Making life changes for the New Islamic Year

The Blessed Day of Ashura - The Day of Victory


The most blessed day in Muharram is the 10th of Muharram which is called the day of Ashura. This is the day Allah gave the believers and followers of Musa (As) victory against evil of Pharoah.

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh) reports that the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura… They said: "It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Hazrat Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his people and drowned Pharoah and his people, and Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it." The Holy Messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) responded: "We have more right, and we have closer connection with Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) than you have"; so Allah’s Messenger (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura) and gave us orders to observe it. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]


Fasting on the day of Ashura (10th of Muharram)



Ibn 'Abbas (RA) said:

"I never saw the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of 'Ashura, and this month, meaning Ramadhan." [Reported by al-Bukhari, 1867]

It is recommended to fast a day before or after Ashura as well so that we do not copy the jews who just fast on the day of Ashura. So we should fast the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram.


Consider the following article which will explain in detail the significance of the blessed day of Ashura:


Ashura: Lessons of Leadership

A day of victory is remembered today. Victory of Truth against Falesehood, of the Weak against the Strong, of those who are with Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) against those who are with Shaytaan.

On this day, the 10th of Muharram, Prophet Musa – Moses – (Peace be upon him) was saved from Pharaoh. This was nothing short of a miracle, to the extent that the people of Musa could hardly believe it until Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) made the body of Pharaoh reach the shores and they confirmed he was dead.

I want to pick one element of this story which I believe is a key lesson for all of us to learn from, and that is the certainty of Musa (Peace be upon him) in the victory of Allah.


Imagine this scenario:Musa and his people (at least 1000 people) with women and children are running away from certain death from the biggest oppressor of their time, and he’s running with them towards the sea. His people are asking him “where are you taking us Musa?! Why aren’t we going north towards Palestine and Syria?” Musa replies, “This is what I’ve been commanded”. They reach the sea and it’s a dead end. They can neither advance nor can they retreat or change direction. To make matters worse, they see the massive army of Pharaoh filling the horizon and ready to charge!

Imagine you’re Musa at that time; thousands of people crying out at your feet “Musa! Musa! Where have you taken us?! They are going to kill us!” Women and children crying, what would you say? How would you respond?… just imagine those moments and put yourself in that situation. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) described this situation in the Quran, He said:

“And when the two hosts saw each other, the companions of Musa (Moses) said: “We are sure to be overtaken.” (Quran, Ash-Shuara, Chapter 26, Verse 61)

But how did Musa respond?

“[Musa (Moses)] said: “Nay, verily with me is my Lord. He will guide me.” (Quran, Ash-Shuara, Chapter 26, Verse 62)

Immediately after this proclamation of certainty, what happens?

“Then We revealed to Musa (Moses) (saying): “Strike the sea with your stick.” And it parted, and each separate part (of that sea water) became like huge mountain.
Then We brought near the others [Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) party] to that place.
and We saved Musa (Moses) and all those with him.
Then We drowned the others.” (Quran, Ash-Shuara Chapter 26, Verses 63-66)

One man’s certainty of His Lord’s victory saved the thousands of doubters who are with him from certain death. There’s an important leadership lesson here from an individual perspective as well as Ummah perspective: From an individual perspective, and if you’re a leader, the lesson above show that if you believe in something, and you’re acting out of true certainty that it’ll help reach you and your organisation to the “promised land” then you should stand firm against the doubts of the doubters and proceed.

Leadership takes courage, and it takes a leap of faith to step into the unknown, but it has to be done otherwise you face the end of your organisation or team. This is not to say that you shouldn’t listen to your team members or that you should cross every dangerous terriorty, but this says that if you’ve done your research, you can see where you’re going, and as a Muslim you’ve prayed istikhara, made dua, and have sincere intentions than have that certainty. There’s nothing like indecision and doubt that kills a leader and kills an organisation.

From an Ummah perspective, the lessons of this day, and perhaps the reason why Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) asked us to fast this day in order to contemplate this lesson is that we should be sure of Allah’s victory for this Ummah, and we should be optimistic against all odds. A ProductiveMuslim never quits and he/she never gives up, he doesn’t listen to the 1000s of media channels that depress you and tell you how weak the Muslim Ummah is but he/she looks for signs of hope and inspiration and firmly believes that “verily with me is my Lord. He will guide me.”

Article taken from: http://www.productivemuslim.com/asho...of-leadership/

The Fast of ‘Ashura (The 10th of Muharram) is on Tuesday (6th Dec)



The blessed day of Ashura (10th of Muharram) will be on Tuesday (6th Dec) in the UK. It is recommended to fast a day before or a day after the day of Ashura as well so that we can be different from the Jews who fast only on the day of Ashura.

