As we enter the new Islamic year, it is time for us to reflect upon what has passed and what is to come. For many, their loved ones have returned to Allah, while for others new additions have entered the world. The first Islamic month holds much significance as much reward awaits those who want to attain it. Within it is the great fasting of Ashoura. Unfortunately, some Muslims are ignorant of the advice and traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and have fallen into innovations during this month. It is common to see many strange and bizarre customs and proceedings that are conducted in an unprecedented manner during this month. In some parts of the world, people resort to drawing blood and self-mutilation, all in the name of love and mourning for Sayyidna Hussain Bin Ali (may Allah be pleased with them). Men, women and even children indulge in acts of self-flagellation to the extent that rivers of blood flow in the streets. When it comes to death and mourning, we have been instructed on how to conduct ourselves by the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him). If our relative dies, we are allowed to mourn for only three days, and the exception is for the wife whose husband dies (her mourning time is four months and 10 days). We have even been specifically told that wailing, tearing our clothes and beating our chests are not allowed. The Prophet said, “He is not one of us who strikes his cheeks, rends his garment, or cries with the cry of the Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance).” (Al-Bukhari, no. 1294, and Muslim, no. 103) Moreover, when we have only three days to mourn, we should know that Sayyidna Hussein died many years ago, may Allah elevate his status in the Paradise. By mourning, we are actually going against the instructions of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Many great companions and close relatives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) died before Hussein (may Allah be pleased with him). So why are they not lamented over? We have another side of the coin. Many people consider this day, a day of celebration. Some Muslims cook certain dishes, do ghusl, perfume themselves, and wear their finest garments. They celebrate the Ashoura as an Eid. Mourning on that day is an innovation (Bid'ah), and so is celebrating it. Sheikh-ul-Islam Ibn Tayimiyyah said that after the killing of Al-Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him), Shaitan caused the people to introduce two innovations: the innovation of mourning and wailing and the innovation of rejoicing and celebrating... and every innovation is going astray. None of the four Imams of the Muslims or any other (scholar) regarded either of these things as being from the religion. (Minhaj Al-Sunnah, 4/554) We are in dire need of Allah's reward, mercy and assistance. If we look at the condition of Muslims around the world we will see a very bleak picture. In Pakistan, worship on the graves is prevalent in society, in Palestine our brothers and sisters are being mass-murdered. Muslims have started to leave the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and are traversing a dangerous path that is infested with polytheism and innovations. We need to look at ourselves and return to the path that was left for us by the Prophet (peace be upon him). This is what we should seek in this blessed month. This month's benefits and rewards should be taken advantage of. Fasting and making Du'a for ourselves and our fellow Muslims should be our priority. Until we don't change ourselves Allah will not change our condition. “Verily Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness themselves).” (Qur'an, 13:11)
