At-A-Glance

At-A-Glance

·         Hear details about the signs of the end of time, both those that have already occurred and those to come, including the tribulations and battles, the Dajjal, the Mahdi, the return of Jesus upon him be peace, Gog and Magog, and final signs

·                 Learn about the end of the world, the Day of Judgment, the Hellfire, and Paradise

·         Answer questions on the purpose of our lives, the reason for our existence, how to react when a calamity befalls us, and how everything fits into the biggest picture

·         Be inspired with a sense that your life is a weighty matter with a mission

·    Increase your religious conviction, as well as your religious determination and dedication

·         Perfect for every Muslim, including those who have not had any formal religious study in the past

Hijra calendar / Islamic Calender

The Islamic calendar, called the Hijra calendar, is a lunar-based calendar. As such, the Islamic year is about 354 days long, so the Islamic dates move through the seasons, completing the cycle in approximately 34 years. The first year corresponds to the year of migration of the Muslims from Makkah to Madina.

ALLAH states in the Noble Quran:

"The number of months in the sight of ALLAH is twelve (in a year) - so ordained by HIM the day HE created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred: that is the straight usage. So wrong not yourselves therein, and fight the Pagans all together as they fight you all together. But know that ALLAH is with those who restrain themselves." (At-Taubah: 36)

So there are 12 months in the Hijra calendar and each month officially starts with the sighting of the new crescent moon. With advances in astronomy, we are able to calculate those days in advance but when it comes to official events and holidays such as Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, etc., many communities and Muslim states rely upon the actual sighting, so the dates in a prepared calendar may not coincide with the actual day the events are observed or celebrated.

The 12 months are:

Number	Month	Number	Month
1	Muharram	7	Rajab
2	Safar	8	Sha'ban
3	Rabi' Al-Awal (Rabi' I)	9	Ramadan
4	Rabi' Ath-Thaanee (Rabi' II)	10	Shawwal
5	Jamaad Al- Awal (Jamaad I)	11	Thul Qui'dah
6	Jamaad Ath-Thaanee (Jamaad II)	12	Thul Hijjah

Muharram is the 1^st month of the Hijra year. It is one of the 4 Sacred months. The 10^th day of Muharram is the Day of 'Ashura. 'Ashura is the day ALLAH saved Moses (Musa, peace be upon him) and his followers from Pharaoh. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of ALLAH be upon him) advised Muslims to fast on this day and the day before or the day after as well. He also encouraged Muslims to fast often during Muharram.

Rajab is the 7^th month of the Hijra year and is one of the 4 Sacred months.

Sha'ban is the 8^th month of the Hijra year. It is the month before Ramadan and anyone that did not complete their fasting of Ramadan the previous year and is able to fast should make up the missed days before the end of Sha'ban. It is also a month Muslims are encouraged to fast in preparation for Ramadan.

Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Hijra year and is a very important month. Many non-Muslims recognize it as the month of fasting for Muslims but it is much more than that. You can find more on Ramadan here.

Shawwal is the 10^th month of the Hijra year. It is the month after Ramadan and the 1^st day of Shawwal is the day of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Holiday to break the fast of Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to fast 6 days during this month, but they are prohibited from fasting on Eid-ul-Fitr. You can find more on Eid-ul-Fitr here.

Thul Qui'dah is the 11^th month of the Hijra year and is one of the 4 Sacred months. Muslims intending to perform Hajj begin preparing for that magnificent journey during this month.

Thul Hijjah is the 12^th month of the Hijra year and is the month when Hajj occurs. You can find more on Hajj here. The 8^th day of Thul HIjjah is the beginning of Hajj and the 9^th day is the Day of 'Arafa, a key day during the Hajj. This is the day when all Pilgrims must go to the plateau of 'Arafa from afternoon until sunset and spend that time in remembrance (of ALLAH) and contemplation. Anyone missing this requirement will not be credited with performing Hajj. The 10^th day of Thul Hijjah is the first day of Eid-ul-Adha, the Holiday of Sacrifice which occurs during the Hajj. It is often referred to as the day of the Great Pilgrimage because many of the required duties of Hajj are performed on this day. You can find more on Eid-ul-Adha here.

These following are the dates for 1432H/1433H:
(Note: these dates are based on astronomical calculations. The actual dates are based on lunar observations and may differ slightly. One should verify the dates of special events such as the start and end of Ramadan, the day of 'Arafa, etc. with their local Islamic Center.)

