Rajab: the fourth Islamic sacred month

We are in the middle of the month of Rajab; the 7^th and one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar. Where Islam is a divine guidance from the Creator of the heavens and the earth, who has defined the physical seasons on earth, the sacred months provide spiritual seasons and opportunities for the spiritual guidance for Muslims.

To start with, let us see what the Quran says about the way the months are designated for mankind. In surah 9 V36, Allah says: ‘surely the reckoning of months, in the Sight of Allah, is twelve months, laid down in Allah’s decree on the day when He created the heavens and the earth, and out of these months four are sacred. That is the true ordainment. Do not, therefore, wrong yourselves, with respect to these months.’

To explain these four months, the Prophet Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, says: ‘the year is twelve months. Out of these four are sacred. Three of them are in sequence: Dhul Q`adah (11^th month), Dhul Hijah (12^th month) and Al-Muharram (1^st month) and the fourth is Rajab which is between Jumada and Sha’ban.’

A third of the whole year is, therefore, designated as sacred and people are required not to wrong themselves during this period.

The Quranic guidance, ‘do not, therefore, wrong yourselves with respect to these months’, places a huge sense of responsibility on Muslims. Allah has laid down His guidance, for both faith and deeds, that people must obey if they are to succeed in this world and the next. A person, who wishes to be a Muslim, must live with a complete sense of its requirements at all times. There can be no partial submission to Allah or living a life on the knife edge between obedience and disobedience.

So what does it mean when it says: ‘do not, therefore wrong yourselves, with respect to these months’?

Ramadan is one of the most spiritual months in the Islamic calendar but it is not one of the sacred months that are mentioned in this verse. However, if we do include Ramadan,  one of the five pillars of Islam and the most spiritual month and additionally the month of Shawal, the tenth month, the first of the months of Hajj, inevitably we must conclude that half of the year is spiritually connected and especially designed for enhanced spiritual activities.

The creation of this cycle of months and time in Islam, where people are tied up with spiritual commitments, enhances their wellbeing and their attachment to the Creator, Allah, the most High. In this respect the Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, says: ‘surely Allah has created pleasant breezes in the days of the year so ensure your exposure to them. Perhaps one of you gets exposed to one of the breezes and he may never get wretched after that’.

These spiritual opportunities in the form of sacred months, spiritual months, blessed times of the day, month and the year are those breezes that blow from time to time and are available for those who want to take the opportunities in their life to get closer to Allah.

Following religious guidance is made easy for people. With a full time commitment to Allah a person rarely commits wrong, except by mistake. Such a person, when an opportunity arises, is always able to extend his commitment and produce that little extra that is required of those who are spiritually committed to Allah’s command and guidance.

However, when people become spiritually disconnected from their religion, practising it neither in their personal or public lives, what they need, in the times of ‘pleasant breezes’, is a strong sense of realisation as to their total commitment to Allah and to His guidance and start being a complete Muslim. Such a realisation and commitment will provide them with wonderful opportunities for reflection and accountability for their deeds to Allah and, hopefully, to 'get it right' throughout the rest of their lives.

The sacredness in which these months are held in the Quran is extremely important. Islam is indeed a religion of complete peace and surrender. It forbids any war and blood shedding in these months. Hostilities must cease and people must have a very real reason to go back to fighting. If they truly uphold their spiritual commitments they would have less opportunity to fight or continue with hostility and violence.

It is nearly impossible to comprehend how the recipients of this beautiful and wonderful religious guidance have become involved in futile wars, wars of destruction and ruin. Yet Muslim youth continues to be sucked into this ever increasing cycle of violence and revenge.

Our commitment to Allah is unwavering and absolute. Muslims are the people of tawheed who worship only the Creator of the heavens and the earth and all else.  Allah is Peace and He wants a peaceful engagement where rights are not violated and commitments are fulfilled, but Muslim society is being torn apart.  Its very fabric is being destroyed without any consideration to the end result as to how, or indeed, who will be held accountable for these acts.