So we can fast: Monday the 5th of December (9th of Muharram) & Tuesday 6th of Dec (10th of Muharram) or

Tues 6th of December (10th of Muharram) & Wednesday 7th of December (11th of Muharram).


For the UK the Sehri and Iftar times for the 9th, 10th and 11th of Muharram are:


9th Muharram: Sehri ends: 6:03 am Iftar is: 3:52 pm

10th Muharram: Sehri ends: 6:04 am Iftar is: 3:52 pm

11th Muharram: Sehri ends: 6:05 am Iftar is: 3:52 pm


The Virtues of fasting on the day of Ashura


Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (Ra) relates: I heard the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) say: "It is the day of ‘Ashura. Allah has not made fasting obligatory for you. But I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it (does not have to) observe it."[Sahih Muslim]


A whole year of sins forgiven for fasting on the day of Ashura:

Abu Qatada (Ra) relates that the Prophet (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallim) said:The fast on the 10th of Muharram atones for the sins of the preceding year. [Sahih Muslim]


Fasting the 9th of Muharram as well as the 10th:

Ibn Abbas (Ra) relates that when the Prophet (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallim) said: "If I survive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of Muharram (as well)." [Sahih Muslim]


Note: This indicates that it is preferred to fast the 9th as well as the 10th of Muharram, however one can still fast 10th and 11th or even all 3. The more one fasts in the month of Muharram the more rewards one can gain:

Abu Huraira (Ra) reports that the Prophet (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallim) said: After Ramadan, the fasts of Muharram have the greatest excellence. [Sahih Muslim]


The Historical Significance of ‘Ashura



Ibn Abbas (RA) reports that the Prophet (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallim) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura… They said:"It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his people and drowned Pharoah and his people, and Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it." The Prophet (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) responded:"We have more right, and we have closer connection with Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) than you have"; so Allah’s Messenger (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura) and gave us orders to observe it.[Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]


May Allah enable us to benefit from fasting on these days and make us closer to him throughout the year. Ameen

The Angel of Death may be Assigned to You this year!


It is narrated that ‘Uthmân b. Áffân – Allâh be pleased with him – said in a sermon:

Son of Adam! Know that the angel of death who has been assigned to you has not ceased to pass you and move on to others, ever since you have been in this world. But it is as if he is about to pass someone else and move on to target you, so be careful and prepare for him (by correcting your deeds). And do not forget him, for he does not forget you. And know o son of Adam, if you are heedless about yourself and do not prepare, no one else will prepare for you. You must meet Allah the Mighty and Majestic, so take for yourself and do not leave it to someone else. Peace be on you.Abû Bakr Al-Daynûrî, Al-Mujâlasah wa Jawâhir Al-Ílm 2: 73, 74.


So this year could be our very last so there is NO time to delay but prepare NOW as tomorrow may never come!

Islamic new year a time of contemplation and spiritual renewal



Milestones are markers fundamental to the human psyche. As we near the end of the calendar year, outside of the controversies surrounding the months of Ramadan and Zul Hijah, have we given any thought to the other months of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar? In fact, could we even say that we know the Islamic months and could we recall them in order?

It is especially imperative for Muslims living outside of Muslim majority nations to maintain a connection to Allah through the specific Prophetic acts of worship encouraged during each particular month and to understand the significance of the Islamic months as they relate to the life of a Muslim.

This week marks the end of the Islamic Year 1433 and with it, the opportunity for a new dawn in nearness to our Creator in 1434, Insha Allah. It is an opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed and to ask Allah to forgive our sins and the sins of our brethren. Additionally, it is a time to look forward to new beginnings and to seek greater closeness to Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) by striving to embody our own humanity through consciousness of Allah and service to others.

The first month of the Islamic year is the Month of Allah, commonly called Muharram and it is one of the scared months, whereby the reward for one’s deeds are multiplied, as are the penalties for sins. The month of Muharram contains a special day, the tenth day. It is narrated in Prophetic traditions that the tenth of Muharram was the day Allah decreed for emancipation of Bani Israel (the children of Israel – Prophet Jacob – peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) from the tyranny of the Pharaohs. The Jews were freed from their slave hood and the tyrants were dealt the justice of Divine intervention.

In a time and place where those who submitted to the Divine will of Allah were methodically persecuted because of their beliefs; by being enslaved, having their children systematically killed and their women systematically assaulted, the relevance of the story of Bani Israel in Egypt bares particular significance for those who submit in contemporary times and are subject to current trends of a similar nature. Therefore, the significance of Ashura must be more profound to the believer as we approach the end of 2012.

