When is Muharram

“The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: Three are in succession Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab.” (Sahih Bukhari: 3197) When is Muharram 2020 Its importance?

Muharram 2020 will mark the start of New that have managed to find their way into Islamic Year 1442 the minds of some Hijri. The expected Muslims. Some very Gregorian Date common misconof 1st Muharram ceptions and super2020 is Thursday, stitions are: August 20, 2020 or About the Friday August 21, 2020 depending on your location and sighting of Moon of Muharram 1442. Significance of Muharram Muharram is not only the 1st month of Islamic Calendar which marks the New Islamic Year but also one of the four sanctified months of the year. As Allah Says in Quran: “Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.”(Surah At-Taubah 9:36) The four months mentioned in the Ayah are Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram Muslims used ‘Am Al-Fil’ (the year in which the Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) was born), to demarcate date and time. But second Caliph Umar ibn Khattab (R.A.) established new calendar and, after many suggestions from Companions (R.A.), he announced that the year in which the Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) migrated would mark the beginning of the Hijri calendar. The calendar would begin with the month of Muharram and end with the month of Dhul Hijjah. Consequently, 622 AD [the year of the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) migration] became the first year in the Hijri Calendar. Muharram’s fasts can be achieved only by fasting the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has its own merits. Therefore, one should avail this opportunity and fast as much as one can during this blessed month. 10 Muharram (Ashura) Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram and is the most sacred day among all its days. When the Prophet (S.A.W.) came to Madinah, he fasted on the day of Ashura and directed the Muslims to keep fast on this day. But when the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory, the fasting on this day was made optional. However, according month of Muharram 1- Unfortunately, many Muslims still believe Muharram is an evil or unlucky month due to the incident of Karbala. We know that it was an unfortunate event but remember one thing that according to Sahih Muslim: 1163 (a) and Tirmidhi: 438, this is Allah’s month. How Allah’s own month can be evil and unlucky for His servants. On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Husain (R.A.) that his martyrdom took place on the day of Ahsura. 2- Similarly, due to the same fact, many Muslims don’t get married (Nikkah) during this month which is, again, totally wrong and Rajab. This is evident from the words Fasting during Muharram to many authentic Hadiths, fasting on the and misguiding. of Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) on the occasion of his last Hajj Sermon: The specific mention of these four months does not mean that other Islamic months have no sanctity; in fact, each Islamic month has its own sacredness and we all know that Ramadan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But Allah Almighty has chosen a particular time for His special blessings and these four months are among those particular time in which a Muslim can get maximum of Allah’s blessings. The word ‘Muharram’ in its literal sense means forbidden. Similar to the other sacred months, waging war or indulging in any kind of violence during this month is forbidden. (Ref: Surah At-Taubah 9:5) History of Hijri Calendar Before the Hijri calendar came into use, Muharram holds great significance long before the Prophet Mohammad’s (S.A.W.) time. Earlier on, it was obligatory to fast on the 10th of Muharram. However later, fasting was made obligatory in Ramadan only and fasting on 10th Muharram was made optional. As narrated by Ayesha (R.A.) that Prophet (S.A.W.) said: “Whoever wishes to fast (on the day of ‘Ashura’) may do so; and whoever wishes to leave it can do so.”(Sahih Bukhari: 1592) But remember one thing that fasts during the month of Muharram are the most rewardable ones among the optional (Nafil) fasts in the light of following Hadith: ‘The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said: “The best fasting after the month of Ramadan is the month of Allah, Al-Muharram.”’ (An-Nasai: 1613) The hadith does not mean that the award of day of Ashura is a confirmed Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). The Companions (R.A.) observed that Jews also consider 10th Muharram as special day and they keep fast on this day. So Prophet (S.A.W.) announced that from next year, they will fast on the 9th of Muharram as well so as to distinguish themselves from the Jews. Unfortunately, Prophet (S.A.W.) did not live to see the next year. Therefore, Muslims consider the 9th and 10th of Muharram as significant days in the Islamic calendar and observe fast on these days. [Sahih Muslim: 1134 (a)] Superstition & Misconceptions about Muharram Although many Muslims are aware about the innovations in Islam, there are some superstitions and misconceptions about the month of Muharram and the day of Ashura Conclusion Muharram is an important and holy month for every Muslim and with all of its complexity, it will always be a month of deep reflection for Muslims across the world. Similar to the regular New Year, one should make resolutions at the start of the Islamic New Year to improve oneself as a better Muslim. You can set small goals for yourself to become a better person and moreover a better Muslim. These goals can be both spiritual and social. You can strengthen your relationship with Allah through regular Dhikr and Duas and helping others fellow Muslims. And Allah rewards every good deed. May Allah shower His blessings on all Muslims Ummah throughout the year and also Allah help us in strengthening our Imaan. AMEEN Source:www.islamicfinder.org