Allah says in the S16 and verse 128: ‘Surely Allah is with those who have His fear or conscience and those who do good’. Ehsan is emphasised in the Quran as the best way to succeed in the Sight of Allah. Allah accepts from His servants what is sincerely done for Him and in the way it has to be done in accordance to His rules and guidance.

The Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, says: ‘O servants of Allah! Become brethren. A Muslim is brother to another Muslim. He does not wrong him nor does he disgrace him or look down on him. It is enough evil for a man to look down on his Muslim brother. All Muslims are sacred to other Muslims in their blood, wealth and honour’.

This month should be a time for reflection for us all and to ponder where our politics are going wrong and where they are taking us.

I would also like to mention that this month has its own 'innovations' that have been created by some Muslims. Innovations in the name of religion do not achieve anything if they are not in accordance with the teachings and the spirit of the Quran and the Sunnah of the prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him. Existing religious guidance in Islam is sufficient for a person to get closer to Allah and achieve their rewards. 

The month is blessed and sacred and a fore-warner of the month of Ramadan. May Allah make it easier for all of us to practise Islam in the manner that is required of us, and help us to achieve the results that we all so desire in the Sight of Allah.

The Pope's gesture of welcome

On a recent papal visit to the Greek Island of Lesbos, now at the centre of Syrian refugee crisis, Pope Francis selected three of the most distressed Syrian refugee families and brought them with him to Rome aboard the papal aircraft. He has also ensured that they are accommodated in comfort until such time as they are able to settle where they choose and are able to fend for themselves.

This most generous and symbolic action of sympathy for the refugees must surely be hailed and appreciated by all those concerned with, or caught up in this appalling humanitarian crisis and in particular by the worldwide Muslim community.   This was an unexpectedly bold step, taken by a religious leader, when many, in this extremely critical and antagonist world, would like to see the world divided on the fault lines of Islam versus Christianity or Islam versus the rest of the world. The Pope has shown great leadership in highlighting the crisis beyond the pale of any religious divide by his display of human brotherhood. He has touched the hearts of many, even though his action caused an outcry by those antagonistic towards him. These critics regard his action as yet another example of the Pope's pandering to Muslims, who are seen as wanting to take over the world and Christendom in particular.

The Pope has undoubtedly done the right thing by visiting Lesbos and empathising with the victims of war and dislocation. He also demonstrates the commitment that all human beings, regardless of race, religion or colour, should show towards each other. In addition we should appreciate that this has happened following, and despite, the pain and destruction rained down on the Christians and other minorities by all those involved in the conflict in Syria.

Christians and Muslims must work together for the welfare of all humanity, aiding not only war victims, but also the destitute, those living in poverty and the needy. We should become partners in working for global peace and harmony.

The Quran describes the nature of this partnership between Christians and Muslims in these words: ‘… and you will surely find that of all people they who say: ‘we are Christians’, are closest to feeling affection for those who believe. This is because there are priests and monks among them and because they are not arrogant.’  

We Muslims must also remember that when the early Muslims were being persecuted in Makkah, the Prophet Muhammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, directed them to emigrate to Abyssinia and seek refuge with the Christian king Negus. The king and his bishops received those early Muslims, who were victims because of their faith and allowed them to live in peace and harmony in his kingdom, refusing to hand them over to the Makkan leadership who, exploiting their friendship with him, sought their deportation.

Muslim and Christian relationships flourished in the time of the prophet Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him. Christian delegations from Najran and elsewhere used to visit him in his mosque and particularly during what is now called the year of ‘delegations’. The Prophet Mohammad wrote to the archbishop of Najran, Abul Harith, and to other bishops and priests explaining the nature of their mutual relationships and informing them of their complete rights when they lived among Muslims. The Prophet respected them and protected their rights and dignity under Islam. Indeed when the Christian delegation was with the Prophet and they wanted to engage in their own worship, the prophet offered them half of his mosque, which they used and prayed towards Jerusalem. The Prophet never asked them to remove their crosses or their official religious dress while in the mosque.

