Salamun alaykum,
Dhulqa’dah: The sacred month:
This is the first of the four Ash-hurul hurum -sacred months- mentioned in Noble Quran.
“Surely the number of months with Allah is twelve months so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred: that is the right reckoning; therefore, be not unjust to yourselves regarding them / don’t wrong yourselves during them..”
(Sura At-Tawba 9:36)
The four Ash-hurul hurum -sacred months- being referred to in the above ayah are:- Dhulqa’adah, Dhulhijjah, Muharram and Rajab.
Ash-hurul hurum: Its excellence:
Sheikh Ali bin Ibrahim al-Qummi reports that during these sacred months the recompense for good deeds and punishment for bad deeds is amplified.
Sheikh Mufid records in his book Hadaaiqur Riyadh that the Noble Prophet s.a.w.w. said: One who fasts in the sacred months on three days: Thursday, Friday and Saturday Allah SWT records for him the reward of worship of 900 years for fasting during the day and remaining awake in night.
In addition to Dhulqa’adah being the first of the four sacred months, Sayyid Ibn Tawoos (ra) narrated in a hadith that the month of Dhulqa'adah is the realm for supplications being responded on encountering a problem.
Ash-hurul hurum: Its practice:
Ash-hurul hurum was a custom set up by the Prophet Ibrahim. During the period of these four months any act of war or raids to commence fighting with the kuffar was prohibited amongst the people. This is to uphold the sanctity of Ash-hurul hurum. Note that the activity in these sacred months was travelling towards Makka for performance of the devotions of haj at the K’aba.
Ash-hurul hurum: Its observance:
The concept of Ash-hurul hurum implies that in the absence of conflict or war, then salam or peace prevails. Therefore, in addition to deriving the spiritual blessings of these sacred months, this sacred period can be understood that these are opportunities to search for peace; both for one’s self, family and with others in the community. Isn’t peace is an essential and invaluable ingredient for success and happiness for both individual and community level?
UN Declaration:
Interestingly the U.N. has declared the 21st of September as International day of Peace to recognize the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace. The International Day of Peace is also a day of ceasefire – personal or political. This is a special occasion for taking time to reflect on peace; an invaluable state for the world. The theme for 2024 International Day of Peace is “End Racism. Build Peace.”
Salaam: An obligation:
One of the special attributes of Allah SWT is as-Salaam- the source of peace. (Sura al Hashr 59:24). By having proper insight of this special attribute of Allah, it becomes easy for us to make a stronger connection with Him, to mould our lives in seeking Divine pleasure and ultimately to feel secure and protected being at peace with Allah, with His creatures, and with our own selves.
By being cognisant of the sole purpose of creation is to serve Allah SWT, as Muslims, we are obliged to always promote salaam -peace- at all levels. Indeed, the linguistic origin of the name of the noble religion Islam testifies to this. The widely practised prophetic tradition of initiating conversations by greeting ‘Salamun alaykum’ is a declaration of extending peace. Even the recitation of the final three statements of salam-greetings- following tashahhud, whilst completing the salat-prayer- underscores the obligation to be at peace and spread peace.
The best manners:
Once the Noble Prophet posed a question, “Shall I inform you of the best etiquette of the people of this world and the hereafter?”
“Yes, O the Messenger of Allah,” responded the audience.
The Noble Prophet explained, “It is to spread peace in the world.”
Would you not like to have the best etiquette of the people of this world and the hereafter?” The answer would definitely be a resounding YES!
Reflect:
• Is my deed or word a cause of spreading peace?
• How are you promoting peace within your own self?
• What is it that you need to do to spread peace in the family, community, locality, nationally and globally?
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
With salaams and duas,
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat