Eid-ul-Azha: The Spirit of Sacrifice

Eid-ul-Azha or more popularly Bakri-Eid is celebrated all over the world on the 10th day of the 12th month of Zul-Hijj of the Islamic calendar. While Eid-ul-Azha is associated with sacrifing of animals, it is also closely related to the annual pilgrimage of Hajj by followers of Islam to the holy cities of Mecca & Madina in Saudi Arabia. Eid-ul-Azha also marks an end to the rituals of Hajj and the acceptance of the pilgrimage before Allah. The festival of Eid-ul-Azha is also called as the festival of sacrifice, as millions of cattle’s are sacrificed by Muslims in reminiscence of the act by Prophet Ibrahim.

Prophet Ibrahim was a true believer and follower of Islam, who guided his people to believe in oneness of the Almighty. However he was rebuffed and rebuked by them and was persecuted to be put in fire. However Prophet Ibrahim came out unharmed from the inferno and always obeyed every command which Allah asked him to partake. Prophet Ibrahim always longed for a son but did not wish to distress his wife Sarah. However at her insistence he married another woman named Hajar who gave birth to a son in his grand age. The boy was Prophet Ismail, who was the apple of the eye for his father. However, a few months after his birth, as per Allah’s command, Prophet Ibrahim took Hajar and infant Ismail to the middle of Arabian Desert and left them there with a small quantity of food and water. Hajar did not revolt the act when she came to know that Prophet Ibrahim was only obeying Allah’s command. Left alone, the mother and son had nowhere to go under the scorching sun and when the supplies ran out Hajar became perturbed at the plight of infant Ismail. She would run from the top of hillocks ‘Safa’ and ‘Marwah’ (in the vicinity of present day Kabah in Mecca) to look for water or any caravan passing by to get water for her son. She did this for seven times running from Safa to Marwah and back. This act of hers was praised by Allah and even today Muslims undertaking Hajj have to perform this act of running between the two hillocks of Safa and Marwah to complete one of the rituals known as Sa’ee during Hajj pilgrimage. As she was running across the hillocks Hajar saw that little Ismail was knocking the heels of his tiny legs on the sands of the desert and suddenly a spring of water erupted out of the parched earth and started flowing. Hajar ran to collect the erupting sweet water by making small mounds around the source, but the water started flowing with even greater force. Unable to control it she started shouting “Zam, Zam”, which means “Stop, Stop” in Arabic. And to this day the sweet water is known as ZamZam, which continues to erupt out of the sands of the hot Arabian Desert soil. Every year more than 20 lakh Hajis get the opportunity to drink and use as much ZamZam during the pilgrimage and even carry large quantities of the holy water back, for their friends and relatives in their native place. It is but an astonishing miracle of Allah that one of the sweetest water (People who have tasted vouch for it) has been erupting since time immemorial in the middle of the desert and caters to the millions of people visiting the holy cities and many more millions back home, never ever the spring getting exhausted. Perhaps it was Allah’s will to create a reason for presenting the people of the desert an eternal source of sweet water, and a foundation for the holiest city of Mecca to be laid, by asking Prophet Ibrahim to leave Hajar and Ismail in desert. Because it was after this event that people started settling around Safa and Marwah and the holiest city of Mecca came into existence.

When Ismail grew up to a young boy, he was very handsome, obedient and beloved to his father. It was during this time when Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim one more time, asking him to sacrifice his most precious possession, which was his son Prophet Ismail. The subservient father was devastated but willingly proceeded to carry out the command of his Lord. He asked Ismail to get ready, as they were going to a very special place. Young prophet Ismail (barely 8 year old) was dressed in his very best and accompanied Prophet Ibrahim for the journey to Mount Arafat in Mina. On the way Shaitan tried to delude Ismail by telling him about the true motive of his father, but Prophet Ismail was unperturbed and tried to shoo him away by picking small pebbles on the way and threw at him three times. The act was praised by Allah and to this day Haaji’s have to perform this ritual of stoning of Devil at three sites during the Hajj pilgrimage, enacting young Prophet Ismail. When they reached the place Prophet Ibrahim told the decree of Allah to his son. But instead of fearing, Prophet Ismail respected his father’s decision and asked him to go ahead with the sacrifice assuring Prophet Ibrahim that he will find his son among the most patient during this act. He asked his father to tie a black cloth covering the eyes of both, so that neither of them gets nervous. Prophet Ibrahim did so and lay down his son. As he tried to run the sharp knife over Ismail’s throat, the knife just won’t cut. He tried it many times but to no avail. Annoyed he threw the knife on a nearby stone which was cut into two in a stroke. Prophet Ibrahim picked the knife again and this time the knife did run through the throat and warm blood oozed out on his hands, accompanied with a cry of a sheep. An agonized Prophet Ibrahim immediately removed his blindfold only to find that a healthy sheep had been sacrifice and his son Prophet Ismail stood beside him. He had passed the test and it was Allah, who had through angel Jibraeel, replaced Ismail with a male sheep from the heavens. This is the motive behind Muslims undertaking animal sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha. This is also a ritual performed as the last acts for the Haaji to successfully complete his pilgrimage.

