Category: Islamic Calendar

The Islamic Calendar (Hijri Calendar) consists of 12 Lunar Months. Find out the  importance of the months and days in the Islamic Calendar.

  • Dhul Hijjah


    Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

    Dhul Hijjah is one of the sacred months of the Islamic calendar. It’s first 10 DAYS are the best 10 days of the whole year. It is also the month in which the Hajj occurs.


    During this sacred time, millions assemble in Makkah to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. Concurrently, Muslims globally participate in specialized acts of worship, concluding with the festival of Eid al-Adha.


    Key Highlights and Significance

    • One of Four Sacred Months: Dhul Hijjah is designated as a month where warfare is prohibited.
    • The Best Ten Days of the Year: Whilst the last 10 nights of Ramadan are the best nights of the whole year, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days of the whole year are superior in reward even to the days of Ramadan.
    • Convergence of the Pillars: It represents the unique time of the year where all five fundamental pillars of Islam can be completed —Shahadah, Salah, Zakat, Sawm (fasting), and Hajj

    Key Dhul Hijjah 2026 Dates to Memorize

    Because the Islamic calendar relies heavily on local moon sightings, marking your Gregorian calendar early ensures you never miss a blessed hour.

    • 1st of Dhul Hijjah (Month Begins): Monday, 18 May 2026
    • 8th of Dhul Hijjah (Hajj Begins): Monday, 25 May 2026
    • 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of ‘Arafah): Tuesday, 26 May 2026
    • 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha): Wednesday, 27 May 2026
    • 11th of Dhul Hijjah ( Tashriq Day 1): Thursday, 28 May 2026
    • 12th of Dhul Hijjah (Tashriq Day 2): Wednesday, 29 May 2026
    • 13th of Dhul Hijjah (Tashriq Day 3): Wednesday, 30 May 2026

    10 Days Better Than Ramadan? Your Ultimate Guide to Dhul Hijjah (Dates, Fasting, & Daily Checklist)

    Most brothers and sisters know that the last 10 nights of Ramadan are the best nights of the whole year and because of this they may mistakenly think that the first 10 days of Ramadan are also the best days of the whole year.

    Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

    “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” (Reported by al-Bukhari, 2/457).

    Therefore All Muslims, whether on Hajj or not on Hajj should strive to do good deeds during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah

    During the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah it is Sunnah to recite the following in the Masjids, homes, streets and every were else accept for those places were it is Islamically forbidden such as bathrooms with toilets etc.. Muslim men should recite loudly and Muslim women should recite quietly).

    Allaahu akbar ( This is know as Takbeer)

    Al-hamdu Lillaah ( This is know as Tahmeed )

    La ilaha ill-Allaah ( This is know as Tahleel )

    Subhaan Allaah ( This is know as Tahleel Tasbeeh )

    This is a nearly forgotten Sunnah. and Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 7/443; this is a hasan hadeeth because of corroborating asaaneed).

    ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (“La ilaaha ill-Allah”), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh).

    Allah says :

    “That they might witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e., reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)…” [al-Hajj 22:28]

    The majority of scholars agree that the “appointed days” are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because of the words of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father): “The ‘appointed days’ are the first ten days (of Dhu’l-Hijjah).”

    The Takbeer may include the words “Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, la ilaaha ill-Allaah; wa Allaahu akbar wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise),” as well as other phrases.


    The 5-Step Checklist for Maximum Reward at Home

    Get the most out of this month even if you are not on Hajj in Makkah. Incorporate these practices into your daily routine:

    1 Fast the First 9 Days (Especially ‘Arafah)

    2 Maximize the Dhikr

    3 pray more optional prays

    4 Give Charity (Sadaqah)

    5 Perfect Your Prophetic Sacrifice (Qurbani / Udhiya)

    6 Enjoin good and forbid evil.

    5 keep away from sin. Know that Allah is always watching you and

    Allah says:

    “So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it,

    And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it.”

    [al-Zalzalah 99:7-8]

    It is Mustahabb to fast the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah for those who are not performing Hajj  but for those performing Hajj  it is mustahab to fast the first 8 days of dhul hijjah but the a person who is on Hajj should not fast on the 9th. Of course these fasts are recommended not compulsory. They are means of getting extra reward.

    The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Hunaydah ibn Khaalid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah, on the day of ‘Aashooraa’, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month.” (Reported by al-Nisaa’i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawud; classified by al-Albaani as saheeh in Saheeh Abi Dawud, 2/462).

     It was narrated from Hunaydah ibn Khaalid from his wife, that one of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the day of ‘Ashoora’, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays. Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawood; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 2/462.

    It is particulary good to fast of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah because it is the day of Arafaah. Fasting on this day is an expiation for two years.

    It was reported from Abu Qutaadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah. He said, “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” Narrated by Muslim.

    This (fasting) is mustahabb for those who are not on Hajj. In the case of the one who is on Hajj, it is not Sunnah for him to fast on the Day of ‘Arafaah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not fast on this day in ‘Arafaah. It was narrated that he forbade fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah in ‘Arafah.

