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2:189 THE NEW MOON
2:189 “ They ask you (Holy Prophet) about the new moon (i.e. about its appearance again after increasing and decreasing in size). Say: ‘These are the signs of time (i.e. it establishes the lunar calendar) for the people, and determines the time (for performing) Hajj as well.’ And it is absolutely not the goodness that you enter (your) houses from the rear (after wearing Ihram for Hajj)*, but instead the goodness is for the person who fears Allah; and you must enter your houses through their (proper) doors (only). And fear Allah so that you are successful.”
*[Note: In the days of ignorance (i.e. before Islam), the people after wearing Ihram for Hajj, entered their houses from the rear.(Bukhari:4242)
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Here the geographic or scientific reason for the appearance of the new moon has not been identified. On the other hand, the practical benefits attached to it have rather been stated. With the appearance of the new moon starts the new month of the lunar Calendar, which is spread over to 29 / 30 days with the increase and decrease in its size. The people set their timings and appointments and look ahead for the months like Ramadan and Hajj.
The Holy Prophet
entirely changed the thinking of his Companions and created in them the fear of Almighty Allah of the highest order. In matters, where the Commandments were not available, they respectfully asked questions like the one above, before performing any deed so as to lead pious and honorable life. Some of the other pertinent questions asked by them are as follows:
a) How much to spend (on relatives etc.). (2:215)
b) How much to spend (the highest limit) (such as in Jihad). (2:219)
c) Regarding fighting in the sacred months and near Kaba. (2:217)
d) Regarding drinking and gambling. (2:220)
e) Regarding their treatment towards orphans. (2:220) * (2:222)
e) Regarding their relations with their wives during menstruation period.*
Such intelligent questions depict the great mental of the Companions of the Holy Prophet
“O’ Emperor! The condition of our people was such that all of us were highly illiterate. We worshipped idols, ate dead animals, committed evil and shameful acts, broke away kinship, mistreated the neighbor, and snubbed the weak. In such a state of affairs, (Almighty) Allah sent to us His Merciful Messenger from amongst us, whose family background, truth, honesty, and piety were quite known to us.He invited us towards Allah so as to believe in His Oneness, worship Him only, and abandon worshipping idols. The Holy Prophet taught us to speak the truth, pay off the trust with honesty, establish good relations with relatives, treat the neighbor with kindness, avoid the unlawful, and stop bloodshed. He forbade backbiting, telling lies, eating the wealth of orphans, and putting allegations on the pious women. He ordered us to worship Allah only, and not establish any partner for Him. He also ordered us to offer prayers, pay zakat, and keep fast. We, therefore, testified him, believed in him, and followed the Commandments revealed to him by (Almighty) Allah…” (Ibn Hashsham, vol. I, p. 369,370)
[Note: The next Verses relate to Jihad.]
