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:
“…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.