The Month of Thul Qo’dah

Prepared by: M. Tahir Farrath([email protected])

 

 

Bis-Mil LAAHIR Rohmaanir Rohiim, wa Nahmaduhuu wa Nusollii 'alaa Rosuulihil Kariim

 

 

Here is a month recognised as the first of four Sanctified Months following each other in succession, and like the month of Rajab, all conflicts are prohibited in the Ash-Shahrul Hurum for which these months are known. This month is also suitably situated among the Ash-Shahrul Hajj wherein the Muslimuun are seen responding in droves to the Great call of Nabiy Iberaahiim, ‘alayhis Salaam, as ALLAAH’s guests for the awe-filled gathering - marking the Ummah as one. It was in this month that Nabiy Muhammad, Sollal LAAHU ‘alayhi wa Sallam, performed four ‘Umrohs, the last being with his Hajjul Widaa’(while some mention that one of the four was in Rajab). Ever since the Sacred Month of Rajab, it was expected to “bury the hatchet” so that the month of Sha’baan could cause one to reflect upon holding any further malice against another Muslim. Thus, it was in the Month of Romadaan that the hearts of the Muslimuun were joined, extending itself further with a show of forgiveness to one another at the start of the Month of Shawwaal - the month that honourably welcomed the Hajj season. Now, the opportunity is afforded once more to settle all reconcilable disputes and differences, however difficult it might seem to whomever is filled with might, pride and arrogance, for ALLAAH Says:

 

Innamal Mu_minuuna Ikhwatun, fa-Oslihuu bayna A-khowaykum wat Taqul LAAHA la-‘allakum Turhamuun(a)

 

"Verily, the believers are brothers, so, set matters right between your brothers and be conscious of ALLAAH in order that you may obtain Mercy." (49.Hujuraat:10).

 

Islaam has, over and over, emphasised the need for motivating an immediate settlement of unwarranted social disputes so that peace prevails in a Muslim society. A Hadiith as reported by the Nabiy, Muhammad(S.A.W.S.), is to the point on this issue when he said:

 

Yu’rodu A’maalun Naasi fii kulli Jumu’atin Marratayni Yawmal Ithnayni wa Yawmal Khomiisi, fa-Yughfaru li-kulli ‘Abedin Mu_minin illaa ‘Abedan baynahuu wa bayna A-khiihii Shahnaa-u, fa-Yuqaalu, Utrukuu hathayni hattaa Yafii-aa

 

“The actions of men are submitted twice in every week; on Monday and Thursday. Then every (deserving) believing servant is Forgiven except between a servant and his brother between whom there is malice. It is said: Leave those two till they come to terms.”

 

Therefore, if two brothers are not prepared to settle their differences, then all their good deeds are suspended…what still of their Da’waat(supplications). It is also a fact that unless the Ummah agrees - with a lasting acceptance - to abide by a single authority that is “just”, the depth of religious controversy will continue to rest on feverously substantiated interpretations. While a single Brotherhood depends on who is right or wrong (and who is left out or included), further fragmentation will certainly be evident. Then the Hadiith “Differences is a Mercy…” is usually quoted, little realising that it is unauthentic, conflicting and not to be relied upon. However, in view of the above Aayah, the main reasons for unhealthy social relations are envy, the spreading of rumours, creating suspicion, wronging others, being judgmental, derogatory and belittling people, and supporting personality cultists in their leadership or power struggles. Passing on such information or imposing their will upon others will most certainly cause dissension among people and increase bitterness among them. ALLAAH Says to those who lend their ears to these slanderers and those who press ahead with their wrongdoing:

 

Wa laa Tuti’ kulla Hallaafin-Mahiin(in). Hummaazin-Mash-shaa-in bi-Namiim(in). Mannaa’in-lil-Khoyri Mu’tadin A-thiim(in).

 

"And do not obey any despicable man, ready with oaths, a slanderer, going about with calumnies. Hindering (all) good, transgressing – deep in sin." (68.Nuun/Qolam:10 -12)

 

And Rosuulul LAAH(S.A.W.S.) said thus:

 

Laa Yade-khulul Jannata Nammaam(un)

 

"The one who spreads calumnies (the backbiter or carrier of tales and rumours which he has overheard) will not enter Paradise.”

 

Suspicion, suspicion, Islaam has prohibited suspicion with undue verification, and ALLAAH Says:

 

Yaa Ayyuhal lathiina Aamanuje-Tanijuu Kathiiron-minadh Dhonn(i)

 

"O you who believe! Avoid (indulging) much suspicion: truly some suspicion are sin." (49.Hujuraat :12)

 

The Holy Prophet of Islam has said concerning this:

 

Iyyaakum wadh Dhonna, fa-innadh Dhonna Akthabul Hadiith(i)

 

"Avoid suspicion, for airing suspicion is the most lying form of speech.”