Event	Hijri Date	Gregorian Date
Start of Ramadan	Ramadan 1, 1432	August 1, 2011
Eid-ul-Fitr	Shawwal 1, 1432	August 30, 2011
Beginning of Hajj	Thul Hijjah 8, 1432	November 4, 2011
Day of 'Arafa	Thul Hijjah 9, 1432	November 5, 2011
Eid-ul-Adha	Thul Hijjah 10, 1432	November 6, 2011
Islamic New Year	Muharram 1, 1433	November 26, 2011
Ashura	Muharram 10, 1433	December 5, 2011

EID-UL-ADHA

The twelfth month of the Hijra calendar is Thul Hijjah. This is one of the four sacred months, and is the month of the Hajj. The Hajj, or Pilgrimage, as it has become known in the West, is the time of year when Muslims from all over the world visit the Ka'ba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

The Ka'ba is the first House built for the worship of the one GOD, ALLAH, Subhanahu wa ta'ala, the GOD of all mankind. It was erected by Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Isma'eel (Ishmael), alaihim assalaam. Ibrahim's, alaihis salaam, faith in the LORD is well documented in the Noble Qur'an. Ibrahim, alaihis salaam, is described as being a nation by himself, due to his great faith in ALLAH, Subhanahu wa ta'ala.

Ibrahim, alaihis salaam, was instructed to take his wife Hajar, and son Isma'eel, alaihis salaam, to Makkah. At that time, Makkah was an unpopulated, barren desert. Ibrahim, alaihis salaam, obeyed the LORD's command and took his family to Makkah. As he left them there alone, sorrow overcame him. But he knew he was obeying the LORD's command, so he supplicated, asking the LORD to preserve his loved ones, to allow the desert to bloom and provide for them, and to have swarms of people come and visit them. The Hajj is part of the LORD's granting of Ibrahim's, alaihis salaam, supplication. For over 1400 years, Muslims from all over the world, visit Makkah every year, to perform the Hajj and visit the Ancient House of the LORD.

The first ten days of this month are best and most most loved days of the year. Muslims spend these days performing additional prayers, reciting the Noble Qur'an, and offering supplications to the LORD. Many Muslims fast during these first nine days. Of course, those who have been blessed with it, are in Makkah, performing the Hajj.

The ninth day of Thul Hijjah is a very special day. It is the day of 'Arafa. On this day, Muslims performing Hajj gather at the mount of 'Arafat, in one of the most important parts of the Hajj. They pray, perform supplications and give thanks to ALLAH, Subhanahu wa ta'ala, for all the blessings bestowed upon them. It is on this day that Adam and Eve, alaihim assalaam, met each other on earth for the first time, two hundred years after being expelled from Paradise. Muslims away from the Hajj, normally fast on this day.

The tenth day of the month signifies the beginning of Eid-Ul-Adha, the holiday of Hajj. Those performing the Hajj, have returned from 'Arafa, and now proceed to slaughtering a lamb or other suitable animal, in commemoration of Ibrahim's, alaihis salaam, act of obedience to the LORD. In a divinely inspired dream, Ibrahim, alaihis salaam, saw that he was sacrificing his oldest son, Isma'eel, alaihis salaam, for the sake of ALLAH, Subhanahu wa ta'ala. When he revealed this to his son, his son asked him to do as he was commanded and that he would be patient. As the blade passed over Isma'eel's neck, alaihis salaam, the LORD did not take the life of Isma'eel, alaihis salaam. The LORD provided a ram for the sacrifice, and preserved his two faithful subjects. Those away from Hajj also perform the sacrifice. Normally, they keep one third of the meat from the sacrifice, distribute one third to the needy and share one third with their neighbors.

Eid-Ul-Adha is a four-day holiday and celebration. It commences on the 10th day of Thul Hijjah and is celebrated in a manner similar to Eid-Ul-Fitr. It starts with a special holiday prayer, performed in congregation in the Masjid (Mosque) or other suitable place. It is a time of celebration, of visiting family and friends and of thanking ALLAH, Subhanahu wa ta'ala, for all the blessings bestowed upon us. Fasting is prohibited during these days.

Eid-Ul-Fitr

Eid-Ul-Fitr is the holiday that follows the blessed month of Ramadan and falls on the 1st day of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Hijra (Islamic) calendar. As with all months in the Hijra calendar, it begins with the sighting of the new moon. It commemorates both a joyous holiday and some sadness due to the end of the blessed month of Ramadan.

Fasting is forbidden on this day, as it marks the end of the month long fast of Ramadan. One is encouraged to rise early and partake of some dates or a light, sweet snack. One should bathe, as always, but with the remembrance that this is a special day. Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes, new if possible. There is a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation. The prayer consists of two rak'at, followed by a khutba, or sermon. The prayer is not obligatory, but Muslims are encouraged to take time off and attend the prayer. This gives an opportunity to join with other Muslims in the celebration. Prior to the start of the prayer, the congregation recites the following glorification: ALLAHU AKBARULLAHU AKBARULLAHU AKBAR, LA ILLAHA ILLA; ALLAH, ALLAHU AKBARULLAHU AKBAR, WA LILLAH HILHAMD. This means ALLAH is Greatest, ALLAH is Greatest, ALLAH is Greatest, there is no GOD but ALLAH, ALLAH is Greatest, ALLAH is Greatest, and to HIM goes all gratitude and thanks. One is encouraged to begin reciting this after Fajr prayer and until the start of the Eid prayer.

Prior to the start of the prayer, every Muslim must pay Zakatul Fitr, an alms for the month of Ramadan. This is different from the normal zakat, which is given to purify one's wealth. This zakat is normally given to local Muslim needy prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given anytime during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilize it for Eid purchases.