Muslims all over the world celebrate the festival by getting up early on the day and dressed up in their best clothes they perform the special Namaz of Eid-ul-Azha. After which greetings are exchanged and ‘Qurbani’ takes place. Every earning adult Muslim having enough disposable wealth has to undertake Qurbani on Eid-ul-Azha. If they cannot sacrifice individual animal, they can contribute the money towards mosque or other Islamic organizations or schools, who undertake the task for mass sacrifice. Muslims divide their produce of the sacrificed animal in three parts; one for their own consumption, second part for distributing among neighbors and relatives and the third for the poor. No part of the sacrificed animal is allowed to be sold or exchanged. The skin of the animals is donated to mosques, madarsa’s and schools run for the poor, so that they can sell it to tanneries and use the money for their chores. The tons of meat that is collected in Saudi Arabia and nearby Arab countries, after Eid-ul-Azha is frozen, packed and sent out for distribution to the poor African nations for free; to provide the starved populations a source of nutritious protein rich food. The other parts such as skin, horns and hooves are sold to countries that require it for their industries and the money is again given out as grant to these underdeveloped countries. Eid-ul-Azha is not just a day of mass murder of cattle’s by human beings, but it marks as a day of sacrifice and sharing by Muslims, who buy the best affordable animals appropriate to their earning potential and think of their poor brothers to provide better food for those who cannot afford it.

Eid-ul-Azha exemplifies the charitable instincts of Muslims in their efforts to see that no one is left deprived of the sacrificial blessings. It further embodies the values of discipline and self-denial, and submitting to the will of Allah. It prepares one for the tests and trials of life and hereafter by providing willpower for sacrificing and submission by overcoming their individualistic self for the benefit of the unprivileged. These values imparted by this festival are central to the Islamic doctrines. Eid-ul-Azha is a time of remembrance of the trials of Prophet Ibrahim, a time to celebrate the completion of the Hajj, and a time that men, women, and children of all ages greatly anticipate. Eid Mubarak!

Why Vegetarians grouse Sacrificing of Animals on Eid-ul-Azha?

Note: No offences against vegetarianism or vegetarians, who do NOT Interfere.

I wanted to write my next article on Eid-ul-Azha, but I have been forced to write a prelude. With just about a month to go for Eid-ul-Azha, or more popularly Bakri Eid, falling on 21st December, the vegetarian brigade is back to its sulking best again. I’ve come across more than a score of articles and blogs pouring their heart out for the ‘poor’ animals. Some have even gone to the extent of criticizing Allah, that he discriminates human life and animal life and a lot more acrimonious conjectures against the practice. I do not know and do not want to comment about other religions, but I can say about this practice in Islam is not for nothing. Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated across the world on the 10th day of Zul-Hijj (Details http://fardinq.blogspot.com/2007/12/eid-ul-azha-spirit-of-sacrifice.html), and also marks the culmination of Hajj in the holy city of Mecca. Allah clearly states in the Holy Qura’an, that he does not desire the blood or life of the sacrificial animal, but he seeks the willingness of the person to sacrifice. Unlike others, in Islam the animal after slaughtering is not thrown before the almighty or strewn around Kabaa (as was the practice before the advent of Islam). The meat is used for human consumption and the skin is sent for its usage as leather merchandise. Now how many of my vegetarian friends will deny that they never have or do use leather shoes, bags, belts or many other such articles.

