| This is a solemn occasion for many Muslims, a time to reflect and reinvigorate. Today is the beginning of the year 1431 according to the Islamic Calendar of Hijrah. It marks the first day of the month of Muharram, which is one of the four sacred months of the Islamic calendar, along with Dhul Qa’adah, Dhul Hijjah and Rajab.
This is a solemn occasion for many Muslims, a time to reflect and reinvigorate. Traditionally Muslims do not hold a celebration at the beginning of the Islamic New Year. Instead this is a time to consider the immense sacrifice and contribution of those who have dedicated their lives in the service of the Creator.
As we enter the new Hijrah year, we would like to take this opportunity to remember a few powerful examples from the history of Islam: of sacrifice, or striving for freedom from oppression, and of dedication to the community.
The sacred month of Muharram is filled with many significant events, and from our traditions we wish to highlight two pre-hijrah and one post-hijrah events: the day when the Prophet Nuh (as) left the Ark, the day when the Prophet Musa (as) was saved from the Pharaoh and the day when Imam Husain (ra), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who gave him the title “Leader of the Youth of Paradise” was martyred.
The crossing of the Red Sea, when Prophet Musa (as) was able to lead his community out of oppression and into freedom, is one of the miracles described by the Qur’an. It is a fitting tribute to remember Musa’s (as) struggle for freedom during this current month.
The 10th of Muharram is commonly known as Ashura. It is particularly notable for the tragic massacre at Karbala, in Iraq in 61 A.H. of Imam Husain (ra) and his family and supporters. They sacrificed their lives in order to uphold the Prophet’s message of freedom, truth and justice in the face of an increasingly oppressive and corrupt regime.
This year, the month of Muharram falls close to both Christmas and Hanukkah, and at this time, we extend our warmest wishes to the Christian and Jewish communities. As a revered Prophet for Muslims, we also remember that Isa (as) or Jesus dedicated his life to serving his community, and spreading the message of peace and freedom. In Hanukkah we are again inspired towards sacrifice in the face of oppression.
The month of Muharram is one that holds a rich and powerful history for Muslims, and the Muslim Council of Britain marks this month as one that should inspire us towards the search for truth and justice and sacrifice in the way of the communities that we are part of. |