Unfortunately, in our time, an ultra-sensitivity has manifested itself in our relationship, with the result that we now become easily offended with each other for no good reason.

The Prophet initiated the ensuring of religious and human rights by writing to the Christians in Muslim lands and this practice was continued by the Caliphs and governors who ruled after him. These are just some of many examples and the theological foundation that has always supported and strengthened the mutual relationship between all communities and the two main communities of Muslim and People of the Book.

A Muslim, who follows the examples of his Prophet and his Companions, would never harm his neighbours, their religion or their rites. That is an Un-Islamic and accountable act by Allah.

There is so much mutual suspicion these days, most of which is recycled from the time of Crusades and odd examples of incidents from the past. None of the incidents, often cited, contain any theological basis by which the destruction of our mutual relationship can be justified. Islam has given recognition to the faith of Jews and Christians and called them the People of the Book and invited them to find a ‘Common Ground’ among them all. That is the way forward now, as it was in the past.

Muslims should not be suspicious of their Christian brothers or the thinking behind their faith and religion. It is interesting for us to note that the Second Vatican Council taught 'that Muslims worship the one true God'. It also says: 'The Church regards with esteem also the Muslims. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in himself; merciful and all powerful, the creator of heaven and earth, who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even his inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitting to God'. (Nostra Aetate 3)

We need to respect each other and each other’s religions. To assist us in achieving this we must lay down mutually agreed rules of engagement based on the good grounds provided to us in our theological scriptures. In addition, political initiatives to improve relationships between the two communities must also be entered into on an ongoing basis. In 2007, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia visited the Vatican and had a historic meeting with Pope Benedict. In 2013, the King also sent his personal message to Pope Francis congratulating him on his election and advocating working together on improving Catholic-Muslim relationships.

It has always been a pleasure for me to work with the people of the Book and the interfaith communities and I continue to make it my religious duty to promote peace and harmony among the people of different religions. Fr Bill O.S.M. the Catholic Chaplin at the University of Bath and Bath Spa University, has long been a close friend, if I can be allowed to call him a friend, and we cooperated and worked closely together for over ten years on many issues. He would, very kindly, at the end of Ramadan every year, while I was working with the Bath Islamic Society as Imam, deliver a message of congratulations and good wishes for the Muslim community from the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Vatican. This provided a good example for all to follow in building community relationships and working together for community cohesion and the welfare of humanity.

We hope that both Muslim and Christian communities can work together to promote the exemplary relationship necessary if we are to build bridges of understanding and create a joint leadership that works together for the welfare of us all.

God's attributes through us?

The current political upheaval and numerous acts of mindless terrorism have resulted, inevitably, in Islam's merciful teachings being falsely projected as murderous and brutal and have placed Islam, and its followers, in an untenable position among the peoples of all nations.  We, as Muslims, fail to distinguish between Islam and Muslims and, even worse, fail to understand that the teachings of Islam are owned by Allah and not by us and that Allah always demonstrates ‘the most excellent attributes’. Allah says in the Quran: ‘Those who do not believe in the Hereafter deserve to be characterised with evil attributes where Allah’s are the most excellent attributes. He is the Most Mighty, the Most High’. S16 V60

Islam teaches us that ‘the upper hand is better than then the lower (receiving) hand’. The teachings and guidance of Islam will always be the beacon that shows us the best path towards the best welfare of humanity and provide the best examples of where the ‘word of Allah is always superior’.

A large proportion of the media continues to highlight only the worst of Muslim affairs, presumably for reasons that serve their own interests. There remain a few, fortunately, who report a trickle of good examples: indicating that we Muslims do indeed play a positive role in serving humanity and saving people, and providing some positive news. One of those rarely reported good examples came last week when a Kenyan Muslim teacher, Salah Farah, was honoured posthumously for his bravery. 