Science has proved that meat is the best and cheapest source of protein for humans and is also the single largest supplier to our recommended nutrient intake for protein, even much more than pulses, beans and green leafy vegetables. What did the pre-historic man eat? What is the source of livelihood for all the shepherds and cattlemen across the globe? Perhaps there was a vegetarian brigade amongst their fore-forefathers and ancestors preventing other cavemen who would go out hunting animals for food. And why did this ‘tribe’ kept quite when millions of chicken were mercilessly hacked to death, when bird-flu spread in Asia (perhaps it was a case-in-point for the Euthanasia supporters). What about the response from the vegetarians (or eggitarians) when they say, “We eat only eggs”. Is it not akin to feticide, rampant in North India for their preference for a male child? killing the poor ‘chick’ before it can see daylight out of its egg-shell. Why do they keep quit when DDT or insecticides are sprayed to kill mosquitoes and insects affecting our crops? Perhaps Allah does not discriminate between the lives of insects or fowls and goats. They will happily boil water during rainy season to ‘kill’ the germs thriving in contaminated water, or rather gulp down glasses and eat loads of curd, yoghurt, cheese and yeast spelling doom for the billion of microbial life residing in it.

They will not think twice before chopping down a tree or cutting its branches or plucking the fruits & vegetables for consumption. Maybe the trees do not have life, they might perceive. What happens to the life of the plants when an entire crop is cut down at harvest? Our very own scientist Dr. Jagdish Chandra Basu has proved that trees and plants too have life and have feelings and emotions, which affects their growth as well. Or if plucking fruits and cutting branches is not harmful to the trees, then we can have an option of plucking the chicken legs, or the lamb thighs without killing them. Why doesn’t the vegetarian brigade run after the carnivorous animals and birds, when they catch their prey for food? Or sue the researchers when thousands or mice, frogs or guinea pigs are killed on the experiment tables in laboratories for the ‘good’ of human beings.

Let’s face the fact, the human being is at the top of the Food Pyramid, and if the killing or the ‘cursed’ word sacrifice is done for the purpose of food, then it’s not unethical, as they make others to believe. Millions of cattle are slaughtered on the day of Eid-ul-Azha across the world, but never have we heard that it has led to extinction of goats, cattle’s or camels. The simple reason is that their reproductive cycle has been devised such, that they provide for source of food for animals up the food chain.

Muslims divide their produce of the sacrificed animal on the day of Eid-ul-Azha, in three parts; one for their own consumption, second part for distributing among neighbors and relatives and the third for the poor. The skin of the animals is donated to mosques and schools run for the poor, so that they can sell it to tanneries and use the money for their chores. No part of the sacrificed animal is allowed to be sold or exchanged. Even the tons of meat that is collected in Saudi Arabia and nearby Arab countries, after commencement of Hajj is frozen, packed and sent out for distribution to the poor African nations for free; to provide the starved populations a source of nutritious protein rich food. The other parts such as skin, horns and hooves are sold to countries that require it for their industries and the money is again given out as grant to these underdeveloped countries. Eid-ul-Azha is not just a day of mass murder of cattle’s by human beings, but it marks as a day of sacrifice and sharing by Muslims, who buy the best affordable animals appropriate to their earning potential and think of their poor brothers to provide better food for those who cannot afford it.

Welcome........Ramazan-al-Mubarak

It is that time of the year (The Lunar Calendar) when more than a quarter of the world will await with joy and eagerness for the arrival of the holy month of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak. However a section of a breed of humanity called as Indian politicians will be eager to befool the Muslims and the general public to showcase their pseudo-secularism. It that time of the year when every other day you will find front page pictures and news about a Sonia Gandhi or a Ramvilas Paswan or a Lalu Prasad, and for the past few years (ironically) the BJP central working committee, holding the Iftaar party, calling some fake Mulla’s and eating ravenously, with none having kept the fast, and rather having eaten sumptuously for the whole day. Ramazan and fasting in their eyes is limited to only the delicacies at the time of Iftaar laid down upon the table.

The holy Ramazan is the 9th month of Islamic Hijri Calendar and is the most pious and blessed month. The Qura’an describes it as better than a thousand months in blessings and virtues. Ramazan derives from the Arabic root: ramida or ar-ramad, meaning scorching heat or dryness. Just like scorching heat melts the elements and purifies the substance, the month of Ramazan too purifies ones soul and body by making him free from all sins and evils, as that of a child. It was this month when the Holy Qura’an was revealed upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by the angel Jibrae’el. The month begins with the sighting of the New Moon, signifying the beginning of the period of Roza and Taraweeh. Taraweeh is the special prayers performed during the night and involves recitation of the Holy Qura’an, during the course of Ramazan. Roza or fasting is synonymous with Ramazan. Muslims do not take any food or even water from dawn to dusk for the whole month. The early dawn intake of food is called Sehar and breaking of fast after sunset is called Iftaar. The benefits of fasting are immense, not only spiritual but also practical:
1. The main motive of fasting was to help the privileged realize the sufferings faced by the poor. It helps one to feel compassion for the less fortunate ones by making them undergo their feelings of hunger and thirst. Thus it offers a time for Muslims to "purify" their bodies as well as their souls, by developing a greater sense of humility, spirituality and community.

