Suleiman Hani – Muharram and New Beginnings

			Allah subhanaw taala reminds us for our own well being our own success, our own happiness. All
believers, be mindful of Allah as he deserves, worship Allah as is his right upon you and do not die
except in a state of submission. May Allah subhanaw taala allow us to live consistently upon Islam
to die upon Iman Olam. I mean,
		

			it is officially a new year in the Islamic Hijri calendar as of two days ago. And as we know,
historically, this calendar was adopted for a number of reasons. The first is to document and what's
interesting historically about this is that in the era of Ramadan, ohata, but over the long run,
they gathered some of the companions and they spoke about this matter of what month to start to
when, what month should we start measuring? The basically Hijiri calendar. So oftentimes, many
Muslims think that this month of Muharram the first month of the calendar is the actual month of
migration, but in fact, it was in robiola one. And it's important for us to mention this just so we
		

			have a distinction between them. But then the question is why Muharram
		

			and there were a number of reasons that were given that were documented historically. Amongst them
are modelled the law one he mentioned to the companions in that gathering, he said, migration, the
hijra, is the differentiation between what is right and wrong. Those who left meaning that entire
journey of the Muslims going in establishing their new home being safe and secure for the first
time. This was an important moment to document. Some of them said, let's start with Ramadan. We know
the great status of the month of Ramadan. Others said let's start with Mohan and Armada building
along one agreed with his opinion. He said let us start with more huddlecam for it is the end of the
		

			people's pilgrimage. People are finishing their Hajj and they're going back home after their hija so
they ended up starting with the month of Muharram. And the great scholar Hassan Al Basri Rahim Allah
he says about this, he says ALLAH SubhanA wa Tada started the year with one of the sacred months
we'll talk about this in a moment in sha Allah, and there's no month after Ramadan that is greater
Algoma and Allah than the month of Muharram. And this is called no haram because of the severity of
its sanctity, how sacred it is. Now we know in the Quran that the 12 months are referenced meaning
to have a measure of 12 months of time it's mentioned in the Quran. When Allah subhanaw taala tells
		

			us in data shahada and Allah is now Sharon picky tabula he OMA Hanako Samoa to LogMeIn Botwin from
ALLAH SubhanA wa Tada says, Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah are 12 months. In Allah's
record, this refers to a love hate my phone since the day he created the heavens and the earth, this
was the plan for us to have a means of measuring time like this. And then he says four of these
months are sacred. And Allah subhanaw taala adds to this something extremely important for us as a
command that he can do on Fela totally Mophie hindaun for second, this is the right path. Do not
wrong yourselves. In these months, which months Some scholars say This means all the months the 12
		

			months. Other scholars say no it was specified for the sacred months. The four sacred months
according to a number of authentic narrations are the month of Dholera doddle. hijama haram and
Rajab, these are the four sacred months. So what does that mean? They have a greater sanctity. So it
was known from the time of Ibrahim alayhi salam, According to some historians, that the the sanctity
of these months that you cannot fight, for example, other tribes that cannot be wars that cannot be
bloodshed, that these are sacred months, this was passed down from generation to generation, to the
extent that even the Mushrikeen in Mecca even the idol worshipers had still carried this message
		

			over this value over so they did or they also did not fight. During these times, it was considered
something sacred. The month itself that we are in right now, the month of Muharram, which in the
Arabic language literally means that which is forbidden, more Hello. And there's a sanctity to this
month, and they've been IBISWorld the long run Houma, he says fell out totally Morphe hinda and full
circle Allah subhanaw taala singled out these four months he made them sacred, there's a special
status, he emphasized them. And although sinfulness throughout the years prohibited the sinfulness
during these months is even more severe, meaning the weight of it is more severe and the reward for
		

			good deeds is also greater. Just as we say in Ramadan, the reward is multiplying. The reward during
the sacred months is also multiply sometimes during or right before the month of Ramadan. We're
talking about stopping bad habits. Every now and then you'll hear someone say, No, we have to stop.
It's Ramadan, but they're referring to a major sin. No, no, no, we can't. We got to stop for it.
		

