Once Imam Sajjad (AS), the fourth Shiite Imam, heard a beggar asking people for charity on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hajjah, the day of Arafah. Imam Sajjad (AS) was surprised and said:
Shame on you! Are you asking somebody for help other than Allah on this holy day? While on this day, even the fetus in the uterus hopes that Allah might grant them a happy future in the world (1)
As Imam Sajjad (AS) said, the day of Arafah is the day of Allah’s great mercy toward humanity. There are two important occasions in the Islamic calendar that are considered as the most important ones: the day of Arafah and the night of Qadr.
On the second day of their pilgrimage, hajj pilgrims must stay in the Arafat plain from noon until sunset, praying and seeking forgiveness from Allah Almighty and thanking Him for the opportunity to perform Hajj. This is known as “Wuquf in Arafat”. The Arafat plain is a special place near Mecca, and it is said that no one has ever sinned in this plain.
There is also a mountain named Arafah in this plain, also known as “Jabal ar-Rahmah” which means “the mountain of Mercy”. About this mountain, Imam Baqir (AS) said:
Anyone who stays on this mountain, Allah will grant them their wishes. For the good people, Allah will grant all their wishes whether they are about this world or the Hereafter but for the bad people, only their worldly wishes will be granted (2)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) stood on this mountain in his last days and bid farewell to his followers.
The most important practice for all the pilgrims in Mecca and those who couldn’t make it there is praying.
Ibrahim ibn Hashim, one of the Shiite scholars, once saw Abdullah ibn Jundab, one of the pupils of Imam Kazim (AS), in the Arafat plain. He said, “I saw no one like him in the plain; his hands were up in prayer all the time, shedding tears that dropped onto the earth. When people left, I told him ‘I didn’t see no one praying like you in this plain’. Abdullah ibn Jundab replied ‘I swear to Allah that I prayed only for my brothers (other Shiites) because Imam Kazim (AS) told me that anyone who prays on this day for their brothers will be called from the heavens, and Allah has given them thousand more things than what they wished for their brothers’”. (3)
Imam Ali (AS) said:
It is not obligatory for the people to gather in the Arafah Day, except if they are in Mecca, but it’s no problem if people gather in the other cities and call upon Allah together. (4)
Sudair as-Sirafy, one of the pupils of Imam Sadiq (AS), asked him about fasting in the Arafah day. Imam Sadiq (AS) said “My father wouldn’t fast on this day [and I won’t neither]”. Sudair asked: “why don’t you?” Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
The Day of Arafah is a day of supplicant and prayer. Therefore, I worry that fasting would make me weak and I couldn’t pray enough, so I don’t want to fast on this day. (5)
There are some famous prayers narrated from the Shiite Imams that should be recited on this day. Imam Hussain (AS), before he moved to Karbala, stayed in the Arafat Plain and prayed humbly with his hands raised, asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy. This beautiful prayer is full of teachings about Allah and its recitation is highly recommended. Shias mostly go to holy places like mosques and shrines and recite this prayer together.
Imam Sajjad (AS) also has a prayer exclusively for this day, which is written in the book “Sahifah as-Sajjadiah”.
Other than praying, there are some rituals mentioned in the hadiths that one can do on this day:
• Those who can’t make it to Mecca can visit the shrine of Imam Hussain (AS) in Karbala. In this regard Imam Sadiq (AS) said,
Anyone who makes pilgrimage to Karbala and washes their body in the Forat (a famous river there), and then goes to the shrine of Imam Hussain (AS), for every step they take, Allah considers it like a pilgrimage of Hajj”. (6)
• Giving charity to the needy ones
• Performing ghusl (a ritual bath)
• Fasting. Imam Ridha (AS) said,
Fasting on the day of Arafah is equal to fasting for a year. (7)
However, as Imam Sadiq (AS) mentioned, if fasting weakens you and hinders your prayer, it’s better not to fast.
Resources
- Man la Yahduruhu al-Faqih, Sheikh Saduq, vol.2, pg.211
- Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.13, pg.546
- Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.13, pg.544
- Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.13, pg.561
- I’lal ash-Shara’I, Sheikh Saduq, vol.2, pg.386
- Al-Kafi, Sheikh Koleini, vol.4, pg.580
- Al-Istibsar, Sheikh Toosi, vol.2, pg.133
The Day of Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, which marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the holy Prophet’s (PBUH&HP) grandson, and his companions in the battle of Karbala. They were all slain in such a horrific way that it is difficult to find such cruelty alike in the history of humankind. They were violently martyred after they were besieged and prevented from obtaining water to drink, and so they departed this life thirsty- this was for no crime other than their refusal to swear allegiance to Yazid, the notorious tyrant of the time [1].