2. Through fasting, Muslims learn to control their natural urges such as hunger, thirst and the worldly desires and thus are able to better resist temptations for things which are not necessary, such as excessive food intake, drugs or other unhealthy or harmful substances and also their behaviors. It allows one to build a sense of self-control and will-power, which can be beneficial throughout life in dealing with temptations and peer-pressure.

3. Ramazan is a month of self-regulation and self-training in Islamic Calender. Most Muslims fast because it has been ordained to them in the Quran. However the Medical benefits of fasting are immense:

- Helps in weight management, as it triggers the liver to break fats by the process of Autolysis.
- Helps in maintaining the health of digestive tract and for lowering lipids.
- Does not have the adverse effects of starvation or crash dieting undertaken by people over conscious about their figure and body.
- The physiological effect of fasting includes lowering of blood sugar, cholesterol and the systolic blood pressure.
- Abstinence from water causes concentration of fluids in the body and a short term slight dehydration that improves elasticity of tissue walls.
- Short term dehydration also increases the fiber content in the digestive tract that helps in better absorption of nutrients from the food.
- Lowering of Metabolism rate results in psychological improvement that could be related to better stabilization of blood glucose during fasting as hypoglycemia after eating, aggravates behavior changes.
- The lowered rate of activity of colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands and digestive tract results in detoxification of these body parts.
- Fasting increases the healing process and increases longevity, as the energy is diverted away from the digestive system towards immune system.

Detailed report:

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f02/web1/wcarroll.html

The activities of Ramazan are not limited to these alone. The giving away of alms and the regular charity reaps rich dividends in the world and hereafter. Muslims generally give out their Zakat, which is one of the five pillars of Islam in the month of Ramazan. Zakat is 2.5% of the savings from what you earn. That means if you save Rs.1000, you have to pay Zakat of Rs. 25. The amount is kept very small, basically so as not to tax the Muslims of their hard earned money at the same time ensuring that they do not neglect their poor brothern. Zakat is compulsory on every Muslim, who earns and has a property equivalent to 7.5 tola of Gold or 52.5 tola of Silver (1 tola = 10 grams). Zakat is given to poor Muslims, who according to the definition do not posses property as defined above, and become eligible to receive Zakat. It is required that one should distribute Zakat on the basis of priority. The first among the receivers should be your poor relatives, followed by your poor neighbors’ and then the remaining amount can be given to local seminaries like Madarsaa’s and schools run by/for Muslims.

The other charity is the Fitra’a, from which the name Eid-ul-Fitr is derived. This is given out on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr, and constitutes of giving away wheat equal to 2kg and 25 grams or its equivalent price in money. This charity is to be given out from each and every member present in the family, and any poor visiting your house on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr should be benefited from Fitra’a.

The hardships of Ramazan are rewarded by the day of celebration and sharing of love and spreading sweetness. The New Moon of Eid is sighted either on 29th or 30th day of Ramazan. It is believed that most people mourn the sighting of the New Moon as it meant the end of Ramazan and along with it the generous shower of blessings upon them and unlocking of Shaitaan, who is locked by Allah during the month of Ramazan, to keep him away from misguiding the worshipers. The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims across the globe by offering special Namaz in the morning. This is followed by wishing each other by Muaa’nka (embracing/hugging) and Musaa’fa (handshaking). Elders give out goodies and gifts to children in form of Eidee. The festival is also very popular among others because of the Sevaiyaan, the delicacy prepared on the day.

However the true essence of Ramazan is not limited to following these rituals, but also making sure you keep your virtue and character clean and noble by not speaking lies, doing backbiting or indulging in sins forbidden not only in Islam but also by the society. It also means that we limit ourselves to submission to Allah and being good not only during the month of Ramazan but the entire year and our life.

Greetings from me for the Holy month of Ramazan-al-Mubarak.