			least the next month, one of the young men I was talking to in a halacha. He said to one of his
friends he didn't know I was listening. We had a side conversation. He said to one of his friends,
bro, we can't we can't do that during Ramadan. We can't vape during Ramadan, so just don't worry
about it until after as though sinfulness during Ramadan is important and the rest of the year
doesn't matter as though this is the month to repent from sins and the rest of the year is a year in
which there's hedonism disobedience to Allah. No right and no wrong. And the reality is we know
this, but one of the greatest lessons we take is found in a beautiful quote of Katara del Rahim
		

			Allah We mentioned this name, often Fatah, the who is he? portada is one of the following generation
after the companions. He was a student of Abdullah bin Misurina and only a long run. And I beloved
mistero does we know one of the early converts to Islam directly heard the entire re citation of at
least 70 Solar from the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam meaning he was always with the Prophet
alayhi salatu salam he was from the early stages of Islam. Abdullah bin Masaryk is one of the
scholars of Quran from the sahaba. So he teaches in Kufa after he leaves. He teaches in Kufa number
of students who go on to become scholars of Tafseer themselves and scholars that we reference all
		

			the time. One of them is portada Rahim Allah. So Allah said something very beautiful. I'm going to
mention the Arabic and translate as well because of how important this is. Well Paula Qatada if you
have any further totally morphine and full circle about this, I do not run yourselves in those
months. He said in Ebola mafia Asurion Hiromi Agha Mahalia turn what is wrong me not only female
Seiwa when cannot do other kuliah Harlene ottima he said to commit wrongdoing oppression to yourself
meaning to do wrong or to others as well, during the sacred months is even greater of a sin and
heavier as a burden than Lorem oppression at other times even if Lorem is one of the most severe
		

			things at all times, meaning you avoid it at all times. And then he said when I came in Allah your
ugly woman empty Hema Hachette. However, Allah chooses to honor certain things from his creation as
He wills. So he gave some examples on in Allaha Stofer sofar Yemen hydralie en la has chosen elite
special things from his creation, pay attention because we experienced these year long. The first he
said is for feminine Mala Ekati Rousselot Wamena Nasi rasuna he chose from amongst the angels,
certain angels to be messengers whose is referring to amongst them Djibouti and out of his salon.
And from the human beings as well. Allah chose some people to be messengers was tough, I mean, Al
		

			Konami the problem he chose from all the speech you can possibly have all the things we can say that
the best of speech is the pick, the best of speech is to mention Allah subhanaw taala. To study the
Quran to have gatherings of knowledge was tough. I mean, a lot of the massage that he chose from all
the places on Earth, a special merit is given to the massage. And this should be a reminder for us
to always be looking for the things that are special. If you know of all the places on earth, that
Allah Subhana Allah loves the houses of Allah then try to be frequent in the houses of Allah try to
be regular in the houses of Allah. While stuff Amina shahada Ramadan when I showed her from all the
		

			months, Allah Subhana Allah chose the month of Ramadan and the four sacred months while stuff I'm in
a yam yo Maluma he chose from the days of the week the day of Juma. This is a day that is considered
a read for the Muslims a day of honoring Allah subhanaw taala of coming to Juma prayer which is
mandatory for the men a day in which we increase in our acts of worship, we make more dua, and so on
and so forth. We recite Surah to care for increasing Salawat will start Amina Layali Layton pod from
all the nights of the year, he chose and specify Lena to La pod and that's the night in which the
Quran was revealed. fogli MUMA olam Allah so honor the things that Allah has honored fogli MUMA
		

