual or as a
group.
We should use this occasion to remind
ourselves not only about the movement of early Muslims from Makkah to
Madinah but to do what is required from all of us now and at all
times. Let the leaders and politicians including those who lead in
offices at all levels do hijrah from the part of corruption to
righteousness, let the followers move away from sin to virtues, let
us all shun all acts of division and strife to harmony and unity; and
let us dump what can incur the wrath of Allah to what will earn us
His acceptance and pleasure.
Ashurah
The Hijri calendar is not just a
sentimental system of time reckoning and dating important religious
events. The beginning of Hijrah and the 10th of Muharram have much
deeper religious and historical significance. Some of the historical
events that took place in Muharram particularly on the tenth of the
month which is called the Day of Ashurah suggest that there is more
to it than a mere date.
On that day, Allah chose Adam (as) to
be father to human beings on that day after forgiving him. He raised
Prophet Idris (as) to heaven on that day; rescued Prophet Nuh (as)
with his people in his ark on mount Judi. Jacob’s reuniting with
his son, Joseph also occurred on that day. He saved Prophet Ibrahim
from the burning fire (as) on that day; forgave Prophet Dawud (as) on
that day. It was also on the tenth of Muharram that Allah (SWT)
returned Prophet Sulayman’s (a.s) kingdom to him. It is also on
record that Allah (SWT) relieved Prophet Ayyub (a.s) of his
afflictions on that day. Allah raised Prophet Isa (Jesus a.s) to
heaven on that day. Allah made Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) to marry
Khadijah (r.a) and of course the much talked about Hijrah from Makkah
to Madinah occurred on that day.
Besides, scholars have continued to
point out that Allah would have created the heavens and earth on
Ashurah; and created the Pen (al-Qalam) on that day which scholars
say it was on a Friday.
Apart from the pomp and glory of
celebrating either the new Hijri year or the Ashurah day, it is a
time for reflection, a time for sacrifice and a time and opportunity
to change from bad deeds and move to acts that will earn the pleasure
of Allah.
Happy new year!
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