It has also been mentioned that the tenth of Muharram was the day Allah selected to save the people of Prophet Nuh (Noah- peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) from the floods. The common thread in the stories of the Prophets Nuh and Musa (peace and blessing of Allah be upon them both) are that Allah changed the circumstances of the people once they sincerely repented for their misgivings and they firmly entrenched themselves in the ways of their respective Prophets.

The above scenario is identical for the people of our time; if we yearn to have our grievances alleviated and to establish justice and peace, we must repent to Allah and become righteous. Without this vital step, our condition will not change and our sorrows will deepen. Other practical solutions need to be implemented but without internal change in our perceptions and external change in our actions, Allah’s divine assistance will not grace our lives or the lives of humanity. This realization and application is the fundamental step!

How can one day have so much significance? The Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) is recorded as saying in the fasting of the day of Arafah, I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and in fasting the day of Ashura I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it. Therefore, the All-Mighty Lord of the Mercy and Grace pardons a whole year of minor sins and the abovementioned repentance is required to expiate the major sins. Once people repent the divine assistance of Allah begins to descend.

When the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) migrated to Medina, he witnessed the Jews fasting Ashura and he asked why they fasted this day. He was told it was the day Allah emancipated the Musa and his followers from the Pharaohs, so Prophet Musa used to fast this day in gratitude to Allah. A Prophetic tradition states that the best sawm (fasting) after sawm in the month of Ramadan is during the month of Allah, known as Muharam. In particular the fasting of the tenth day of the Muharram, known as the Day of Ashura. The Prophet recommended fasting on the tenth and also the ninth of Muharram.

What else can one do to ensure the maximum benefit from the month of Muharram and in particular the tenth day? Another Prophetic tradition related that whoever fasts `Ashura it is as if s/he has fasted the entire year and whoever gives charity on this day it is like the charity of an entire year. Giving charity in secret appeases the wrath of Allah and expedites the Divine Mercy of Allah. The Prophetic acts of fasting and giving charity are causes that Allah uses to improve the human condition, both individually and socially.

For those in a dilemma about which days to fast, the scholars have stated that if there is confusion about the beginning of the month, one should fast for three days, to be sure of fasting on the ninth and tenth days. The difference of opinion of the scholars is indeed a mercy for those who believe.

Furthermore, leading up to New Years Eve (1 January), people, generally, begin to think about their life and some even make resolutions about how they will approach the new year and their work, health and relationships. Could I suggest that believers also use the beginning of the Islamic New Year to also make New Year’s resolutions? Instead of resolutions about material progression, the resolutions of a believer would and should be about one’s progression on the path of enlightenment and nearness to the Creator.

My suggestion would be that each person makes specific intentions for the year regarding; the amount of money one donates to charity, the amount of time one spends volunteering, the amount of time one wastes on idle pursuits (such as the internet, chatting, DVD’s and the like), memorizing verses of Quran or Prophetic traditions, making quality time to spend with family, assisting one’s mother and/or father, speaking well with one’s siblings, furthering Islamic knowledge, serving those less fortunate and thanking Allah for the all blessing and bounties for which He has bestowed upon us. In addition, it helps to write down intentions and to regularly review those intentions in order to fulfill those commitments to yourself.

I ask Allah to accept all our deeds for the previous year and to pardon all of our sins, I also ask Allah to make the upcoming year one of great prosperity and advancement for all who proclaim to submit to the Divine will of the Most Merciful Creator of all that is in existence.


Source: http://muslimvillage.com/2012/11/15/...itual-renewal/

A New Beginning from TODAY!

Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

So let us repent from our past sins and have a fresh new beginning today and make a firm conviction to try to fulfill our obligations unto Allah and do everything to please him and refrain from anything that may anger or displease him.

Let us live for the Hereafter which is FOREVER for our life in this temporary world may end at any second.

No time like the present to make changes


There is no time like the present to make changes to our lives lest death takes us and without doubt death is a certainty.

Almighty Allah says, “Everyone shall taste death. And only on the day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the fire and admitted to Paradise he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing).” (Aal-‘Imraan 3: 175)

So let us not be decieved by the deception of this world for we can die at any second and if we have not prepared for the Hereafter then we will enter it empty hand.

So our only one chance is at this present moment. If we waste this very little time that we have in useless pursuits then there is no doubt that we will be in utter regret forever.