Tales Of The Sahaba – Hazrat Usman Ghani

Abu Bakr(RA) who then took the opportunity and began preaching to him the message of Islam. He said that if he Prayer Schedule in Greater Vancouver wanted, he could meet with Aug 14-28, 2020 - Zul Hijjah 24-Muharum 8, 1442 H the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Without any hesitation, Hazrat Usman accepted Islam Isl. Dt. Day Date Fajar Sunr Zawal Dhuhr Asar Dhur Asar Shafi / Hanfi Maghrib Isha and performed Bai‘at at the 24 Fri hand of the Holy Prophetsa. He thus became one of the earliest followers to accept 25 26 Sat Sun By: Hafsa Adil Chughtai May 21, 2020 Islam. 27 Mon Hazrat Usman bin Affan (RA) was born seven years after the Holy Prophet(PBUH) and belonged to one of the wealthiest tribes Service to Islam Hazrat Usman committed his entire life in the service of Islam. Though his family was 28 29 Tue Wed of Mecca. in command of the Quraish, he accepted 30 Thus Hazrat Usman was among the few people who learnt to read and write at a young age. Even before he accepted Islam he was Islam as he knew it to be right. His service to Islam is remembered even today all throughout history. 1* 2 Fri Sat known for his truthfulness and integrity. He is critically important in Islamic history because his death marked the beginning of open religious and political conflicts within When the Muslims migrated to Medina, the first difficulty they faced was the scarcity of water. There was only one well in Medina which 3 4 5 Sun Mon Tue the Islamic community Acceptance of Islam Hazrat Usman (RA) was around 34 years of age when he had first heard of Islam. belonged to a Jew who would sell the water to the poor inhabitants of Medina at a high price. Hazrat Usman (RA) decided to purchase the well and open it for the people of 6 7 8 Wed Thus Fri He related this to his good friend Hazrat To be Continued at page 7 For such Prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times: Quran ,n 4:103 Source: BCMA

6Zul Hijja 24,1441H August 14, 2020 N ati o na l & I nt Radical or moderate? Trump’s struggle to Lebanon judiciary can handle define Democrat VP pick Kamala Harris Beirut explosion probe: Minister safety & are thrilled that I ended the long running program where low income housing would invade their neighbourhood. Biden would reinstall it, in a bigger form, with Corey Booker in charge!” he tweeted Wednesday, incorrectly spelling the name of the Democratic senator and former mayor of Newark, New Jersey, who is also Black. Like Biden, Harris has staked out relatively moderate stances over the course of her career on issues such as health care and law enforcement. That’s complicating the Beirut, Lebanon - Lebanon’s caretaker Justives of the victims. An overzealous prosecutor trying to hide Trump campaign’s crude efforts to depict tice Minister Marie-Claude Najem says “We’re not in a position today that allows her crime-fighting past — who is also weak the Democratic ticket as out of step with the there is ample reason to distrust Lebanon’s us to give a chance to the judiciary,” Lynn on crime. The most radical pick for vicecountry. judiciary, but last week’s Beirut explosion is Maalouf, Amnesty International’s Middle president ever — but too moderate to enerWith Trump lagging in the polls less than a “chance” for this vital institution to earn East director of research, told Al Jazeera. gize progressive Democrats. 90 days before the election, his team faces public trust by holding those responsible ac“When you look at the judiciary’s track rePresident Donald Trump’s campaign is a pivotal choice. Do they attempt to fire up countable. cord in the past with regards to justice in struggling to define California Sen. Kamala their own base and scare off moderates by Many have cast doubt on the ability of the general and all the grave violations the LebHarris, the newly announced running mate painting Biden and Harris as radical socialcountry’s weak judicial authorities to carry anese people have endured, there’s just no for Democratic rival Joe Biden. ists? Or do they aim to depress enthusiasm out a full and transparent investigation into trust with something of this magnitude.” And without a clear message, Trump has among the Democratic base by arguing the devastating explosion that killed more Najem countered: “My starting point is alreverted to his usual playbook, resorting Biden and Harris are opportunistic and inthan 170 people and wounded some 6,000 ways the Lebanese judiciary because I don’t to sexist and racist attacks. He has repeatsufficiently liberal? Biden and Harris can’t others. Dozens are still missing. want to create a system where every time edly called Harris “nasty” and has leaned be both. But that hasn’t stopped Trump and “Much of the criticism is warranted due to there is an important issue I go to the interinto appeals that appear stuck in a fictionalhis allies from trying to make the incongruthe slow pace of work and some politicisanational. We can use international experts ized version of the 1950s. “The `suburban ous portrayals stick. ............. more tion, but this case is a chance for the Lebabut my role is to try to improve the judiciary housewife’ will be voting for me. They want Source: globalnews.ca/news nese judiciary to prove they can do their jobs here.” Police body-camera footage shows struggle and win back the confidence of the people,” Najem told Al Jazeera. Investigation ‘already internationalised’ Najem said the investigation had already before George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis Public pressure and the international coverage of the explosion would also likely push brought in international experts, notably French police officers and forensic specialMinneapolis police body-camera videos of matters in the right direction, she said. ists, to investigate the site of the explosion. George Floyd‘s fatal arrest showed him beg“It’s going to be hard for them to do things The involvement of the French public prosging for an officer to remove a knee from his like they were done in the past.” The 2,750 ecution was due to the existence of French neck in the moments before his death. tonnes of highly explosive ammonium nicasualties, she said, giving the investigation A Minnesota judge on Friday ordered the trate that blew up on August 4 were kept at an international angle. French Ambassador public release of the footage nearly three Beirut’s port for nearly seven years with the Bruno Foucher, in a tweet, went as far as months after Floyd‘s death, which sparked eventual knowledge of many top political calling the French involvement “a guarannationwide protests against police violence and security officials - yet nothing was done tee of impartiality in the investigations and and racism. Floyd was Black and the officer Lane pulled Floyd from the car and Floyd to prevent such a disaster from happening. of speed”. Investigations initially proceeded charged with murder is white. and passenger Shawanda Hill told police he Those who have called for an internationunder the military court, and 19 people were The videos, roughly an hour in length, came was previously shot in a similar situation. al investigation include French President arrested including the current and former from the body cameras of former officers Hill told them he has “a thing going on” Emmanuel Macron and prominent rights customs chiefs and the head of the Beirut Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, who about the police. Floyd begged the officers groups, as well as many survivors and relaport authority. Source: aljazeera.com/news were the first to respond to a store where Floyd was accused of passing a fake $20 bill. not to put him in a police car, saying he was claustrophobic and has coronavirus before Joe Biden, Kamala Harris assail Trump The footage began at 8:09 p.m. on May 25 as Lane and Kueng approached Floyd‘s vehicle and quickly escalated after Lane drew his gun. Lane, Kueng and a third officer have been charged with aiding and abetting murder. Derek Chauvin, a fourth officer who knelt on Floyd‘s neck, has been charged with murder. Without explaining the reason for the stop, they push him into the back seat. Floyd then got out, at which point the officers put him face down on the ground and Chauvin put his knee on Floyd‘s neck for around 9-1/2 minutes. Around 16 minutes into the footage, Floyd uttered his final words: “Man, I can’t breathe.” Source: aljazeera.com/news in first campaign event Democratic tandem delivers one-two punch on the performance President Trump amid pandemic and economic downturn. United States Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his recently chosen vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris appeared together in their first in-person

