Halloween originated from Pagan festival called Samhain, which was celebrated by the Ancient Celts of Ireland, Wales and Scotland. The Christian festival of ‘All Hallow’s Eve’ occurred around the same time of Samhain, with elements of the latter festival mixing with the former. Halloween is largely a celebration for Pagan idolators, and satan-worshippers, witches and the like. It is associated with evil, devils, demons and dark, sinister acts. None of these are approved of in Islam. Even some Christians are distancing themselves from Halloween.
Today, Halloween is largely a commercialised festival. Children, teenagers and even adults go around dressed in crazy costumes, scary and skimpy, partying, tricking ‘n’ treating, or pranking innocent people, getting drunk, disorderly and what not. In short, it’s a night of nuisance! (Imagine what the police and medics have to deal with…)
As Muslims, we direct our efforts to please Allah (The One True God) alone. This means having a good intention, doing good, and keeping away from evil. Muslims have a long standing enmity with the devil, Satan. Satan (may he be cursed) was disobedient to Allah. And Satan was an enemy to our father, Adam- The first man.
Satan’s mission is to lead us to destruction and hellfire. As Muslims our ongoing battle with Satan means we must avoid his misleading paths to evil (may he be cursed). Satan calls to idol worship, to harming ourselves, to harming people, creating mischief, following impure desires, destroying society among many other vices.
Muslims fight the Satan away, by remembering Allah, The Creator of all. So as Muslims, we’d rather be good citizens by maintaining peace and tranquillity in the community. Sure we love to give gifts, and we love sharing food, but just not on a night of notoriety.
May Allah protect us from the Satan the accursed. May Allah guide us all back to the straight path that leads to His pleasure alone. Wasallallahu alaa nabiyina Muhammad. Aamin
Taqwa means to be concious and aware of Allah (The One True God), in all that we do. We fear and love and hope in Allah. It is the driving force behind living faith. The higher our level of taqwa, the higher our faith and rank.
We can’t claim piety or sainthood/wali for ourselves or others. Only Allah knows who is truly pious. The criterion for divine friendship/walaya (to be of the close friends of Allah) is having iman (faith) and Taqwa (God-conciousness). We cannot designate ourselves or others as such (i.e. wali), as this is decided by Allah, He knows the hearts and the true piety within.
No so-called saint, dead or alive, can give you anything, nor can they benefit or harm. Allah alone is the true Provider and He alone controls the universe.
Grave worship, that is visiting the graves of the desceased to ask them for something or similar, is a huge sin. If we ask, we should ask from Allah alone, for Allah is The Ever-Living, He never dies and He is the Provider, The Rich.
The practice of visiting graves of “saints”/”pirs” or “walis” and praying to them is a serious crime and a form of shirk (the biggest sin Allah won’t forgive).
May Allah protect us from all types of shirk! May Allah, The One, The Compeller, grant us perfect Tawheed for His sake alone forever! May Allah forgive us for any error. Allahumma salli alaa Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wasallam. ameen!
Muharram is a month of great virtue. It is of the four sacred months out of twelve months in the Islamic calendar.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allaah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein”
[al-Tawbah 9:36]
Allah, The Almighty, has made it a sacred month of great virtue. May He allow us to abstain from sins, to turn to Him in repentance, and to run back to Him with good deeds, for verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds.
And Allah is The Most Generous. Oh Allah we ask for Your peace and blessings upon The final prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Ameen ya Rabb al ‘aalameen.
It is encouraged to fast in Muharram, particularly the 10th (Ashoora’), and the preceding day with it (9th/ Tasooaa’). Let us take advantage of these beautiful days, in sha Allah.
It was proven from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that the best fasting after Ramadaan is fasting in the month of Muharram.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best fasting after Ramadaan is the month of Allaah Muharram, and the best prayer after the obligatory prayer is prayer at night.” Narrated by Muslim, 1163.
**Ashura dates and fasting reminders**
Regarding the significance of fasting on Ashoora’ :
The reason why the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ and urged the people to do likewise is mentioned in the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (1865) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “We are closer to Moosa than you.” So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast.
Fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ does expiate (minor sins) for the past year, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162.
‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora and told the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of Allaah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Next year, if Allaah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.” But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had passed away.
Narrated by Muslim, 1916.
It is expected that 9th Muharram 1445 will coincide with 27th July 2023 and 28th Aug 2023 will be the 10th, or Ashoora’. May Allah grant us sincerity and the ability to seize the opportunity this Ashoora’ by fasting to gain His reward, love and forgiveness, through implementing the Sunnah of His final messenger Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Ameen
What is meant by udhiyah (sacrifice)? Is it obligatory or Sunnah?.
Praise be to Allaah. The word udhiyah means an animal of the ‘an’aam class (i.e., camel, cow, sheep or goat) that is slaughtered during the days of Eid al-Adha because of the Eid and as an act of worship, intending to draw closer to Allaah thereby.
This is one of the rituals of Islam prescribed in the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and according to the consensus of the Muslims.
In the Qur’aan:
1 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only)”
[al-Kawthar 108:2]
2 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say (O Muhammad): Verily, my Salaah (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allaah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists).
