New Islamic Year Begins
The first month of the Hijri calendar, Muharram, began on Saturday, August 31. In an announcement the Shura Council stated: All of us at the Shura Council wish you a Blessed New Year 1441H. May it be filled with the blessings of God!
The month of Muharram is considered special by all Muslims and is one of the four sacred months of the year, which brings with it the day of Ashura, or the “Tenth day” of the month.
According to Muslims from different backgrounds and schools of thought, during this month two historical events happened.
Many centuries prior to the birth of Prophet Muhammad PBUH*, God saved Prophet Moses PBUH and the children of Israel from Pharaoh after they were doomed to either be victims of his army or drowned in the sea.
Muslims believe that Moses and his followers represented the true believers of their time, and the Pharaoh represented the tyranny of evil. The story of their rescue has been reflected on and read by Muslims, generation after generation. It teaches us that full faith in God will always bring for us his help and support even when there is very little hope.
Muslims during the days of Prophet Muhammad rejoiced on the day when they learned from their Jewish neighbors about its significance and their reasons to commemorate it, and started the tradition of fasting on it every year.
On the other hand, decades later, fifty years after the death of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, a very sad and tragic incident occurred on the same day of Ashura, which came to be known in history books, as the “Karbala Massacre”. Dozens of members of the family of Prophet Muhammad, including his beloved grandson, al Husayn AS, were massacred and killed ruthlessly. Their valiant courage amidst injustice is exemplary for all times and places. It reminds us to rededicate ourselves to the principles of sacrificing for the truth and standing up against oppression.
While these two occasions are commemorated differently among Muslims in present times, there is no doubt that every Muslim who claims to follow Muhammad PBUH and his teachings, will always love Prophet Moses PBUH, and rejoice on his victory over Pharaoh, even if he or she doesn’t fast on this day. At the same time, every Muslim dearly loves al-Husayn AS and detests his killers, and will always be saddened by the story of his killing, even if he or she does not express those feelings on its anniversary every year.
As we remember our beloved heroes, learn from their stories to stand up for justice, and sacrifice what is dear to us, we should actively seek to unite ourselves in our commitments. Despite our differences, which cannot and will not change, we have to give each other the benefit of the doubt and not assume ill intentions based on things that happened thousands of miles away, or hundreds of years ago.
The same way as our love for Prophet Moses PBUH was always a factor of creating a productive dialogue with our fellow citizens from among the people of the scripture, our love for al-Husayn and the family the Prophet, PBUH, should create unity and respect between all Muslims.
May God bestow his peace and blessings upon Prophet Moses, all the previous Prophets, including our beloved Prophet and his family and grant us their companionship in the hereafter.
* Peace Be Upon Him
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