    Special importance of 9th Dhul Hijjah



    The day of Arafaah occurs on the 9th of dhul hijjah. It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah took the covenant from the loins of Adam in Na’maan, i.e., ‘Arafaah. He brought forth from his loins all his offspring and spread them before Him, then He addressed them, and said: ‘Am I not your Lord? They said, ‘Yes, we testify,’ let you should say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘Verily, we have been unaware of this.’ Or lest you should say: ‘It was only our fathers aforetime who took others as partners in worship along with Allaah, and we were (merely their) descendents after them; will You then destroy us because of the deeds of men who practised Al-Baatil (i.e., polytheism and committing crimes and sins, invoking and worshipping others besides Allaah)?’ [ Quran 7:172-173 “].” Narrated by Ahmad and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani.
    here are many other virtues of the Day of Arafaah

    In Al-Saheehayn it was reported from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) that a Jewish man said to him, “O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, there is an aayah in your Book which you recite; if it had come to us Jews, we would have taken that day as an ‘Eid (festival).” ‘Umar said, “Which aayah? “He said: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.””[al-Maa’idah 5:3 ” interpretation of the meaning]. ‘Umar said, “We know on which day and in which place that was revealed to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). It was when he was standing in ‘Arafaah on a Friday. “

    Allah says:

    “By the witnessing day [Friday] and by the witnessed day [the Day of ‘Arafaah].”[al-Burooj 85:3].

    It was reported from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:” The promised day is the Day of Resurrection, the witnessed day is the Day of ‘Arafaah, and the witnessing day is Friday.”Narrated by al-Tirmidhi and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani. 

    And Allah says:

    “And by the even and the odd” [al-Fajr 89:3].

    Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “The even is the Day of al-Adhaa [i.e., 10th Dhoo’l-Hijjah] and the odd is the Day of ‘Arafaah [i.e., 9th Dhoo’l-Hijjah] This is also the view of ‘Ikrimah and al-Dahhaak. 

    The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Yawm ‘Arafaah (the day of ‘Arafaah), Yawm al-Nahr (the Day of Sacrifice) and Ayyaam al-Tashreeq (the 3 days following Yawm al-Nahr) are Eid (festival) for us, the people of Islam. These are days of eating and drinking.” This was narrated by the authors of al-Sunan. It was reported that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab said: “It – i.e., the aayah ‘This day I have perfected…’ was revealed on a Friday, the Day of ‘Arafaah, both of which – praise be to Allaah – are Eids for us.”

    Aishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafaah. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels, saying, ‘What do these people want?” Saheeh Muslim

    It was reported from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah expresses His pride to His angels at the time of ‘Ishaa’ on the Day of ‘Arafah, about the people of ‘Arafah. He says, ‘Look at My slaves who have come unkempt and dusty.’” Narrated by Ahmad and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani.

    It was reported from Abu Qutaadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah. He said, “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.”” Narrated by Muslim. 

    Note: those on Hajj are forbidden to fast on the day of Arafah.

    Detailed article on the day of Arafah

    Special Importance of 10th of Dhul Hijjah

    10th of Dhul Hijjah is Eid Al Adha and it is haram to fast on the day of Eid.

    In a marfoo’ hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him): “He [the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] forbade fasting on the day of (Eid) al-Fitr and the day of al-Nahr (the day of sacrifice, i.e., Eid al-Adha).” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 1992; Muslim, 827. The scholars are unanimously agreed that it is haram to fast on these days.

    Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Zaad al-Ma’aad (1/54): The best of days before Allah is the Day of Sacrifice, which is the greatest day of Hajj as it says in Sunan Abi Dawood (1765), where it is narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The greatest of days before Allah is the Day of Sacrifice.”( Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood)

    So it is encouraged to do as many good deeds as possible during these days. Such as

    Performing Hajj .Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.”,

    Fasting . In a hadith qudsi: “Allah says: the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except for fasting, which is for Me and I am the One Who will reward him for it.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 1805).

    Praying more,

    Enjoining good and forbidding evil and so on.

    We must also sincerely repent for any sins we have committed.

    Allah says : “But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful.” [al-Qasas 28:67]

    We must understand the value of time and the value of worshiping Allah.

    Allah says:

    And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).

    I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures).

    Verily, Allah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong.

    And verily, for those who do wrong, there is a portion of torment like to the evil portion of torment (which came for) their likes (of old), so let them not ask Me to hasten on!

    Then, woe to those who disbelieve (in Allah and His Oneness Islamic Monotheism) from (that) their Day which they have been promised (for their punishment). (Quran 51-56-60)

    Of course worship should not just be done for these 10 days but it should be done every day because

    Allah says:

    And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty.” [al-Hijr 15:99]

    The mufassireen (commentators) said: “‘The certainty’ means death.”

    Worship should also be done as it has been shown to us by Allah and his Messenger ( peace be upon him) and not in a way which we like.

    Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “I have left behind me two things: as long as you cling to them you will never go astray. They are the Book of Allah and my Sunnah (life example).” [al-Haakim] And he also said, “…and you will live to see great differing, so cling to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Khalifas after me, even if it be with your molar teeth…” [Bukhaaree]

    The Messenger of Allah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “I warn you of the newly invented-matters (in the religion), and every newly-invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in Hellfire.” [an-Nisaa’ee]

    The Udhiyah (sacrifice  also known as qurbani in Urdu can be performed on the 10th (after Eid al Adhah prayers, 11th, 12th or 13th of dhul Hijjah.