 

In another narration, he said:

 

Laa Tabaaghaduu, wa laa Tahaasaduu, wa laa Tadaabaruu, wa laa Taqaato’uu, wa Kuunuu ‘Ibaadal LAAHI Ikhwaana(n)…

 

"Do not hate, and neither envy, and do not plan (nor backbite), and do not sever ties (with each other), but become brothers in the service of ALLAAH..."

 

Had the Muslimuun not overcome these evils, and continued to be temperamental, differed in their personalities and superiority among each other and refused to get along, it would not have been possible for them to stand united under one banner at the Conquest of Makkah. At this point it is wise to raise the misconception that Thul Qo’dah brings misfortune to ceremonies, including marriages. Contrary to this belief, it is in fact a time for extending a hand of friendship, making new acquaintances and joining useful religious groups. It is also just common Adaab(Islamic ethics) for newcomers in a community to seek out its people as it is for long standing members of the community to welcome them. Throughout, one should be mindful of the Holy Prophet’s(S.A.W.S.) saying:

 

Laa Yahillu li-Mu_minin an-Yahjuro Mu_minan Fawqo Thalaathin, fa-in Marrat  bi-hii Thalaathun, fal-Yalqohuu fal-Yusallim ‘alayhii, fa-in Rodda ‘alayhis Salaama, fa-qodish-Tarokaa fil-Ajeri, wa In lam Yarudda ‘alayhii, fa-qode Baa-a bil-Ithmi wa Khorojal Musallimu minal Hijerot(i)

 

"It is not permissible for a believer to keep apart from a believer for more than three (days). If three (days) pass with him, then let him meet him and so extend greetings upon him, and if he replies to the greeting, then they will both have shared in the reward, and if he does not respond to him, then he will bear a sin and (who offered him the greeting) will have been freed (from the sin) of keeping apart."

 

So, attention should be paid to the Sanctity of these four months as sins committed in a period made Sacred by ALLAAH are far worse than in other months, and as a mark of respect, it is forbidden to commit sins therein. As also quoted for Rajab, ALLAAH Says:

 

…fa-laa Tadhlimuu fii-hinna Anfusakum…

 

“…so wrong not yourselves therein…” (9.Tawbah:36)

 

According to Ibn Jariir at-Tabari, the pronoun here, translated as “therein”, refers to these four Sacred Months. ALLAAH has singled them out and Mentioned their special status. With regard to ALLAAH’s Statement:

 

Yas-aluunaka ‘anish Shahril Haraami Qitaalin fii-hii. Qul Qitaalun fii-hii Kabiir(un)…

 

“They ask thee (O Muhammad) concerning fighting in the Sacred Months. Say: Fighting therein is a great (transgression)…” [2.Baqarah:217]

 

The majority of scholars state that the prohibition to fight in the Sacred Months is abrogated by Aayah 9.Tawbah:5, and the other Aayaat (including, 9.Tawbah:36, which continues from the previously quoted Aayah) and reports - which are general in application - include commands to fight. Others say: it is not permissible to initiate fighting during the sacred months, but permissible to continue and conclude the war, if it started at a different time. Thus was the Holy Prophet’s(S.A.W.S.) siege on the people of Taa-if interpreted soon after the conquest of Makkah, because the fighting had begun at the canyon of Hunayn when the pagans had already raised an army against them in the month of Shawwaal. However, this would not apply to fighting in self-defence. If the enemy attacks Muslim lands, it is obligatory for the inhabitants to defend themselves, whether it happens to be a Sacred month or not.

 

 

Wal Hamdu lil-LAAHI Robbil ‘Aalamiin.

 

NB: Please forward a message to the above email address if you are interested in receiving a copy of the following:

 

1.        The Sacred Month of Rajab.

2.        The Israa_ wal Mi’raaj.

3.    The Month of Sha’baan and its Auspicious Night.

4.    A Romadaan Mubaarok Message and Du’aa_.

5.    The Fiqh of Fasting, according to the four Mathaahib (Part 1) – a quick guide.

6.        The Blessed Month of Romadaan.

7.        Thikr and Du’aa_ during the last days of Romadaan.

8.        A Friend! Is he a good or bad friend?

9.        The Month of Shawwaal.

10.   The Month of Thul Qo’dah.

 

The Islamic Study Circle

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1