To all the facebookers out there who seem to get appalled by a wish to have a happy new islamic year ahead, here are some points to consider, with all due respect to your beliefs. (Please note that this is my personal point of view and only aimed at providing a different perspective, you are absolutely free to differ from it in entirety.): Quran, the Holy Book of Islam which holds precedence over every other form of reference states: Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so it was 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 … One of these four sacred months is Muharram, in which it is ordained that a Muslim shall not harm himself or others. The pagans in the Islamic Arab would stop fighting in this month to respect the beliefs of the Muslims and because the Muslims refused to engage in any form of violence. Dont you think arguing with your Muslim brother or sister (even if its on facebook) because they wished you to have a happy new islamic year will also be considered as wronging yourself? Secondly, despite the fact that the practice of wishing new year comes from the West, so does the practice of wishing Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc. Why do I not see many of those objecting to this western tradition raising their voices over that? Again, I do not intend to offend anyone, just giving some food for thought. Thridly, for those stating that the month of Muharram was a somber month for the Prophet (s.a.w) himself as he foresaw the tragedy of his progeny, could you kindly provide references so I could educate myself? I have tried and failed to find any, multiple times. Fourthly, the month of Muharram holds significance not only for the Shias but also for the Sunnis. In fact, the period of Ashura began not with the advent of Shiaism, but dates back to the Prophets time where he would fast on every single day of Muharram, until fasting became obligatory in the month of Ramzan. Fasting is still encouraged for all Muslims in the period of Ashura, regardless of their sect. Lastly, Islam is a religion that puts emphasis on intentions rather than actions. The intention (I would assume) of all those wishing another Muslim a happy Islamic Year ahead is not to malign them or their faith, but rather to wish them better days ahead, a practice which in my understanding God would appreciate on Judgement Day. It seems more to me like a good will gesture. The tragedy of Karbala was not only for the Shias, but for the entire Muslim community as it was a day where the Ummah lost the true blood of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w), who all Muslims give equal respect to. Why must be always jump to a defensive stance and assume that the other sect is trying to malign us or disrespecting our beliefs? Why have we as Shias forgotten the real meaning and understanding behind our sects progression? Is it to simply mourn in the month of Muharram and be just like any other Muslim in the rest of the months? Or is it to be even better examples of what a Muslim should be, coming from the lineage of the Prophet (in most cases). Why have we as Sunnis forgotten that the Shias are also our Muslim brothers and sisters and just as much of a Muslim as us, deserving just as much respect those from our own sect. Why have we as Muslims forgotten that Islam demands from us to educate ourselves, not just in worldly affairs, but also in the subject of religion, to delve further into the meaning and purpose of our actions and ascertain the best way of living with the help provided to us by God and his Prophet (s.a.w.). Why have we as educated Muslims forgotten that just because we have been following certain practices that have been prevalent in our society since our ancestors time, does not make them right or even authentic in terms of religion. I would like to mention here, before I get responses from any of the readers of this post, that I am a Syed with a Shia and Sunni lineage and I have tried my best over the years to read up on both the sects, deciding to be first a better Muslim and then anything else. Please do not assume that I am writing this because I do not understand either sects, but feel free to enlighten me with any further knowledge you might have to share with me. Thank you. And on this note, I wish all the Muslims around the globe, a fruitful, peaceful, and virtuous Islamic New Year ahead. Ameen.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 12:18:59 +0000
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