Imam Hussain (AS), along with his family members and companions, showed the highest degree of moral standards in dealing with calamities they went through. He made any effort to clarify the truth and goals for which they rose up and were ready to sacrifice their lives. This article focuses on some of the most prominent virtues Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions displayed on this day; the ones that –if practiced- will finally lead to the salvation of humankind:
Imam Hussain (AS) taught the faithful believers, in practice, that they should not hesitate to sacrifice everything for the religion of Allah to protect it when it is at risk. He rose up against Yazid when he noticed this dictator openly violated the commandments of Allah.
He announced: “Don't you see that truth has been replaced by falsehood? We must be prepared to sacrifice everything precious in support of Truth!”. Ali Akbar (AS), Imam’s eldest son, asked him in this regard if they were on the right path. Imam (AS) replied in the affirmative. Ali Akbar (AS) then said: “Then, it makes no difference if death comes to us or if we approach death.”
Imam Hussain (AS) believed that living under a tyranny was nothing but living in hell:
“To me, death is nothing but happiness and living under tyrants nothing but living in a hell” [2].
In Karbala, when Imam Hussain (AS) was placed in a dilemma by the oppressors to be humiliated by swearing allegiance to Yazid or to fight and die with glory, he said he would not accept humiliation and obedience to mean people [3].
In another famous narration, he said: “If you don't believe in any religion and don't fear the Resurrection Day, at least be free in this world” [4]. In other words, if you do not follow a specific religion or believe in the Hereafter, at least be humane in your worldly affairs. This saying of Imam (AS) invites the whole world to reject submission to oppression; to practice freedom.
The most important social message of Imam Hussain (AS)’s revolution is fighting against people’s unawareness. The tyrants of that time had done everything to diminish the limits between right and wrong, and Imam Hussain (AS) intended to redefine that for the society:
“I never revolted in vain, as a rebel or as a tyrant, but I rose seeking reformation for the nation of my grandfather Muhammad (PBUH&HP). I intend to enjoin good and forbid evil, to act according to the traditions of my grandfather, and my father Ali ibn Abi-Talib (AS)” [5].
Imam Hussain (AS) and his loyal companions were all patient in the face of traumatic events, among which are: being surrounded in the hot desert and prevented from obtaining water for three consecutive days by the enemy, martyrdom of his six-month-old infant son, his young son, Ali Akbar (AS), his brother Abbas ibn Ali (AS), his relatives and companions before his eyes, etc.
Imam (AS) never complained about these and instead would say: “We, the household of the Prophet (PBUH&HP), are subservient to whatever Allah has destined us. We will be patient on this calamity, which has happened to us. Of course, Allah the Almighty will give us the reward of the patients. We will be surrounding the Prophet (PBUH&HP) in the Paradise” [6].
On the day of Ashura, when the battle was in full swing, he told his companions: “Be patient O ' the son of the nobles. Death is only a bridge that takes you from misery and loss to the vast Paradise and the eternal graces” [7].
Imam Hussain (AS) and his blessed companions were living examples of what the Quran taught: “So be patient, with a patience that is graceful” (70:5); patience which was not out of helplessness or weakness but was a demonstration of steadfastness and bravery.
Fidelity and promise-keeping was the other prominent feature of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions. See how Imam (AS) described his companions on the night before Ashura: “I do not know companions more loyal and better than my companions” [8]. That night when Imam (AS) told them they were free to leave and give up before the battle, his brother, Abal-Fazl al-Abbas (AS), said: “Why should we do such an act? To live after you, never! May Allah forbid such a day!” The others, too, unanimously said they would never betray their Imam.
Or, in another example we see, on the day of Ashura, after Abbas (AS)’s right hand was cut off by the army of Yazid –when he had gone to get some water for the children and women- he bravely recited these epic verses: “By Allah, if you cut my right hand, I will never stand back, and I will protect my religion, and I will support the Imam who stands firm in his belief and is the grandson of the pure and truthful Prophet [9]”.
These were only a few examples of what made Ashura and Imam Hussain (AS)’s uprising an epic that will never fade from the memory of humankind. Every year, millions of people around the world commemorate this tragedy, express their sorrow, and remind themselves to firmly stand against tyranny as Imam Hussain (AS) did. This has also affected the people of other faiths, as Mahatma Gandhi has said:
“I learned from Hussain (AS) how to be wronged and be a winner, I learned from Hussain (AS) how to attain victory while being oppressed [10]”.
References
Feast of Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal [i]. It marks the end of Ramadan, the month in which Muslims practice fasting (Sawm). This Feast (Eid) is considered one of the most prominent occasions in the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by all Muslims around the world. But what is it that makes this feast (Eid) a special day for Muslims?
“Eid” is derived from the verb “عَوَدَ: Avad’ah” in Arabic, which literally means “to go back”. In Islamic culture, days in which people have been relieved of hardships and catastrophes, and go back to good days of prosperity and happiness, are called Eid.