			Abdullah Mala in number two Algoma Moodle Rima, ADAMA, Allah who will be here in a little further
meanwhile, Verily the people of understanding people of common sense of faith, the people of wisdom,
they respect and they honor the elevate the status of the things that ALLAH SubhanA wa Tada has
chosen, meaning they make them important in their lives. And one of the scholars and Milady
rahamallah in his tough seat. He says, if somebody were to ask you, why are there sacred months? Why
did Allah subhanaw taala choose some months and made them secret special, rather than the entire
year being special? What's the point of distinguishing some months, he said this is so that people
		

			who stopped sinning during the sacred times during the sacred months that that action, you know how
Ramadan some people stopped singing, some people were recorded. Some people read more Quran so
people come to the masjid. So people fast the entire month they don't fast all year. These are
examples that you're able to do more. So he said when people stay away from sins during the secret
times. It's as though this is the strength that catalyst the pretext that they need to do this the
rest of the
		

			here, and this is from the Mercy of Allah subhanho wa Taala for their well being. He said at the end
of this statement, mill, sloth and mean houfy or evadne, you will look for and beat him. So Allah
subhanaw taala out of his compassion and wisdom, specified certain times, certain months, certain
hours the day of out of the night of Elijah. So when that night comes, when that day comes, when
that month comes like this month of Muharram, and you know, it's sacred, so you work harder. That
act of self discipline of Taqwa of hard work, helps you the rest of the year, and that is the
objective of specifying certain things. May Allah subhanaw taala keep us consistent along Miami.
		

			There are so many lessons historically from so many incidents that took place during this month of
Muharram that we are in the sacred month. Amongst them, many of the scholars sees the arrival of the
bash the owners of the elephant led by Abraha la Sriram to Mecca. And this was to destroy the cabin.
Of course, we know the story in Surah 10 feet, this is also the month in which the Qibla the prayer
direction was set towards Beighton macness. May Allah Subhana Allah to Allah liberate and free
Masjid Alloxan bring it back to the hands of the believers, the hands of the righteous May Allah
subhanaw taala aid and support all of our brothers and sisters who are oppressed in every land and
		

			place. And then for 16 or 17 months, it remained the Qibla the first level of Islam, and then later
the command came down assault on buckler, the command came down to change the equivalent towards the
Kaaba. Also, during this month of Muharram. The city of Basra in modern do doc was liberated under
the leadership of audible called Building a long run and year 14 After the Hijrah. And, of course,
during this month as well, six years later, you're 20 After the hijra, I'm gonna be lost so it'll be
a long one. He was amongst those in his group, of course as the general amongst those who liberated
the area of missa. And of course, during this month, six decades after the Hijrah was the tragic
		

			incidents of the Battle of Catawba in which of her saying only law one was martyred and we will shut
down in the next one next week we will talk about the story with some analysis and some lessons
inshallah Tada, but it's beyond the scope of the hotel today. So when we talk about this day, and
this month when we talk about the first 10 days, and we talked about, I don't shoot on the 10th of
Muharram. We know that this is a special day the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam arrived to
Medina and he heard that some of the Jewish tribe they were fasting, and they were taking this as a
special day. And the Prophet sallallahu wasallam asked about this and they mentioned that this is a
		

			good day that there's good in it. And this is the day that Musa his Salah Moses was saved by Allah
subhanaw taala the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam Of course, he said the words that we know if
and I will remove some income I have more of a right we have more of a right as Muslims to be close
to Mousavi said in terms of honoring this day and taking as a day of worship for sama who he facets
on Allahu alayhi salam were not obviously me, commanded the Muslims too fast. This was before the
fast of Ramadan was revealed before was obligated. So in the beginning, the first of Ashura was
actually an obligation the Muslims were required. In fact, in one of the reports, when some of the
		

			Sahaba started hearing about this, they were told if you did not eat Yeah, then fast this day,
meaning fast this day. This is how important it is, or moderately Allah one long after Ramadan was
obligated with send out advices messages, notes, letters written down to different companions, make
sure you and your family fast on this day. It's a very important day, the day of our shoot off, and
the one who fasts on that day. They have one year of their sins forgiven exspeedite Allah subhanaw
taala Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, not only did he fastest they he loved this day, the
Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was asked about which prayer was best, which Salah which kind of
		