    Days of Tashriq

    The days of Tashriq are the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah . There are several verses and ahadith which speak of their virtue:

    1 – Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

    “And remember Allah during the appointed Days.” [al-Baqarah 2:203]

    These are the days of Tashriq. This was the view of Ibn ‘Umar and most of the scholars.

    2 – The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said concerning the days of Tashriq: “They are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.”

    The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade fasting on these days : “Do not fast on these days, for they are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” Narrated by Ahmad, 10286; classed as sahih by al-Albani in al-Silsilah al-Sahihah, 3573.

    Dhikr during the days of Tashriq

    Dhikr (remembering Allah) is enjoined during the days of tashriq.

    1. Remembering Him by saying Takbir when stoning the Jamarat on the days of Tashriq. This applies only to the pilgrims on Hajj.
    2. Remembering Allah in general. It is mustahabb to make a lot of dhikr during the days of Tashriq. ‘Umar used to recite Takbir in Mina in his tent, and when the people heard him they recited Takbir too and Mina echoed with the sound of their Takbir. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

    Pilgrims on Hajj should remember Allah by saying Takbir when stoning the Jamarat

    It is mustahabb to make a lot of dhikr during the days of Tashriq. ‘Umar used to recite Takbir in Mina in his tent, and when the people heard him they recited Takbir too and Mina echoed with the sound of their Takbir.

    Allah says

    “So when you have accomplished your Manasik [rituals of Hajj], remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. But of mankind there are some who say: “Our Lord! Give us (Your Bounties) in this world!” and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter.

    And of them there are some who say: “Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!”” [al-Baqarah 2:200-201]

    Many of the salaf regarded it as mustahabb to make a lot of dua during the days of tashriq. 

    The words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), “These are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah” indicate that eating and drinking during the days of Eid are means that help one to remember Allah and obey Him; perfect gratitude for the blessing means using it to help one obey and worship Allah, 

    Ruling on cutting Hair and nails during Dhul Hijjah

    If you wish to offer a sacrifice (Udhiyaah in Arabic and Qurbani in Urdu) then you should not cut your hair, nor your nails nor remove anything from your skin from the beginning of dhul hijjah till after you have offered your udhiyaah.

    Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When you see the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice.” According to another report he said: “He should not remove (literally, touch) anything from his hair or skin.” (reported by Muslim)

    Scholars say if you deliberately cut your hair or nails then you must seek forgiveness but you do not have to offer an expiation and your Udhiyaah will still be valid. Also if you have to remove a broken nail or remove hair from the site of a wound then that is allowed. There is also nothing wrong with washing hair.

    Scholars also say if a person is not planning on udhiyaah but decides to latter on then he/she should also refrain from cutting hair and nails from the moment he/she makes the decision.

    Women who delegate others to make the Udhiyaah on their behalf must also refrain from cutting their hair or nails but the person delegated can cut his hair and nails unless he too is planning on making the Udhiyaah.

    If a person has cut his hair or nails during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah because he was not planning to offer a sacrifice, then he decides later, during the ten days, to offer a sacrifice, then he must refrain from cutting his hair and nails from the moment he makes this decision.

    If a person wants to perform Hajj and also is planning on offering the udhiyaah then he/she should not cut their hair nor their nails before entering Ihraam. But if he performs Tamattu (whereby he performs Umrah, comes out of ihram and then enters a new ihram for hajj) then he should trim his hair at the end of his Umrah because it is part of the ritual.

    What is the History, importance and rulings of Udhiyah

    Admin

  • Islamic Months

    The Islamic Calendar (also known as the Hijri Calendar or the Lunar calendar) is based on 12 Lunar months. Each month starts with the sighting of a New Moon.

    The following are the months of the Islamic Calendar

    1. Muharam
    2. Safar,
    3. Rabi Al-Awwal
    4. Rabi Al-Thani
    5. Jamada Al-Awwal
    6. Jumada Al-Thani
    7. Rajab
    8. Shaban
    9. Ramadan
    10. Shawwal
    11. Dhul-Qadah
    12. Dhul-Hijjah

    Allah says:

    “Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein” [at-Tawbah 9:36]. 

    The four sacred months are Dhu’l-Qa‘dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab . In these Months. In these months fighting is prohibited.

    Allah says : 

    “It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages for it; that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time)”

    [Yoonus 10:5] 

    “They ask you (O Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) about the new moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage”

    [al-Baqarah 2:189]

    Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The Suhuf of Ibraaheem were revealed to him on the first night of Ramadan, and the Tawrat (Torah) was revealed on the sixth of Ramadaan, and the Injeel (Gospel) on the thirteenth of Ramadaan, and the Furqaan (Qur’aan) was revealed on the twenty-fourth of Ramadaan.”

    Narrated by Ahmad (4/107) and by al-Bayhaqi in al-Sunan (9/188). Its isnaad is hasan. It was also mentioned by al-Albaani in al-Saheehah (1575).