Two features make The First of Shawwal, Eid or as we call it the Feast of Fitr:
On this day, Muslims are again allowed to eat and drink, and the obligation to fast is lifted from them. In fact, the word “Fitr” literally means “beginning to eat and drink”. And “Iftar” means to start eating and drinking after some time. Now consider Eid al-Fitr something like daily Iftar, but on a greater scale. This is Iftar after a whole month of fasting.
Feast of Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) is a special day. A day that is chosen by Allah. After a month of submission to His will and doing what it takes to get nearer to Him, and win His satisfaction, now is the time to enjoy the outcome. Allah pardons our sins, spreads His forgiveness and rains down His blessings.
As He has promised in the Quran, “…forgiveness and a great reward” (35:33) are prepared for those who fast. This is, indeed, a blessing that comes true in this world. A pleasure that Muslims experience in this world, as well as Hereafter.
So why not be happy on this day? This is a new day for Muslims, in which they go back to the time when they had not committed any sins yet. Feast of Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) is a chance for them to start over.
To start fresh, one should put behind old habits, those actions that harmed one’s self or were harmful to others. Now that we are relieved from the burden of our mistakes, sins, and regrets, born again, pure and innocent, we should protect this gift dearly. From this day on, what counts is our future actions [ii].
On the day of Eid, Muslims are required to pay a certain amount of money if they can afford, that is called Zakat al-Fitr. Giving Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory, provided that the person him/herself is not poor. It marks the fulfillment of the act of fasting.
The amount of this kind of charity depends on the type of usual main food consumed by the believer during the year, which may be rice, wheat, barley, dates, etc. [2]. This amount is given to the poor people of the society or those who are underprivileged.
Feast of Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) is the realization of the lessons Muslims have learned during the 30-day fasting of Ramadan. Muslims give away part of what they consume daily of food or drinks to the poor and destitute. And they learn that in this world there are things that are far more important than bodily desires. That is humanity and the love for human beings.
Moreover, Ramadan is a time for Muslims to wash away themselves from the vices of this world. Similarly, Zakat frees the soul from the weakness of depending too much on material matters and thus, is a way to complete the effect of fasting.
Allah has given us the chance to become a new person and mark a turning point in our lives. Shouldn’t we be grateful for this reward? We praise Allah “for He has shown us the Right Path.” And give thanks “to Him for that which He has conferred upon us” [iii]. This is where the prayer of Eid al-Fitr finds its meaning.
One of the recommended acts on this day is to perform a two-unit (Raka’a) prayer. Muslims all around the world, gather together in their mosques and form a great and unified social occasion. In the Qunut [v] of this prayer, we give thanks to Allah for pardoning our previous sins. And we ask for His help in doing what is good and in protecting our newly gifted purity in the future.
Imam Ali (AS) believed that Muslims should be reminded of the Day of Judgment, at the time of standing for the prayer of Eid al-Fitr. As if they are standing in front of Allah [iv].
Eid is a going back, a change to a better self. So whenever one keeps him/herself from committing sins, from lying, backbiting, slandering, offending, etc. he/ she is celebrating an Eid. Similarly, the day of Eid loses its meaning if one goes on to do whatever wrong he/she used to do. As Imam Ali (AS) puts: “Any day that you do not disobey Allah (or commit sins) is your Eid”[4].
Notes:
[i] Tenth month of the Islamic Calendar.
[ii] Imam Ali (AS) said: “ O’ servants of Allah! Beware that the least outcome for the fasting men and women is that on the last day of Ramadan, an angel would call upon them that ‘O’ servants of Allah! I bring you the glad tidings of Allah’s pardon of your past sins, so be careful how you act from now on” [1].
[iii] It is a famous invocation from Imam Reza (AS) remained from Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah:
"اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لا إِلَهَ إِلا اللَّهُ وَ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَ لِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ عَلَى مَا هَدَانَا وَ لَهُ الشُّكْرُ عَلَى مَا أَوْلانَا"
“Allah is Great. Allah is Great. There is no god save Allah. And Allah is Great.Allah is Great. All praise be to Allah. All praise be to Allah for He has shown us the Right Path. All thanks be to Him for that which He has conferred upon us”
[iv] Imam Ali (AS) said: “when you leave your houses to perform Eid’s prayer, remember the time when you are resurrected from your graves and go toward Allah. When you stand to perform the prayer, think of the time you are facing divine justice and are examined for your actions. When you go back to your houses from the prayer, remember the time when you go back to your dwelling places in heaven” [3].
[v] The action of reciting a supplication while keeping the hands in front of the face, turning the palms facing upwards, and keeping both the hands and the fingers close together in the standing position of prayer (Salat).
References:
- Sheikh al-Saduq, Al-Amali, p.100, hadith no. 10.
- Yasin T. Al-Jibouri, Fast of the Month of Ramadhan: Philosophy and Ahkam, p. 111.
- Eid al Fitr
- Nahj al-Balaghah, wisdom no. 428.