Therefore let us heed the words of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) when he said:

"He who loves his worldly life will harm his Hereafter. And he who loves his Hereafter will harm his worldly life. Give preference then, to that which is eternal (The Hereafter) over that which is temporary". (Ahmed)

Congratulations to everyone for having made it past another year and are now at the beginning of a new one. I have a new year resolution to share with all of you. Now I am already 61 years old. So, even if I live to 80 like my father and his father before him did, I do not have that many years of life left. So this year, I am going to get started on a project that I have been thinking about for many years. What I want to do is start a school for Muslim orphans. I want the medium of instruction in this school to be English. I want the children to be taught Science and Mathematics. I want them to learn how to think. I want to train them to become teachers - teachers who can create a fruitful learning environment where the students can make full use of their potential, not teachers who stuff canned information into the students to turn them into mindless robots. Of course, learning the Arabic language and memorizing the Holy Quran will be mandatory in this school. My hope is to be able to bring forth a new generation of Muslims who are strongly rooted in the practice of Islam and are also equipped with the necessary knowledge to succeed in the secular world. Did I mention that I want this school to be fully-computerized and all teaching is done with full multi-media support? Can I do it? Only Allah knows. But I am going to get started. Even if I have to go before this school becomes a reality, I will go knowing that I have done my part. Does anyone here want to join me in this project?

format_quote Originally Posted by fix

Your resolution is really gud...how can we join your project...

Thank you for your interest. I plan to get a website up about this project before the end of this month. At the very least, I will set up a Facebook page about it. If you are interested, you can start by doing solat tahajjud and begging Allah to guide us all in this project. We do this not for ourselves. Whether we succeed or not is entirely up to Allah.

format_quote Originally Posted by Ali Mujahidin

Congratulations to everyone for having made it past another year and are now at the beginning of a new one. I have a new year resolution to share with all of you. Now I am already 61 years old. So, even if I live to 80 like my father and his father before him did, I do not have that many years of life left. So this year, I am going to get started on a project that I have been thinking about for many years. What I want to do is start a school for Muslim orphans. I want the medium of instruction in this school to be English. I want the children to be taught Science and Mathematics. I want them to learn how to think. I want to train them to become teachers - teachers who can create a fruitful learning environment where the students can make full use of their potential, not teachers who stuff canned information into the students to turn them into mindless robots. Of course, learning the Arabic language and memorizing the Holy Quran will be mandatory in this school. My hope is to be able to bring forth a new generation of Muslims who are strongly rooted in the practice of Islam and are also equipped with the necessary knowledge to succeed in the secular world. Did I mention that I want this school to be fully-computerized and all teaching is done with full multi-media support? Can I do it? Only Allah knows. But I am going to get started. Even if I have to go before this school becomes a reality, I will go knowing that I have done my part. Does anyone here want to join me in this project?

I think that's a great idea. Your focus in this school should be teaching reading comprehension and writing as well as critical thinking (along with math). Those subjects should be taught daily. While subjects like science and social studies less frequently, like once a week. Once kids are able to read and write well and express themselves, they can study on their own. Nothing can stop them from learning. Therefore, your school should focus on enabling them to understand what they read and express themselves in their own words instead of memorizing long passages without understanding anything, as is done in many schools.

format_quote Originally Posted by Dreamin

I think that's a great idea. Your focus in this school should be teaching reading comprehension and writing as well as critical thinking (along with math). Those subjects should be taught daily. While subjects like science and social studies less frequently, like once a week. Once kids are able to read and write well and express themselves, they can study on their own. Nothing can stop them from learning. Therefore, your school should focus on enabling them to understand what they read and express themselves in their own words instead of memorizing long passages without understanding anything, as is done in many schools.

Thank you for your good advice. You sound like you are a teacher. Are you?

Does anyone have any experience with crowdfunding? This project of mine (I am calling it JOMBIG ie Just One More Before I Go) needs a lot of money to run so I have been toying with the idea of raising funds via crowdfunding. What do you think?

format_quote Originally Posted by Ali Mujahidin

Thank you for your good advice. You sound like you are a teacher. Are you?

Does anyone have any experience with crowdfunding? This project of mine (I am calling it JOMBIG ie Just One More Before I Go) needs a lot of money to run so I have been toying with the idea of raising funds via crowdfunding. What do you think?

I used to teach, yes. I have no idea what crowdfunding is.

format_quote Originally Posted by Dreamin

I used to teach, yes. I have no idea what crowdfunding is.

Crowdfunding is a way of raising money via the internet. There are many companies providing this service. The first is Kickstarter. There are others like Indiegogo, Gofundme, etc. Many people have successfully raised funds to finance their projects via crowdfunding. I am not sure if it will work for my project.

On Ashura and Muharram:

http://muslimvillage.com/2014/10/27/...a+and+Muharram