    We will be adding more information here soon

  • Muharram

    Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, marking the start of the Islamic New Year and one of the four sacred months where warfare is forbidden, with the 10th of Muharram being the special day because it is the day on which Allah saved Prophet Moosa (Moses) peace be upon him and drowned the people of Pharaoh so Prophet Moosa fasted in gratitude to Allah and this day is called Ashura and the Prophet peace be upon him has told us to fast on the 10th of muharram and also fast a day before to be different from the Jewish people.

    Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussain was also martyred on the 10th of Muharram. The Prophet peace be upon him knew one of his beloved grandsons will be martyred and the other grandson, Hassan, would make peace between the Muslims. However the Prophet peace be upon him did not tell us to morn the death of his grandson. We must take lessons from his martyrdom and his bravery but 10th of muharram is about Allah saving Prophet Musa (Moses) from pharoah and his army.

    Here’s a more detailed explanation and what to do in Muharram:

    Muharram is one of the Sacred Months of Islam

    Allah says:

    “Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein.” [al-Tawbah 9:36]

    Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumaada and Shabaan.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2958).

    Muharram is so called because it is a sacred (Muharram) month and to confirm its sanctity.

    This means do not wrong yourselves in the sacred months because committing sins in these months are worse than committing sins in other months

    Allah says: “so wrong not yourselves therein”


    It was reported that Ibn Abbaas said that this phrase (so wrong not yourselves therein) referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward.

    What should A muslim do during Muharram

     Muslims should exert themselves to do more voluntery fasts in the month of Muharram and exert themselves even more more to stay away fron sin. Muslims should expecially fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram . The 10th being the day of Ashoora.

    Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of fasting after Ramadaan is fasting Allah’s month of Muharram.” (reported by Muslim, 1982).


    The phrase Allah’s month, connecting the name of the month to the name of Allah in a genitive grammatical structure, signifies the importance of the month. Al-Qaari said: The apparent meaning is all of the month of Muharram. But it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) never fasted any whole month apart from Ramadan, so this hadeeth is probably meant to encourage increasing one’s fasting during Muharram, without meaning that one should fast for the entire month.

    It was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast more in Shabaan. It is likely that the virtue of Muharram was not revealed to him until the end of his life, before he was able to fast during this month. (Sharh al-Nawawi ala Saheeh Muslim).

    It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) came to Madinah, he found them fasting on one day,( i.e., ‘Aashoora/Ashura’.) They said: This is a great day; it is the day on which Allah saved Moosa and drowned the people of Pharaoh, so Moosa fasted in gratitude to Allah. He (the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)) said: “I am closer to Moosa than they are.” So he fasted on that day and issued instructions to fast on that day. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3216

     It was what was reported by Ibn Abbaas, who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded us to fast Aashooraa the tenth day of Muharram. (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, who said, a saheeh hasan hadeeth).

    Abd-Allaah ibn Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted on the day of Ashoora and told the people to fast, they said, O Messenger of Allaah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, Next year, if Allaah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had passed away.(Narrated by Muslim, 1916.)

    It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) came to Madinah, he found them fasting on one day,( i.e., ‘Aashoora/Ashura’.) They said: This is a great day; it is the day on which Allah saved Moosa and drowned the people of Pharaoh, so Moosa fasted in gratitude to Allah. He (the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)) said: “I am closer to Moosa than they are.” So he fasted on that day and issued instructions to fast on that day. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3216)


    Ibn Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of Ashoora and this month  meaning Ramadaan. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867)

    The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: For fasting the day of Aashooraa, I hope that Allaah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before. (Reported by Muslim, 1976).

    This showsi t is recomended to fast the 9th (Taasooaa) and 10th (Ashoorah) of Muharram. Muslims should fast the 9th also in order to be different from the Jews if one is not able to fast the 9th he/she fast the 10th and 11th.

    How to fast


    Ashura in History

    It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: Quraysh used to fast on ‘Ashoora’ during the Jaahiliyyah, and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to fast on (that day) too. When he migrated to Madinah, he fasted this day and ordered that this fast be observed. When the month of Ramadaan was enjoined, he said: “Whoever wishes may fast on (this day) and whoever wishes may forsake it.”

    Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1794); Muslim (1125).

    Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the people of the Jaahiliyyah used to fast on the day of Ashoora, and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and the Muslims fasted it before Ramadaan was made obligatory. When the month of Ramadaan was made obligatory, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “ ‘Ashoora’ is one of the days of Allah, so whoever wishes may fast it and whoever wishes may omit it.”

    Narrated by Muslim (1126).

    Therefore Initially Fasting on Ashura was compulsary but when Allah order Muslim to fast the Month of Ramadan the fast of Ashoora became non obligatory so whoever wished to fast could fast and who ever did not wish to fast did not have to fast.