The news was reported in BBC and through other media channels. It said: ‘A Muslim teacher in Kenya who protected Christians on a bus after it was attacked by Islamist militants is posthumously honoured for his bravery’.

This is by no means the sole example of a Muslim who bravely tried to protect his Christian compatriots. We all know of thousands of examples where Muslim communities have protected their non-Muslim neighbours and friends. In the war-ridden lands of the Muslim world examples do of course exist where neighbours became enemies. But these are exceptional cases which can happen anywhere, as demonstrated by the case of Mr Akhlaq, in India’s Ghaziabad’, who was brutally lynched by those ‘friends’ and neighbours who knew him for long time.

Islamic teachings tell us that highest attribute of a person's character is trustworthiness. A true Muslim can never betray a trust. Our Prophet Mohammad was well-known, by both friends and foes, for his trustworthiness in the Makkan community, long before he was made a Prophet, and was endowed with the titles of ‘The Truthful and the Trustworthy’. 

The Prophet Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, was entrusted with the safekeeping of other persons goods and property, which they would reclaim when needed. When our Prophet planned to emigrate to Madinah from Makkah, there remained many whose trust was still with him. In order to deliver everything to their rightful owners, although they were the very same people who were plotting to murder him, he requested Ali, his cousin and son in law, to stay behind and deliver all to the rightful owners before he could emigrate to Madinah.

The Quran teaches us: ‘Allah commands you to deliver trusts to those belonging to them; and when you judge between people, judge with justice. Excellent is the admonition Allah gives you, Allah is All Hearing All-Seeing’. S4 V58

The good and beautiful teachings of Islam must be complied with by Muslims in order to establish any form of Allah’s rules. The reason is simple: we are all accountable for whatever we do in the Gracious Name of Allah and if we misrepresent anything.

Muslim society, despite all its problems, is not devoid of good examples which demonstrate a deep commitment towards the teachings of Allah and towards the welfare of humanity. Any examples of good work must be appreciated and publicised so that the rest of the community and people at large can encourage more good actions.

Good examples from within the community must be highlighted by those who have taken on the role of leadership in community affairs. Mutual jealousy and incompetent leadership within the Muslim community has seriously marred the reputation of the individuals and groups who have carried out such good work.

Those who are teachers carry a heavy responsibility and when they demonstrate their courage by protecting those for whom they are responsible do the right thing from an Islamic perspective. Any Muslim who holds a responsible post is accountable to Allah and to those he serves, wherever his post lays within the social, economic and political structure.

In a hadith, the Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, says: ‘all of you are a guardian (responsible) and all of you are held responsible for your subject. An imam (leader) is a guardian and would be held responsible for his subject. A man is a guardian within his family and would be held responsible for those under him. And a wife is guardian in the house of her husband and would be held responsible for her responsibility. A servant is guardian in the wealth (trade) of his master and would be held responsible for that. And all of you are guardians and all of you would be held responsible for your subjects.’

This is a great hadith and guidance from the Prophet of Islam which, in unambiguous terms, guides peoples to what is their rightful duty. This hadith teaches us the discipline necessary to do our work and the vision and the sense of accountability required in whatever position we may happen to find ourselves or seek to hold.

Islam is a religion which places great emphasis on ‘tarbiyah’ or training people on what is better for their welfare and the welfare of humanity. Every single Muslim should endeavour to become a great example in their own sphere of life and work. In addition all Muslims are meant to be trustworthy, kind and compassionate and should assume and deliver his/her guardianship to the best of their capability.

Any ambiguity arising from the many different interpretations of Islamic theology about certain modern issues should be addressed urgently so that disciplines can be established in the minds of all people. Clarity is sorely needed on the matter of having differences and in maintaining those differences without resorting to violence, so that a healthier atmosphere could be created where a better understanding of each other’s points of view prevails. Achieve this and the world can look forward to a healthier society where we all can live peacefully but still maintain our differences.