He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims”
[al-An’aam 6:162]
The word nusuk (translated here as sacrifice) means sacrifice; this is the view of Sa’eed ibn Jubayr. And it was said that it means all acts of worship, including sacrifice, which is more comprehensive.
3 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And for every nation We have appointed religious ceremonies, that they may mention the Name of Allaah over the beast of cattle that He has given them for food. And your Ilaah (God) is One Ilaah (God Allaah), so you must submit to Him Alone (in Islam). And (O Muhammad) give glad tidings to the Mukhbitoon [those who obey Allaah with humility and are humble from among the true believers of Islamic Monotheism]”
[al-Hajj 22:34]
In the Sunnah:
1 – It was narrated in Saheeh al-Bukhaari (5558) and Saheeh Muslim (1966) that Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sacrificed two white rams speckled with black. He slaughtered them with his own hand, said ‘Allaahu akbar’ and put his foot on their necks.”
2 – It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stayed in Madeenah for ten years, offering sacrifice (every year on Eid).” Narrated by Ahmad, 4935; al-Tirmidhi, 1507; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 1475.
3 – It was narrated from ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Aamir (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) shared out sacrificial animals amongst his companions, and ‘Uqbah got a sheep that was six months old. He said, “O Messenger of Allaah, I got a sheep that is six months old.” He said, “Offer it as a sacrifice.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5547.
4 – It was narrated from al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever offers a sacrifice after the prayer has completed his rituals (of Eid) and has followed the way of the Muslims.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5545.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) offered sacrifices, as did his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them). And he said that sacrifice is the way of the Muslims.
Hence the Muslims are unanimously agreed that it is prescribed in Islam, as was narrated by more than one of the scholars.
But they differed as to whether it is Sunnah mu’akkadah (a confirmed Sunnah) or it is obligatory and it is not permissible to omit it.
The majority of scholars are of the view that it is Sunnah mu’akkadah. This is the view of al-Shaafa’i, Maalik and Ahmad according to his most well-known view.
Others were of the view that it is obligatory. This is the view of Abu Haneefah and one of the views narrated from Ahmad. This was also the view favoured by Ibn Taymiyah who said: “This is one of the views narrated in the madhhab of Maalik, or it appears to be the view of Maalik.”
From Risaalat Ahkaam al-Udhiyah wa’l-Dhakaah by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him).
Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “Udhiyah is Sunnah mu’akkadah for the one who is able to do it, so a person should offer the sacrifice on behalf of himself and the members of his household.”
Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 2/661.
REMINDER:
If a person wants to offer an udhiyah, then it is haraam – according to the more correct view – for him to remove anything from his hair or nails until he offers his sacrifice, regardless of whether he offers his sacrifice at the beginning of the time for it, immediately after the Eid prayer, or at the end of the time, i.e., before sunset on the thirteenth of Dhu’l-Hijjah.
That is because of the report narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh (1977) from Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever has an animal to sacrifice, when the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah appears, let him not remove anything from his hair or nails, until he has offered his sacrifice.”
But we must be sincere, and change for the better now.
Because if not now, when?
May Allah help us to serve Him alone, make us sincere and successful, and the people of paradise. Allah bestow blessings upon His last prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Amin
(Like, comment, follow, share and spread the word and be a part of the ongoing charity)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’ân) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree)[] (1) And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? (2) The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allâh in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months) (3) Therein descend the angels and the Rûh [Jibril (Gabriel)] by Allâh’s Permission with all Decrees, (4) (All that night), there is Peace (and Goodness from Allâh to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.[] (5)
And if you are a lady on your menses, you can ibadah other than prayer: see this
Some reminders from our respected lecturers in the Ramadan Revival, this night, increase in Qiyam (standing in prayer at night), reading Qur’an, making dua- lots of it, pour our hearts out to Allah! We can also give zakah if one lunar year passed on the wealth which reached the nisaab, and do other good deeds, like istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah –click to see amazing this dua) sadaqah, reminding each other of Allah, dhikr- remembering Allah, salat and salam on rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam!
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Agreed upon.
Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam taught ‘Aisha radi Allahu anhaa what to say on laylat-ul-qadr:
Let’s revive the sunnah and flee to Allah! please remember us in your duas, and like and share this in sha Allah!
NOTE: Congregational prayers are being held around Thurrock and Grays, don’t miss out!
Isha and taraweeh prayers:
Grays mosque has facilities for men and boys. (in Grays Park, Grays)
Taleem Foundation Centre has facilities for men, women and children. (21 clarence road, next to job centre, Grays, rm17 6qa)
Basildon prayer facilities: organised by South Essex Islamic Ttrust
Arrive with wudu (facilities available) and make sure you park responsibly 🙂 (let’s be better neighbours in sha Allah)
May Allah grant us sincerity, and success and jannat al firdaus, May Allah guide and have mercy on us, forgive all of us who believe and admit us to paradise, by His mercy. Allah abundantly bless rasoollullah. ameen
Come and join a gathering where Allah is mentioned. Let’s win this Ramadan in sha Allah.
*RAMADAN FAMILY EVENT*
Taleem would like to invite you to a special family dinner Ramadan event. Join us for a beneficial convention exploring tips on how to prepare for Ramadan.
Thurrock Muslim Community 