     Women who are menstruating or bleeding following childbirth, or those who are sick or are travelling

    Obviously some people want to fast on  Ashura but can not fast due to menstruction, post partum bleeding, sickness or because they are traveling. Some scholars say that since Aashoora occurs on a specific day it cannot be made up. So people who would have fasted had they not been sick, menstrauting, suffering from post partum bleeding or had not been on a traveling on a journey, they will be rewarded the same as the people fasting due to their intention of fasting

    Abu Moosa (may Allah be pleased with him)  said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “If a person falls sick or travels, he will have a reward recorded for him like that of what he used to do when he was at home and was healthy.” al-Bukhaari (2996)

    Some misconceptions and baseless traditions

    Some people regard mahrem to be an evil or unlucky month because of the marterdom of the Prophets grandson Hussain and atribute the sanctity of Ashura to him being killed on that day. However this is baseless because the sanctity of Ashura was established during the Prophet peace be upon hims lifetime, These people also morn and lament and hold special cermonies for this were they hit and wip themselves.This is against Islam

    Marterdom has agreat reward in Islam and this is what Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) obtained.

    The Prophet (peace be upon him) has forbidden us from holding mourning ceremonies on the death of any person, which was the practice of the people of jahiliyyah (ignorance).

    Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “He is not one of us who strikes his cheeks, rends his garment, or cries with the cry of the Jaahiliyyah.” Al-Bukhaari (1294) and Muslim (103)

    he Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not do them, nor did any of his companions. None of his companions did them when he or anyone else died, although the loss of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was greater than the death of al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him). 

    Al-Haafiz Ibn Katheer (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Every Muslim should mourn the killing of al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him), for he is one of the leaders of the Muslims, one of the scholars of the Sahaabah, and the son of the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who was the best of his daughters. He was a devoted worshipper, and a courageous and generous man. But there is nothing good in what the Shi’ah do of expressing distress and grief, most of which may be done in order to show off. His father was better than him and he was killed, but they do not take his death as an anniversary as they do with the death of al-Husayn. His father was killed on a Friday as he was leaving the mosque after Fajr prayer, on the seventeenth of Ramadaan in 40 AH. ‘Uthmaan was better than ‘Ali according to Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah, and he was killed when he was besieged in his house during the days of al-Tashreeq in Dhu’l-Hijjah of 36 AH, with his throat cut from one jugular vein to the other, but the people did not take his death as an anniversary. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab was better than ‘Ali and ‘Uthmaan, and he was killed as he was standing in the mihraab, praying Fajr and reciting Qur’aan, but the people did not take his death as an anniversary. Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq was better than him but the people did not take his death as an anniversary. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is the leader of the sons of Adam in this world and the Hereafter, and Allah took him to Him as the Prophets died before him, but no one took the dates of their deaths as anniversaries on which they do what these ignorant Raafidis do on the day that al-Husayn was killed. … The best that can be said when remembering these and similar calamities is that which ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from his grandfather the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who said: “There is no Muslim who is afflicted by a calamity and when he remembers it, even if it was in the dim and distant past, he says Inna Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon (verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return), but Allah will give him a reward like that of the day when it befell him.”

    Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Ibn Majaah, end quote from al-Bidaayah wa’l-Nihaayah (8/221). 

  • Fasting six days of Shawwal

    What is Shawwal

    Shawwal is the 10th month of the Islamic callendar. it’s first day begins with Eid al Fitr. Another importance of the month of Shawwal is fasting six days in shawwal. These Six fasts of shawwal are recommended but not obligatory. They are thus s Sunnah Mustahabbah, not wajib. When a person fasts the whole of Ramadan and then fasts the six days of shawwal the reward will be as if he or she fasted for a lifetime. Another benefit of fasting the naawafil fasts is that they may help compensate for any shortcomings in our fasts.

    Prophet peace be upon him said” Whoever fasts Ramadaan and follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawood, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah).

    Its is however not allowed to fast on the first day of shawaal as the first day of shawwal is the day of Eid al fitr and it is prohibited to fast on the day of Eid.

    Key dates in Shawwal

    1st of shawwal is Eid al-Fitr

    Virtues and Importance of fasting the six days in shawwal.

    The Month of Shawwal starts when the month of Ramadan finishes. It is recommended to fast Six days in Shawwal but not obligatory.  Abu Ayyoob (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

    “Whoever fasts Ramadaan and follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawood, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah).

    The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) explained this when he said:

    “Whoever fasts for six days after (Eid) al-Fitr has completed the year: (whoever does a good deed (hasanah) will have ten hasanah like it).”

    According to another report:

    “Allah has made for each hasanah ten like it, so a month is like fasting ten months, and fasting six days completes the year.” (al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah. See also Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 1/421).

    It was also narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah with the wording:

    “Fasting for the month of Ramadan brings the reward of ten like it, and fasting for six days brings the reward of two months, and that is the fasting of the whole year.”

    How to fast the six days of Shawwal and Which days can we fast in Shawwal?

    1 Firstly You cannot fast on the 1st of shawwal as the 1st of shawwal is the day of s Eid al-Fitr.

    2 You do not have to fast all Six fasts consecutively. What is needed is that the total number of fast you make in shawwal should add up to 6.

    3 Whilst fasting in shawal (or other months ) you should not single out Friday  for performing a naafil (voluntary) fast

    Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “No one of you should fast on Friday, unless he fasts (a day) before it or after it.” (Al-Bukhaari (1985) and Muslim (1144) )

    Narrated from Juwayriyah bint al-Haarith (may Allaah be pleased with her), that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) entered upon her on a Friday and she was fasting. He said; “Did you fast yesterday?” She said, “No.” He said: “Do you intend to fast tomorrow?” She said: “No.” He said: “Then break your fast.” (al-Bukhaari (1986) )

    Also Allah says: “Then when the (Jumu‘ah) Salaah (prayer) is ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah (by working), and remember Allah much” [al-Jumu’ah 62:10].

