By: Gulshan Aalani
The first month of Islamic New Year month of ‘Muharram’ also known as month of Allah-Creator, beginning of Muslim era the month of Hijraah–migration of Messenger Muhammad (saws) from mecca to Madinah/Yathrib, accompanied by his faithful followers the newly converts to Islam consisting of some Jewish, Christians, Quraish, Arabs Assyrians, some of the 12 tribes of Bani Israel-People of Prophet Israel-Jacob (AS).
The reason of migration was to escape the barbaric extreme ill-treatment of torture, by the authority and local pagans, simply for their declaration of accepting the true Creator-GOD, and HIS ‘Final closing Revelation’ of final warning and Divine Guidance.
The month of great significance for a number of reasons that is marked by fasting and prayers, which are the symbols of devotion to our Creator of the Universe, and to celebrate the legacy of Divine intervention, and the hard works of our all the Prophets divinely selected to introduce our Creator of the Universe, and HIS Laws.
Muharram is one of the 4 sacred months (Rajab, Dhul Qaddah, Dhul Hijjah) in which the wars and fights are prohibited, except in self-defense if one is provoked and forced, yet it is advisable to avoid it altogether and hold peace; as these 4 months are of the great opportunity to avoid wars and go for ‘Peace treaty’ as the well-known tradition-sunnah of Prophet (saws).
Another special happy occasion in this month is the day of ‘Ashura’ (means 10) the day of salvation/freedom/Exodus, which falls on the 10th of Muharram that was initially celebrated as an EID day by our Jewish brethren. Following the Verses of the Quran on ‘Divine Rescue’, Prophet Muhammad (saws) decided to continue this tradition and recommended to Muslims to fast 2 days, to thank Allah in gratitude for the deliverance of the Bani Israel-Jacob (AS) and granting victory to Prophet Moses (AS).
To Honor this day of his victory Muslims fast voluntarily 2 days either 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th. Celebrating the miraculous victory of Prophet Moses (AS) and salvation of his people from the oppressor evil King Pharaoh. Also to recognize the Miraculous ‘Divine Rescue’ of Prophet Moses (AS) and his followers saved by none other than the Supreme Being Almighty Allah-Creator of the Universe. HIS miraculous ‘Dividing of the sea’ into the crossing path is the reality of Divine phenomenon.
Evidently, the oppressor King the slave master and his evil supporters earned God’s wrath for their cruelty, unjust system and major sins of ignoring Prophet Moses (AS), and for worshiping Idols, were eventually drowned.
Quran 20: 80 -” O ye children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy and WE made a covenant with you on the right side of Mount Sinai–”And remember WE delivered you from the people of Pharaoh they set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women-folk life: therein was a tremendous trial from your lord: “And remember WE delivered you from the people of Pharaoh:
“And remember WE divided the Sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh’s people within your very sight: (Q. 2:49,50).
A decade after that another tragedy occurred on the 10th of Muharram, the murders of innocents, Prophet’s Grandson H. Hussain (RA) and his followers. Who are considered
Martyrs, not dead but alive in Heaven.
