Ashura: The Other Time Muslims Fast

Today marks the 10^th day of the Islamic year; the first month on the lunar calendar is Muharram.  There is great significance behind this day, and Muslims fast to commemorate this day.  During Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s time, the Jews were observed to have fasted the ninth, tenth and eleventh of this month.  In honor of Prophet Moses (SAW) and his people being saved from Pharoah, people of the Jewish faith fast every year out of gratitude. 

This act humbled Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and he felt that Muslims should also do something in commemoration of this momentous event.  Prophet Musa (Moses) along with many other prophets share historical and religious significance in the three Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

“We have more right, and we have closer connection with Prophet Musa (SAW) than you have.” –Sahih Bukhari and Muslim

While it was not made an obligation, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did encourage Muslims to fast and observe this day as one of great significance because of how important Prophet Musa (SAW) is to our religion. After Ramadan, Ashura is the best occasion to observe the fast.

Parables such as the parting of the Red Sea are shared between the three Abrahamic faiths.

Muslims also choose to fast other times of the year that do not include Ramadan or Ashura in order to follow practices of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).  The Prophet (SAW) was known for fasting every Monday and Thursday, in addition to the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th of every month.  These days are not obligatory for Muslims to fast, but it is recommended if you want to follow the Prophet (SAW)’s practices.

Shia'a Significance –while the Shia’a Muslims also see this day as significant, there is a completely different connotation and reason for observing Ashura.  Historically, it is the day that the Shia’a Muslims lost their ruler, Hussein, in 680 AD.  They observe this day to mourn the loss of their ruler by reenacting the battle, wearing clothes of mourning and express grief in light of the tragedy.  These practices are not held by the Muslim population at large; only a small percentage of Muslims worldwide observe Ashura in this way.

Halloween: A Treat or Another Trick of the Shaytan?

    (Courtesy of Pinterest)

With only a few days left until October 31^st, millions of young children and adults across the world are preparing themselves for a night of lots of tricks and tons of treating. Often known as All Hallow’s Eve, Halloween is usually accompanied with costumes, jack-o-lanterns, haunted houses, scary stories, and lots of sugary treats. While children view it as a night full of fun and excitement; most adults view it as a night of partying and an opportunity to free their inner-most inhibitions.

Before you start carving out pumpkins and filling plastic skulls with candy bars, take a moment and think about why you are doing it. One must question whether this is just another innocent night of treats and fun; or deceitful disguise of tricks from the Shaytan?

(Courtesy of pinterest.com)

By first examining a small piece of Halloween history, one can easily begin to form an opinion. Encyclopedia.com defines Halloween as:

“Oct. 31, the eve of All Saints' Day, observed with traditional games and customs. The word comes from medieval England's All Hallows' eve [Old Eng. hallow=saint]. However, many of these customs predate Christianity, going back to Celtic practices associated with Nov. 1, which was Samhain (sä´wĬn), the beginning of winter and the Celtic New Year.”

“Witches and other evil spirits were believed to roam the earth on this evening, playing tricks on human beings to mark the season of diminishing sunlight. Bonfires were lit, offerings were made of dainty foods and sweets, and people would disguise themselves as one of the roaming spirits, to avoid demonic persecution. Survivals of these early practices can be found in countries of Celtic influence today, such as the United States where children go from door to door in costumes demanding "trick or treat." 

However, does Islam and its scholars agree or disagree with the definition above?

Allah (SWT) mentions in the Noble Quran:  “O, you who believe! Follow not Shaytan’s footsteps: if any will follow the footsteps of the Shaytan, he will (but) command what is shameful and wrong”  (Quran 24:21)

                                                                                                     

And Prophet Muhammad (saw) mentioned: “Every innovation (in our religion) is misguidance, even if the people regard it as something good” (Ad-Darimee)

Along with other holiday topics, Halloween is discussed between several Islamic scholars. Inserted below are two short video clips by Sheikh Abdul Hakim Quick & Dr. Shabir Ally: check out their views on this topic.

 

So with the presented information above, it’s now up to you to ask yourself the following:   

Is Halloween truly just a night of innocent fun; or is it just another trick by the Shaytan to misguide you?  

As always I leave you with Salam Walkiuem and Insha'Allah y'all have an awesome week. Also if you guys truly enjoyed this post and  as well as the other post presented on the blog; please feel free to like, comment below , and share our blog. Thanks!