    4 Scholars also said it is disliked (makrooh) to single out fasting on Saturday for fasting

    Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (744), Abu Dawood (2421) and Ibn Maajah (1726) from ‘Abd-Allah ibn Busr, from his sister, that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Do not fast on Saturdays apart from days when you are obliged to fast. If any one of you cannot find anything other than grape stalks or the twigs of a tree, let him chew it (to make sure that he is not fasting).” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Irwa’ (960). Abu ‘Eesa al-Tirmidhi said: This is a hasan hadeeth

    Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said:  

    It should be noted that different scenarios may apply with regard to fasting on a Saturday. 

    1 – It may be obligatory, such as observing a Ramadan fast during Ramadan or making it up later on, or observing a fast as expiation (kafaarah), or instead of offering a sacrifice when performing Hajj tamattu’, and so on. There is nothing wrong with that so long as he does not single it out deliberately thinking that there is some virtue in that. 

    2 – If he fasts on the Friday before, there is nothing wrong with it, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to one of the Mothers of the Believers who was fasting on a Friday: “Did you fast yesterday?” She said: “No.” He said: “Are you going to fast tomorrow?” She said, “No.” He said: “Then break your fast.” The words, “Are you going to fast tomorrow?” indicate that it is permissible to fast Saturday along with Friday. 

    3 – If it happens to be one of the days when it is prescribed to fast, such as Ayyaam al-Beed (the 13th, 14th and 15th of each hijri month), ‘Arafah, ‘Ashoora’, six days of Shawwaal for one who has fasted Ramadan, and the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah. There is nothing wrong with that, because he is not fasting because it is Saturday, rather it is because it is one of the days when it is prescribed to fast. 

    4 – When it happens to be a day when he habitually fasts, such as a person whose habit is to fast alternate days, and the day that he fasts happens to be a Saturday, then there is nothing wrong with it, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said when he forbade fasting one or two days before Ramadan begins: “except a man who (habitually) observes a fast, in which case let him fast.” This is similar. 

    5 – If he singles it out to observe a voluntary fast for one day only. This is what is forbidden, if the hadeeth forbidding it is proven to be saheeh. 

    End quote from Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Rasaa’il al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (20/57) 

    The Prophet Dawood used to fast for a whole year.  What he would do was that he would fast one day and not fast the next day he would repeat this cycle for the whole year.

    It is reported in  al-Saheehayn from ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The best fasting is the fast of Dawood: he used to fast one day and not the next.”

    Naturally  if a Muslim performs the fast of Dawood he would be fasting some days on a Saturday and some day on a Friday and in this case it would be permissible. (note if a Muslim wanted to fast the fast of Dawood he/she can do so but they must fast the whole of Ramadan and in the months other than Ramadan they would be fasting one day on and one day of.

    What about sisters who have to make up fasts they missed in Ramadan due to menses?

    Sisters in particular should note that scholars have said that fasting six days of Shawwaal is dependent upon having completed the Ramadan fast, which is indicated by the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted a lifetime.” Narrated by Muslim, 1164. 

    The conjunction thumma (then) indicates that this must be done in this order. This indicates that the fast of Ramadan must be completed first (by observing the Ramadan fast and making up any missed fasts), then after that one may fast the six days of Shawwaal, so as to attain the reward mentioned in the hadeeth. 

    Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen was asked: What if a woman owes days from Ramadan – is it permissible for her to give precedence to fasting the six days of Shawwaal over making up the days she owes, or should she give priority to the days she owes over fasting the six days of Shawwaal? 


    He replied: If a woman still owes days from Ramadan, then she should not fast the six days of Shawwaal until after she has made up what she owes, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal…” Whoever still has days to make up from Ramadan has not fasted Ramadan, so she will not attain the reward of fasting the six days of Shawwaal until after she has finished making up the days she owes. If we assume that this making up missed fasts lasts throughout Shawwaal, such as if a woman was bleeding following childbirth and did not fast at all in Ramadan, then she started to make up her missed fasts in Shawaal and did not finish that until Dhu’l-Qa’dah began, then she may fast the six days, and she will have the reward of one who fasted them in Shawwaal, because she delayed it for a necessary reason, so she will have the reward. 
    Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 20/19

    Another benefit of fasting the naawafil fasts is that they may help compensate for any shortcomings in our fasts. The Prophet peace be upon him said.

    “The first thing for which people will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be their salaah (prayer). Our Lord, may He be glorified and exalted, will say to His angels – although He knows best – ‘Look at the salaah of My slave, whether it is complete or incomplete.’ If it is perfect, it will be recorded as perfect, and if something is lacking, He will say, ‘Look and see whether My slave did any voluntary (naafil) prayers.’ If he did some voluntary prayers, [Allah] will say, Complete the obligatory actions of My slave from his voluntary actions.’ Then all his actions will be dealt with in a similar manner.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood)

  • Ashura

    Importance of Ashura (ashoora), Its history and fasting on the day of Ashurah

    Ashura is a day of commemoration in Islam. It occurs annually on the tenth of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. For Muslims, Ashura marks the day when Allah saved Prophet Moses peace be upon him and his people from pharoah by parting of the Sea by Allah. Prophet Moses (Prophet Musa or Moosa) In Arabic is one of the Prophets of Islam and mentioned many times in the Quran. As he is a Prophet of Allah we have a more right to him thean the Jews. We are told to fast on the day of Ashura and the day before.