			prayer is best and most excellent and the Prophet Solomon was asked about fasting as well. And he
mentioned that prayer offered during the night this is the best voluntary prayer after the
obligation of course, and the best of sleep and wealth builder of CME by the shadow Ramadan, slam
OSHA De Lima. Mohan, the month of Allah Mahara. And what's interesting about this, it's similar to
another reports in which the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam mentions that the most beloved of
fasting to unlock after Ramadan is the fasting of the month of Allah Mohan. This is the month that
we are in right now. And the 10th Day is the day many people will fast next Friday. The 10th Day is
		

			the day many people will fast and the Sunnah of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, he said if
I live to next year, I will fast the ninth with it as well, as soon as too fast the day before it as
well. And of course, during this month, generally speaking, during during this month, especially try
to fast as many days as possible. So if you were previously thinking about three days of the month,
or Mondays and Thursdays or even every other day, this is a month in which it is encouraged to fast
as much as you possibly can. And it was reported from Abdullah bin Masaru that the Prophet salallahu
Alaihe Salam, even our best study Allah Allah that the Prophet salallahu Alaihe Salam
		

			He was so keen to fast on this day more than any other day of the year, obviously aside from the
month of Ramadan and it is a sunnah young to try to do other acts of worship, do rot, and decay and
so on and so forth. We citation of Quran charity. But one thing that we have to emphasize here
		

			is that during this month in particular, oftentimes people are thinking about a new year. And
generally speaking, when people talk about goal setting, whether Gregorian calendar or the Islamic
Hijri calendar that we should try to be very familiar with and rely on. Often times, people set a
certain date as the date of starting something new. And in coaching psychology, what we're
constantly told and what we're constantly taught, is that if you're always waiting for a new year,
you will always be amongst those who procrastinate meaning, when you burn out with a habit halfway
through the year and you struggle, you may no longer think that this is the best time to start over.
		

			Rather you're thinking about the next marker in the year Ramadan. When you get married when you go
for Ramadan when you go for Hajj when you have a child when you move when you graduate. So you're
always thinking I will change at another time, as though the future is guaranteed. But that mindset
according to many psychologists, that mindset usually means that person won't change. That person
does not really want to change because the one who wants to change for the sake of Allah subhanaw
taala should not be waiting for the first of Mahara should not be waiting for Gregorian calendar
year you should not be waiting for 2024 Don't wait for the month of Ramadan. The best time to turn
		

			back to Allah subhanaw taala is always in the moment. When a reminder comes your way. When you read
something online when a Muslim or a family member advises you when you remember Allah subhanaw taala
that is the best moment to turn back to Allah subhanaw taala renew your faith. Just did you Eman?
Make vicar and dua read the Quran. Go back to your goals and ask yourself the habits that you're
struggling with? What were your motive? Why were you motivated to begin with? What was it that
caused you to start? Why is it so important to you look at your motivators, and assess how much
you're still following through with these motivations. Look at your challenges, and assess what you
		

			need to do to avoid these challenges, the obstacles, the hardships that are stopping you from
continuing, may Allah subhanaw taala grant us consistency during this month of Muharram. Oftentimes,
we're talking about the Hijra. It's now 1445 1445 years, since the early Muslims who are persecuted
and oppressed and killed and murdered had to flee for their lives. And we usually hear about those
who fled. And when they had no option, like many Muslims in the world today, were migrating from
place to place displaced at times, they don't have many options. They don't have many choices.
They'll get into a boat, and they'll try to get to another land and they will drown and take that
		

			risk, because they were looking for safety and security and opportunity. And yet we're living in a
land in which we have a lot of opportunity and a lot of freedoms and a lot of ability to be strong
Muslims and proud Muslims and vocal Muslims and active in our communities and active politically as
well. And at times, we are so far distracted entertained by the luxuries of this life. We're not
taking advantage of the privileges that we have. When we talk about migration Hijra. We look at
examples. Like I'm going to spend an hour for all the loved one, he didn't have to migrate out the
rock Marc Benioff was almost a millionaire in today's terms. When they told him if you want to leave
		