Importance of Friday

Today is Friday the 13th; a day believed to be of the devil in the West. Friday was considered an evil and uneventful day for a long time in western world beliefs. However, the emergence of IT industries around the globe has changed that a lot. Now Friday comes a precursor for the weekend for us Software professonals. The concept of TGIF or "Thank God its Friday", and the TGIF parties are fast catching up even in India. It signals an end to the gruelling week of work and 2 days of imminent break. But there is a section in the world for whom, the significance of Friday transcends the corporal desires and myths and presents a way to submit before the almighty Allah. Its a day when everything comes to a halt, in Islamic world, and a devot Muslim, prepares himself to join in congregation to pray and ask forgiveness and seek blessings. The Friday prayer or the Namaaz-e-Jumaa, is considered the most pious prayers before Allah, along with the prayers of Eid, Ramzaan and the few described nights (Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Miraj & Shab-e-Qadr).

My parents who performed the Hajj last year, described the scene in the holy city of Mecca when the Muazzin calls the Azaan for the Namaz-e-Jumaa. The whole city comes to a stop; people in a swarm head towards the mosques, shopkeepers leave their shops open and go for the prayers, be it a vegetable outlet, a shopping complex or a jewellry shop; its left unattended and as it is, as the priority becomes prayers than business. Travellars leave there vehicles on the road, and those who get late; lay down the sheets on the roads and complete their prayers. Even those who do not pray for the whole week, make it a point not to miss the Friday prayer.

One might ask why is such a 'fanatism' among Muslims for Namaz-e-Jumaa ? This day as described by the Holy Quraa'n, in Islam carries many virtues and blessings. This was the day that Adam (pbuh) was created, the day he was placed into Paradise, the day he was sent down to the earth, and Friday was the day that he died. Friday is also a day when our supplications to Allah are answered as long as it isn’t something forbidden. This is also the day where the onset of the last hour will begin. Allah has made this day the master of all other days to the extent that it is greater to Allah than the days of Al-Fitr and Al-Adha. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has mentioned all these characteristics in his hadiths. Namaaz-e-Jumaa is the best prayer. It’s significance is so great that there is a whole chapter in the Quran that is named Al-Jumuah. Allah makes mention of the importance of Friday in the Quran where He says in the translation of the meaning:
“O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salaah (prayer) on Friday (Jumu‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allaah [Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salaah (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!” (Al-Jumu’ah 62:9)

This is a day where Allah the All-Merciful forgives our minor sins not just for that day but for a week and an extra three days. Another great virtue of this day is the that if a Muslim dies on the day or night of Friday, Allah will protect them from the trials of the grave. The attendance to the Friday Prayer is also written down by angels who stand at every gate of the mosque to write down the names of people in chronological order of their attendance. Prophet Muhammed (SAW) describes the Friday prayers as a reward for Muslims from Allah. A person who takes a bath on Friday and wears clean clothes, applies perfume and heads towards the mosque on hearing the Azaan (call for prayer), is like he has offered sacrifices in the way of Allah. Every step taken towards preparing for the Namaaz-e-Jumaa is a blessing in itself.

Allah has perfected the way of life for Muslims and although many indulge in sins and personal pleasures during this day, Muslims know the true meaning and importance of Friday. We may all say thank goodness it’s Friday; however, the meaning behind the famous acronym “TGIF” is more valuable and signficant in the hearts of Muslims than others. Allah has not only given them the information but has given them the motivation to spend this beautiful day wisely so that they may compete with one another to attain good deeds for His sake. Happy Friday!!!

Jamadi-us-Sani - An eventful month of Islamic Calendar

Jamadi-us-Sani is the 6th month of Islamic Calendar. The month is known as the month of blessings. Hazrat Fatima-tuz-Zehra (A.S.), the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammed (SAW), and Syeda tun nisa'il alameen (mistress of the women of the world) was born on the 20th day of this month, in Mecca. Like her nature the month requires the followers of Islam to be compassionate and charitable during this month. This month of Jamadi-us-Sani prepares us for the auspicious months of Rajjab, Shaaban and Ramzaan-ul-Mubarak, for the prayers and blessings to be seeked from Allah. It is required that Muslims give charity, keep fasts, wear clean and new clothes, care for their relatives and the poor during this month.