    It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) came to Madinah, he found them fasting on one day, i.e., ‘Ashura’. They said: This is a great day; it is the day on which Allah saved Moosa and drowned the people of Pharaoh, so Moosa fasted in gratitude to Allah. He (the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)) said: “I am closer to Moosa than they are.” So he fasted on that day and issued instructions to fast on that day.

    Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3216

    It was what was reported by Ibn Abbaas, who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded us to fast Ashura the tenth day of Muharram. (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, who said, a saheeh hasan hadeeth).

    Abd-Allaah ibn Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted on the day of Ashura and told the people to fast, they said, O Messenger of Allaah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, Next year, if Allaah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had passed away.

    (Narrated by Muslim, 1916.)

    Ibn Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of Ashura and this month meaning Ramadaan. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867)

    The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: For fasting the day of Ashura, I hope that Allaah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before. (Reported by Muslim, 1976).

    This shows it is recomended to fast the 9th (Taasooaa) and 10th (Ashura) of Muharram. Muslims should fast the 9th also in order to be different from the Jews if one is not able to fast the 9th he/she fast the 10th and 11th.

    Ashura in History

    It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: Quraysh used to fast on ‘Ashura’ during the Jaahiliyyah, and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to fast on (that day) too. When he migrated to Madinah, he fasted this day and ordered that this fast be observed. When the month of Ramadaan was enjoined, he said: “Whoever wishes may fast on (this day) and whoever wishes may forsake it.”

    Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1794); Muslim (1125).

    Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the people of the Jaahiliyyah used to fast on the day of Ashoora, and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and the Muslims fasted it before Ramadaan was made obligatory. When the month of Ramadaan was made obligatory, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “ ‘Ashoora’ is one of the days of Allah, so whoever wishes may fast it and whoever wishes may omit it.”

    Narrated by Muslim (1126).

    Therefore Initially Fasting on Ashoorah was compulsary but when Allah order Muslim to fast the Month of Ramadan the fast of Ashoora became non obligatory so whoever wished to fast could fast and who ever did not wish to fast did not have to fast.

    Women who are menstruating or bleeding following childbirth, or those who are sick or are travelling

    Obviously some people want to fast on Aashooraa but can not fast due to menstruction, post partum bleeding, sickness or because they are traveling. Some scholars say that since Aashoora occurs on a specific day it cannot be made up. So people who would have fasted had they not been sick, menstrauting, suffering from post partum bleeding or had not been on a traveling on a journey, they will be rewarded the same as the people fasting due to their intention of fasting

    Abu Moosa (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “If a person falls sick or travels, he will have a reward recorded for him like that of what he used to do when he was at home and was healthy.” al-Bukhaari (2996)

    The order to fast of the day of Ashura came during the life of the Prophet peace be upon him and thus Ashura has nothing to do we any events that may have accured after His life. So Ashura must be celebrated in the way our Prophet peace be upon him has told us to celebrate it.

    Expiated Sins by fasting Ashura

    Fasting on day of Ashura for the past year, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashura I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162. This is by the bounty that Allah bestows upon us, whereby fasting one day expiates for the sins of a whole year. And Allah is the Owner of great bounty. 

    The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to be very keen to make sure he fasted on the day of ‘Ashura because of its great status. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of ‘Ashura, and this month – meaning Ramadaan. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867. 

    The expiation of sins that is achieved by fasting ‘Ashura refers to minor sins; with regard to major sins, they need separate repentance.

    Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

    Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah expiates for all minor sins, in othr words this brings forgiveness for all sins except for major sins.

    Then he said:

    Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah is an expiation for two years, and the day of Ashura is an expiation for one year, and if a person’s Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven… Each of the things mentioned may bring expiation. If he does something that expiates for minor sins he will be expiated, and if there are no minor or major sins, it will be recorded for him as good deeds and he will rise in status thereby… If there is one or more major sins and no minor sins, we hope that it will reduce his major sins. Al-Majmoo’ Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, part 6.

    Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: The expiation of purification, prayer, and fasting Ramadaan, ‘Arafah and ‘Ashura applies to minor sins only. Al-Fataawa al-Kubra, part 5.

  • Islamic New Year

    The first month of the Islamic New Year is called Muharram.

    Muslims do not celebrate nor congratulate each other on the start of the Islamic New year.

    However the first month of the Islamic Calender called Muharram is one of the 4 sacred months of the Year in Islam.

    So What Should Muslims Do on the First Month of The Islamic Year called Muharram?

    It is encouraged for Muslims to offer voluntery fasts in this month as the best fasting after Ramadan is the fasting in Muharram.

    We should try to fast in particular the day of Ashoorah which occurs on the 10th of Muharram and the day before it i.e the 9th of Muharram.