			to summarize, if you want to leave Mecca, if you want to leave with your people, the Muslims if you
want to follow your friend Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, everything you made all the money
you have that you made from our economy, you leave it here, you leave with nothing. Abdul Rahman bin
outflow the Allahu Allah was willing to sacrifice everything. And he left with nothing, he left
everything behind and migrated like the other Muslims migrated. And when he got to Medina, Allah
subhanaw taala blessed him with so much that is that at the end of his life, it was said by Paul
hudl, the Allah one that everyone in Medina was benefiting from the wealth of Abdul Rahman been off,
		

			maybe 1/3 of the people had benefited from him by getting loans from him. Other people benefited
through his charity and 1/3 of the people worked for his empire. To the extent that some scholars of
Islamic finance, they said if you were to try to have an equivalency to figure out how much money he
would have had in today's terms, in 2023, it would be perhaps 50 million to 500 million and some
even said over $5 billion, he would have been one of the wealthiest people in Islamic history. I'm
gonna have I'm gonna have memorized the Quran used to pray with Surah Al Baqarah used to lead the
salah at times. I'm the Rahman bin out was a Mujahid as well. He was not afraid he was not ashamed.
		

			So when you say someone had a lot of money, and they're so busy with their jobs and their
businesses, so they have an excuse, we look around, but often we say, to have a lot of money and to
be a religious Muslim. Does it mean you just give in charity, you have to also want to be involved
in the community's growth. You want to learn you want to pray you want to memorize the Quran. And
there are so many examples in our community around the world who are doing that. But at the end of
the day, the question for us is what are we willing to do to migrate from a past life of sin
		

			sinfulness to migrate away from sins and towards Allah to migrate away from bad friends and towards
good environments. What are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of Allah subhanaw taala knowing
that the reward is worth it, may Allah subhanaw taala forgive us and make us a people who perform
Hyjal spiritually for the sake of Allah subhanaw taala and may Allah subhanaw taala keep us
consistent until our last breaths ask Allah for forgiveness, he's the offer giving the Ever
Merciful.
		

			hamdu lillah wa Salatu was Salam ala Rasulillah while early he or Sufi woman of honor during these
days sure we emphasize fasting. We emphasize Quran we emphasize DUA and they get to being present in
the masjid for as many prayers as you can. And bringing our children or families to the masjid as
well. Being active in learning and bringing them to the heart of hearts and circles of knowledge as
well. But do not forget the internal states do not forget the state of the heart. Do not forget to
make dua alomost, the honeybee Oh Allah, purify my heart, it's one of the greatest do art you can
make. Because when your heart is purified, the external deeds become easier. In fact, they become
		

			sweet to you start to enjoy them. When the heart is purified your character changes during this
month and during other months as well. When many Muslims are trying to become better, don't
emphasize only the external things, do those things, and focus on them and be consistent. But make
sure you're also taking care of your character with your family, that you invest in your
relationships that you invest in your parents, your children, your spouse, your relatives, your
neighbors, that you're taking care of the rights of other people as well. Because one of the
greatest acts of worship is good character. And one of the heaviest deeds on the scale on the Day of
		

			Judgment is good character. So as this month of Muharram began, and as this month is the month that
is sacred in which sinfulness is more severe, so abandon it in which good deeds are rewarded,
multiplied. So try to pursue as many as possible. Let us focus on what we can do within our homes
within our communities internally in our hearts externally, whether it be Baghdad and let us be
consistent as we migrate away from a life style of sinfulness a lifestyle or a particular habit of
sinfulness and towards Allah subhanaw taala as pleasure we ask Allah subhanaw taala to forgive us
and the believing men and women those who are living in those who passed away and we ask Allah
		

			subhana wa Taala to grant mercy on those who are trying to do good wherever they are and to
encompass them with his mercy. We ask Allah subhanaw taala to alleviate the affairs of our brothers
and sisters in every land and every place and we ask Allah subhanaw taala to grant us the good of
this coming year for ourselves, our families and this OMA and we ask Allah to protect us and our
Ummah in the coming years, Lama Amin