Prophet Muhammad, salla ALLAHu alaihi wa sallam, used to pray outdoors in a different location than where he prayed his daily prayers. Consequently it is preferred to pray outdoors, if possible. (The weather in the Arabian peninsula was moderate enough to permit this. In other climates, this may not be possible, particularly during certain times of the year.)

Children are normally given gifts. Also, women (particularly mothers, wives, sisters and daughters) are normally given special gifts by their loved ones.

Eid-Ul-Fitr is one of two holidays in Islam, the other being Eid-Ul-Adha, which comes on the 10th day of Thul Hijjah, the 12th month. That occurs during the Hajj, or Pilgrimage season, when Muslims make the journey to Makkah and the Ka'ba.

(5) HAJJ - Pilgrimage To The Ka'ba In Makkah

The 5th pillar of Islam is Hajj. It is required of every able Muslim once within their lifetime. To be considered able, one must be able to handle the financial burden, the physical burden, and be above the age of puberty. Hajj is performed at a prescribed time of the year, during the month of Thul-Hijjah, the 12th (last) month of the Hijra calendar.

Hajj is a magnificent form of worship, combining Salat, physical effort, long hours of meditation and supplication and Glorification of ALLAH, Subhanahu wa ta'ala. It is also a remembrance of the tests endured by Prophet Ibrahim, alaihis salaam, of his wife Hajar and their son Prophet Isma'eel, alaihis salaam. Hajj reminds us of our destiny, of the shortness of this worldly life and of how we will all leave this world with nothing but our recorded deeds. It will be those deeds that determine our final standing or position in the Hereafter.

Hajj can only be performed in Makkah and it offers Muslims the opportunity to visit the Ka'ba, the Ancient House, the House of ALLAH, Subhanahu wa ta'ala, the first House constructed on earth for the purpose of worshipping ALLAH, Subhanahu wa ta'ala. It was originally built by Adam, alaihis salaam, and rebuilt by Ibrahim and Isma'eel, alaihim assalaam, on its original foundation. Many of the duties performed during Hajj are based on the supplications of Ibrahim, alaihis salaam, and the trials and test he, Isma'eel, alahim assalaam, and Hajar endured. Hajj results in the largest gathering of Muslims at any one place and during Hajj, one will experience Salat in a jama'ah of over 1 million Muslims.

(4) SIYAM - Fasting The Month Of Ramadan

The 4th pillar of Islami is Siyam. Siyam is fasting and Muslims are required to fast during the month of Ramadan, which is the 9th month of the Hijra calendar. The Quran teaches us that fasting is a form of worship which has been prescribed and practiced through the ages by many peoples. The Quran states:

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed
to those before you, that you may (learn) GOD-consciousness."

Here the guidance that fasting is required of Muslims is made clear, as well as the reason for this requirement. Fasting is intended to make one more conscious of the Creator, HIS existence, and HIS presence. It should place this consciousness within us, all the time, so we conduct our lives with the knowledge of HIS presence all around us. This consciousness guides our activities and creates a barrier that separates us from all evil and wrongdoing. Fasting is performed by not taking any food or drink between Fajr time and Maghrib time, every day during the month of Ramadan. After Maghrib, one is allowed to eat and drink Halal (lawful) foods and beverages until Fajr. Of course, since fasting is a prescription for ALLAH-consciousness, other activities are involved, including additional voluntary Salat, additional reading of Quran and meditation and Glorification of ALLAH, Subhanahu wa ta'ala.

Note: It should be noted that all intoxicants, including alcoholic beverages and drugs are prohibited and could not be partaken of during or after the fast. In addition, smoking, is discouraged at all times and would break the fast if engaged in during the prescribed fast time. Enjoying marital relations (sex is only permitted between husband and wife) also breaks the fast if performed during the prescribed fast time.

(3) ZAKAT - Alms

The 3rd pillar of Islam is Zakat. Zakat is a purification of the wealth ALLAH, Subhanahu wa ta'ala, has entrusted us with. Every Muslim who has exceeded a minimum quantity of wealth is required to pay Zakat. The Quran discusses Zakat in over 80 ayat (verses), and it is frequently in combination with Salat. The Quran also discloses the qualifying recipients of Zakat.

Zakat is not a charity. Rather it is the right of the needy upon those who are not needy. When one gives their Zakat, they are grateful to find someone willing to accept it. The latter has done a favor for the giver by accepting their Zakat. With this attitude, Zakat is the mechanism by which poverty is eliminated. It is preferred that the Zakat be given directly by the giver to the receiver, rather than through an intermediary. By this method, the wealthy interact with the needy, they see their condition and they feel some of the hardship. This should soften their hearts and encourage them to give charity as well. Zakat does not replace or eliminate charity. On the contrary, it encourages charitable contributions, especially when it is given directly to the receiver. For more information on Zakat or any other aspect of Islam, please contact the IFANCA or your local Islamic Center or Masjid.