    The Importance of Ashoora and Why Should Muslims Fast on the day of Ashoora

    Allah says :

    “Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein.” [al-Tawbah 9:36]

    Al-Bukhari (3167) and Muslim (1679) narrated from Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The division of time has turned to its original form which was current the day Allah created the heavens and earth. The year consists of twelve months of which four are sacred: three consecutive months, Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and al-Muharram, and Rajab of Mudar which comes between Jumada and Sha’ban.”

    Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The best fasting after Ramadan is the month of Allah al-Muharram, and the best prayer after the obligatory prayer is prayer at night.” (Muslim, 1163)

    Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of fasting after Ramadaan is fasting Allah’s month of Muharram.” (reported by Muslim, 1982).

    The phrase Allaah’s month, connecting the name of the month to the name of Allaah in a genitive grammatical structure, signifies the importance of the month. Al-Qaari said: The apparent meaning is all of the month of Muharram. But it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) never fasted any whole month apart from Ramadan, so this hadeeth is probably meant to encourage increasing one’s fasting during Muharram, without meaning that one should fast for the entire month.

    It was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast more in Shabaan. It is likely that the virtue of Muharram was not revealed to him until the end of his life, before he was able to fast during this month. (Sharh al-Nawawi ala Saheeh Muslim).

    It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of Ashura (Ashoora), and this month – meaning Ramadaan. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867.

    madina arabia

    So When is the Islamic Year New Year?

    The Islamic calendar has 12 month and is based on a lunar calendar rather than a solar calendar. Which means that each month can be either 29 days long or 30 days long, depending on the sighting of the moon. Therefore it is about 8 to 10 days shorter than the Solar calendar

    In 2024 the Islamic New year is on the Sunday 7th of July 2024 and in 2025 it will be 8-10 days earlier and in 2026 it 8 to 10 earlier than 2025 and so on.

    What is the Islamic calendar called?

    In order to document events in Islamic history. The companions of the Prophet peace be upon him decided choose the first year for the Islamic Calendar during the time of Umar’s khaliphate.

    They chose the first year of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar to be the year in which our beloved Prophet peace be upon him Migrated to the city of Madinah in Present day Saudi Arabia.

    The year was a turning point for the Muslims who had suffered persecution for 13 years at the hands of the Non Muslims of Makkah.

    They Migrated to Madinah were they were welcomed by the Ansar. The Prophet peace be upon him on his arrival established a Masjid (Mosque) and later the Islamic State was established in Madinah.


    From there the Muslims were able to defend themselves from evil people who wanted to persecute them and kill them simply because they said that “none has the right to be worshiped accept Allah” They were able to protect themselves from an impending genocide and many genocides that for to follow.

    It was a one united state built by Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, the best human to live on the face of the earth. It’s laws and goverance was according to Islam.

    Allah says of the Sahabah:
    You are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma’rûf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islaam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allâh……. (Quran 3: 110).

    Thus Islam Produces the most civilized society when that society accepts Islam and lives by the Shariah.

    Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allâh, and in His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him)] including all obligations ordered by Islâm] and do righteous good deeds, they are the best of creatures. (Quran 98:7 )

    The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the model of Human perfection. He was the ultimate leader, ultimate commander, ideal husband. best father, best friend. He was the walking Quran. And those who followed him are honored in this world and the next. AbuBakr, Umar. Uthman, Ali, Khadija, Aisha, Fatima, Khalid bin Walid and the list goes on. More than 1400 years have past and still billions of Muslims love and admire both the Prophet (peace be upon him) and His Companions (male and female, young and old) and will do till the end of this world. Islam raised their status so high because they took the Quran as their constitution and The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as their teacher and leader. Allah praised them and gave them victory after victory against their enemies.

    Allah says about Sahabah:

    “And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajiroon (the Emigrants from Makkah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madeenah who helped the Muhajiroon) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.” [9:100]

    After the Prophet peace be upon him passed away these Sahabah companions of the Prophet peace be upon him lead the state and defending it and its Islamic values from enemies both foreign and domestic.

    Abu Bakr became its first leader (khalif). He was a fairly wealthy man, due to his piety and wanting to defend Islam he gave up most of his wealth for various Islamic needs of the state during the Prophet peace be upon him’s time. Many other pious people tried to compete with him in this pious act such as Umar who one day when the state was in need of money thought this time he would beat AbuUbakr by giving half of all his welfare. However, AbuUbakr came and gave all of his wealth. He said he had left behind Allah and His Prophet for his family.

    When he became khalif he wanted to have another job to feed himself and his family but he was persuaded to not take a a secound job but rather assign himself a salary. He assigned himself a salary such that his wife saved up money for a whole month to be able afford to make him a meat dish. When she had told him what she had done he said it seemed his salary was too high that his wife could save enough money from it to be able to buy meat so he reduced it. Such was his concern to use whatever wealth the state had for defending it and Islam and feeding the poor. All of the rightly guided khalifs were similar. They were not busy building mansions of places. Their Muslim citizens were similar. Those who were very good buissiness men they gave voluntarily much of their earnings to they state to be used for its defence, for the poor and other Islamic purposes. Genocides are not stopped merrily by holding protest