EU to discuss sanctions against campaign event on Wednesday, delivering a one-two punch on the character and perfor

Belarus after disputed election mance of President Donald Trump. Biden, a 77-year-old white man, embraced EU foreign ministers the significance of naming the first Black to discuss targeted woman to a major party’s presidential ticksilience makes my presence here today even sanctions against Belaet, but he also focused on other attributes possible.” rus following Sunday’s Harris brings to the ticket. She then launched into an attack on Trump, contested election. EU Biden hailed the California senator, the lambasting him for a lack of leadership on foreign ministers are 55-year-old former prosecutor who a year the coronavirus pandemic. set to meet on Friday ago excoriated Biden on a primary debate “This is a moment of real consequence for to discuss targeted stage, as the right woman to help him deAmerica. Everything we care about - our sanctions against Belafeat Trump and then lead a nation facing economy, our health, our children, the kind rus following Sunday’s contested election and subsequent violent crackdown down on protesters, according to Sweden’s top diplomat. Alexander Lukashenko, in power since 1994, claimed victory with about 80 percent of the vote, triggering three nights of violent clashes between security forces and opposition supporters in which one protester was killed.“I absolutely think we need to consider broadening targeted sanctions against those responsible for the violence against the protesters (and) for the election fraud - those involved in the electoral process not having turned out free and fair,” Linde told Swedish radio on Wednesday. “This morning there has been a summons to an extraordinary EU foreign ministers’ meeting on Friday where we will discuss precisely this (sanctions),” she told the public broadcaster. Lithuania had also said it would consider such steps. Any decision on sanctions requires agreement by all 27 EU member states, meaning no imminent move is expected. As seen in the cases of Russia or Ukraine, such decisions can take weeks or months. Foreign ministers are due to next meet at the end of August in Berlin. Source: aljazeera.com/news crises in triplicate: a pandemic, wounded economy and long-simmering reckoning with racism. Harris, Biden declared at a high school gymnasium in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, is “smart, she’s tough, she’s experienced, she’s a proven fighter for the backbone of this country.” “Kamala knows how to govern. She knows how to make the hard calls. She’s ready to do this job on day one,” he said. Taking the stage after Biden, Harris flicked at some of the gender critiques she had faced throughout the Democratic primary, saying she was “mindful of all the ambitious women before me, whose sacrifice, determination and reof country we live in - it’s all on the line,” she said. The understated campaign kick-off is particularly unique given Harris’s historic significance. The Biden campaign had said it hoped to create a first public appearance that blends the momentous nature of Harris’ selection with the realities of the 2020 campaign and the gravity of the nation’s circumstances. After speaking, Biden and Harris hosted an online fundraiser designed to let small donors get a fresh glimpse of what the Democratic presidential ticket will look like in the lead-up to election day on November 3. Source: aljazeera.com