However, the importance of Jamadi-us-Sani is more known as on its 1st day, the first revelations of the Holy Quraa'n was made on Prophet Muhammed (SAW) at the age of 40. It was after this event when he made public his prophecy and proclaimed himself as the messanger of Allah, and brought forth the religion of Islam for the people to adopt. The revelations of the Holy Quraa'n were revealed subsequently, on the Prophet by the angel Jibra'eel (A.S.), in parts known as the Suraa'h of Quraa'n. The Prophet would assimilate the verses in his heart and would subsequently convey the message it implied to his Sahabi's (followers). The great religion of Islam then spread first across the Arab kingdom and then the whole world. The Prophet faced a lot of trouble initially, and was even driven out of his birthplace Mecca and had to seek refuge in Medina, where he was warmly welcomed and Medina formed his base and launchpad for guiding the masses about Islam.

Eid-e-Milad un Nabi

This year Eid-e-Milad un Nabi falls on Sunday, 1st April 2007. Muslims of the world express their pleasure on the birth date of their Beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and celebrate this occasion calling it as Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. Id-e-Milad is celebrated on the twelfth day of the third month Rabi-ul-Awwal (according to the Islamic calendar). The ocassion is marked by recitation of Quranic verses in mosques from the eve of Eid-e-Milad and the day is celebrated by taking out processions called "Juloos", distributing food & sweet beverage "Sharbat" to the poor and organizing programs narrating the life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and reciting of "Zikr" and "Naat" in his honour. It is considered auspicious to offer prayers and give alms on this day. Muslims prove themselves to be the true followers of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Paying highest respect to the last Prophet is the basic faith. The slightest disinclination towards the Prophet (S.A.W.) and his disrespect knowingly or unknowingly through connivance or openly, destroys a Muslim's entire faith (Imaan). Milaad-un-Nabi is celebrated for creating love and respect of the Prophet (S.A.W.) and through him the love and respect of Allah Almighty, the only Creator and Sustainer of the world.

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) was the son of Abdullah & Aamina and the grandson of Abdul Muttalib of the tribe of Qureysh in the erstwhile Arabian Peninsula. He was born at Mecca on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal (about April 570 AD). From a very young age Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) was respected by people for his honesty, truthfullness, charity and kindness. He was the most trusted person in the whole Mecca. At the age of 40 (in 610 AD), the angel Jibraeel (Gabriel) was sent by Allah to give revelations of Quraan to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). It was after that when he declared himself as the Prophet of Allah to the masses. He found some devotees but most Meccans did not believe in him. He had to immigrate to Medina, where he was warmly welcomed and spread the message of Allah across the globe. Later Islam became one of the most popular religions of the world. In 632 AD, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) went on a pilgrimage to Mecca followed by thousands of his devotees, which marked the begining of Islamic calender or Hijri Calendar. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) had to fight many battles against the non believers and foriegn forces in order to unite Arabian tribes, which later on united to make Arabs one of the most powerful kingdom in the Middle East with its expanses spreading from India in the East to Spain in the West.

Dua e Ashura for Muharram: 1st Month of the Islamic Calendar

                 Dua-e-Ashurah                                              .

If you cannot read Dua e Ashura in Arabic, here is the Dua in English script

DUA-E-ASHURA

Ya Qaabila tawbati Adama Yawma 'Ashuraa-aYa faarija karbi Dhin-nuwni yawma 'Ashuraa-aYa jaami'a shamli y'aquwba yawma 'Ashuraa-aYa saami'a d'awati musa wa haruna yawma 'Ashuraa-aYa mu-ghitha ibrahima mi-nanaa-ri yawma 'Ashuraa-aYa rafi'a idrisa ilas-samai yawma 'Ashuraa-aYa mujeeba da'wati salihin finna qati yawma 'Ashuraa-a

Ya nasira sayyidina Muhammadin sal-lalahu 'alayhi wa sallama yawma'Ashuraa-aYa rahma-nad-dunya wal-akhirati was rahima-humaa salli 'alasayyidina Muhammadiw-wa 'ala jamee'al ambiyaai wal-mursaleena waqdihaajaa-tinafid-dunya wal-akhirati wa atil 'umrana fee taa'atika wamahabatika wa ridakawa ahyinaa

hayatan tayeeba tuwwa tawaffana 'a-lal-emaani wal-islamibi-rahmatika Yaa arhamar-rahimeen Allahma bi-'izzil hasani wa akhihiwa ummihi wa abihi wa jaddihi wa banihi far-rij 'anna maa nahnu fee.

