“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth…”
These opening statements in Surah At-Tawbah verse 36 confirm that truly, the number of months in a year is twelve and has always been like that since the creation of the earth. This is without making reference to the Gregorian calendar which incidentally, is also twelve months in a year. Indeed, there are several calendars in use in the world and according to the United States Navy, there are six principal calendars in the world currently in use. These are the Gregorian, Jewish, Chinese, Julian, Indian and Hijrah or Islamic calendars. Some of these calendars are purely solar-based, some are lunar-based while others are a mix of the two. The Islamic Hijrah calendar is a lunar-based calendar. Thus, we observe around 10 days of lag between our Hijrah calendar and the popular Gregorian calendar per year.
The Hijrah calendar is used by Muslims all over the world for Islamic events especially, the pillars of the Islamic faith. These includes, the annual Ramadan fasting, the annual Hajj rites and the two Eids (Eid-ul-fitr and Eid-ul-adha) among other significant events. The Hijrah calendar which was established by the second caliph, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) begins with the iconic Hijrah or emigration of the noble Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah. To this day, Muslims date everything starting from that migration which is now 1445 years ago.
It is of great importance for Muslims to plan their year using the Hijrah calendar since Almighty Allah attests to its importance in Surah At-Tawbah quoted above. Allah continues in that same ayah (Q 9 verse 36) “…that is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein, and fight against the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) collectively, as they fight against you collectively. But, know that Allah is with those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious)”
In this write up, we shall focus on the concept of al-muhasabah (self-evaluation), planning for the new year and resolutions as it concerns Nigerian Muslims vis-à-vis the current political, social and religious dispensations.
As we come to the end of the Islamic year 1444 A.H which corresponds to 17 July, 2023., there is a need to review and assess our goals and objectives. Were you able to meet the target? Were you able to achieve the set goals? AlhamduliLlah, for some Muslims, the plan was successful while some were not so lucky. If it did not work as planned, you have also not lost. Allah said in Qur’an 3 Vs 139
((وَلَا تَهِنُواْ وَلَا تَحۡزَنُواْ وَأَنتُمُ ٱلۡأَعۡلَوۡنَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِين))
So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.
After reviewing the past months, then you plan the next 12 months starting from Muharram, you set new goals and plan on improving on the ones you couldn’t achieve in the previous year. As Muslims, we should welcome the new year (1445AH) and make resolutions to draw closer to Allah. You can connect with the Islamic calendar by making resolution to fast on the 9th (Tasu’ah) and 10th (Ashurah) days of the first month, Muharram of the Hijrah year. The Prophet (SAW) fasted on Ashurah day (10th of Muharram) and he instructed us that we should fast on that day. About fasting on Tasu’ah (9th of Muharram), it was reported on the authority of Ibn Abbas (RA) that the Prophet (SAW) said: “If I’m alive till next year, I will surely observe voluntary fast on Tasu’ah day” (Sahih Muslim). As Muslims, we are enjoined to observe this Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). We are also encouraged to observe the voluntary fasts on the 13th, 14th and 15th (The White days or Ayam beed) of every Islamic month, fasting the Sitta Shawwal and giving out Sadaqah (charity).
As Muslims, we have to make resolution for the new Islamic year based on our current political dispensation in our beloved country, Nigeria. We shouldn’t be passive towards political issues. According to the Islamic view, leadership is a sacred position that can solve the problems of humanity and guide them to eternal bliss. Seeking leadership for power solely is strongly discouraged but seeking leadership for legitimate reasons, to raise the banner of Islam is praiseworthy. It may even be obligatory for individuals who have the qualifications to fulfill those roles competently. The Prophet (SAW) said: “Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is just about three months old, we should support the administration with our prayers and we should not take the back seat when the opportunity arises to serve the country. This should be part of our resolution for this new year.
Furthermore, as Muslims, our social life matters a lot. We need to be kind towards people and this is not limited to Muslims only. Being kind towards people is among the recommended acts that have been emphasized by our religion. The Messenger of Allah said: “My Lord has commanded me to be kind towards people just as He has commanded me to fulfill the obligatory prayers”. Truthfulness also matters in the life of a Muslim. Among the qualities of a good believer is truthfulness in speech and action and fulfilling promises. The importance of truthfulness is emphasized when we realize that many non- Muslims judge Islam by the action of Muslims. If a Muslim does good, he positively portrays Islam to non- Muslims through his good conduct and if he does evil, he negatively portrays Islam through his bad conduct. All these are resolutions toward perfecting our social life.
Also, we need to make resolution for this New year by learning about Islam. Are you able to read the Qur’an fluently? Have you been able to read classical Islamic books like the “The Sealed Nectar” or “Let us be Muslims”? Seeking knowledge is our responsibility as Muslims who want to reform the society. There is a saying that you cannot give what you don’t have. We really need to study about this beautiful Islam so as to know how to live in the right way of life. The right knowledge will prevent us from falling off track and give us a solid foundation Islam. As Muslims, we should equip ourselves with knowledge of the Qur’an and pass it on to the younger generations. Should we do that, we would become the best set of people as stated by our beloved Prophet (SAW). He said, “The best of you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it” (Bukhari).
After knowing about our religion, the next thing is to be a Da’ee (caller to the path of Islam). We have to call others to what we believe in. Since a man cannot live in isolation, he has to belong somewhere. If we don’t call him to our side, definitely others with bad morals will call him to their side. According to the glorious Qur’an, Allah said “Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam) enjoining Al-ma’ruf (i.e Islamic monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden) And it is they who are the successful”. (Qur’an 3 Vs 104).
As the new year starts, we should set goals that are concise and achievable. We should work more on self-growth and impacting the lives of people around us in a positive way, it is not a must we do something big, but little act of kindness, community service, being respectful and humble.
We should practice time consciousness, truthfulness and kindness as these are among the qualities of a good Believer. We should prioritize seeking knowledge as it is a means of attaining closeness to Allah. The Ummah needs knowledgeable people at all times and in all places. A nation without knowledge and scholars will live in illusions and sink in darkness.
We should remember that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) did not leave his affairs to chances while emigrating from Makkah to Madinah. Thus, in conclusion, as Muslims and as Nigerians, we should not leave affairs to luck or chances, but we must strive, plan well, do our own part diligently and leave the rest to Almighty Allah to crown our efforts.
اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْأَمْنِ وَالْإِيمَانِ، وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالْإِسْلَامِ، وَجِوَارٍ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ وَرِضْوَانٍ مِنَ الرَّحْمَنِ
[معجم الصحابة للبغوی]
“O Allah, bring this (year) upon us with security and faith, safety and Islam, protection from shaytaan and with Your Pleasure.” [Aameen]
This article is written on behalf of the Scribe Committee, MSSN Bariga Central Branch. All correspondence to mssnbcb@gmail.com, 09021508383