After reading the above dua, read the following dua 7 times

Subha-nallahi mil al-meezani wa muntahal-'ilmi wa mabla-ghar-ridawa zinatal-'arshi la mal-jaa-aa wala manjaa-aa mi-nallahiilla-ilay. Subha-nallahi 'ada-dash-shaf-'ia wal-witri wa 'adadakalimaa tilla-hit-tammati kullihaa nasalu-kaslamata bi-rahmatika yaaarhamar-rahimeen.

wa-hu-wa hasbunaa-wa-nai'-mal-wakeel. Ni'-mal-mawla wa-ni'man-naseer.wala-haw-la wala quwwata illa-billahil-'alee-yil-'azeem.wa salla-lahu ta'ala 'ala sayyidina Muhammadiw-wa 'ala alihi wasahbihi wa 'a-lal mumineena wal muminati wal muslimeena wal muslimati'adada zarratil wujudi wa 'adada ma'-luwmaa tillahi wal-hamu-illahirabbil-'alameen.

The Islamic year begins with Muharram ul Haram, the first month of the Islamic Calendar. While followers of other religions spend their opening month in worthless merriment, the first month of Islam teaches us lessons of admonition, good counselling, knowledge of Allah Ta’ala, sacrifice, selflessness, patience and seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.

 

What is Ashura?
The tenth day of Muharram (Ashura) has many distinctive qualities and features. Allah Ta’ala created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this day He gave His infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches of their enemies.
Allah Ta’ala created Hazrat Adam (Alaihis-Salam) in this month, pardoned him of his mistake, and Hazrat Noah’s (Alaihis-Salam) Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi, and he saved Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis-Salam) from fire and rescued Hazrat Musa (Alaihis-Salam) from Pharaoh.
On the first of Muharram offer 2 rakats Nafl prayer. In each rakat after Surah Fateha recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After the Salam pray to Allah Ta’ala for all your needs and desires. From the blessing of this prayer, Allah Ta’ala will appoint an angel for such a person. The angel will guide him or her to do only good deeds and prevent them in engaging in sinful acts.

On the eve of "Ashura" offer 100 rakats Nafl. In each rakat recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times after Surah Fateha. After Salam recite first ‘Kalimah’ 100 times. Allah Ta’ala will forgive all the sins of such a person.

Dua-e-Ashura - An insurance for a year’s Life Hazrat Imam Zainul Abidain (Radi Allah Anhu) reports that who ever recites this dua( Dua-e- Ashura) on the tenth of Muharram, any time after sunrise and before sunset, or listens to its recitation from someone else, Allah Ta’ala will certainly make it an insurance for a years’ life for him, by keeping death away from him. However, if one is to become the victim of death in that year, they will by some strange coincidence not remember to recite it.

Nafl Salat for the Eve of Ashura: On the eve of Ashura offer 4 rakats Nafl Salat as follows:
In every rakat after Surah Fateha recite "Ayetul Kursi" once and Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After completing this Namaz recite Surah Ikhlas 100 times. Allah Ta’ala will purify such a person of all their sins and grant them endless bounties and blessings in paradise.

The Fast of Ashura: On the 9th and 10th of Muharram, one should fast. If it is not possible to fast on both days, then every effort should be made to fast on the 10th day of Muharram, as there is great reward for this fast. (Muslim Shareef).
The following are some of the desirable acts one should do on the day of Ashurah:
1.   To observe fast on this day.
2.   To give as much charity as you can afford.
3.   To perform Nafl Salat prayers.
4.   To recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times.
5.   To visit and be in the company of pious Ulema.
6.   To place a hand of affection on an orphan’s head.
7.   To give generously to one’s relatives.
8.   To put surma in one’s eyes.
9.   To take a bath.
10. To cut one’s nails.
11. To visit the sick.
12. To establish friendly ties with one’s enemies.
13. To recite Dua-e- Ashura
14. To visit the shrines of Awliyas and the graves of Muslims.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (Radi Allah Anhu), a Companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) reports the following saying of the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala, "Whosoever prepares ample food and drink for his family on this sacred day and delights in feeding them generously, Allah Ta’ala will increase His provisions for that year and place much blessings and good therein."
Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu) and his companions were martyred on the tenth of this month.

Like any month in the Islamic Calendar there are in this first Islamic month, many anniversaries which are celebrated every where in the world.

Reference http://www.mrc.org.uk/
(Islamic Times, Manchester. Vol:13 - May 1998)

Dua-e-Ashura