Do Muslims Celebrate Thanksgiving?
On the last days of the year, we usually look back at what we did and what were the things we gained in that 365 days that passed. Sometimes, we would regret the times that were wasted or the opportunities that were lost, but at the end of the day, we feel grateful for what we achieved and for having the chance to enjoy the rest of our lives.
Thanksgiving is one of those opportunities that make us stop for a moment and look closer at our life, embracing what has been given to us freely, that is the love and support of our family, and be grateful for what we have gained so far.
Let’s have a quick glance at the history of Thanksgiving and Islam’s attitude toward celebrating it.
Giving Thanks after a Fruitful Harvest
Thanksgiving roots back to some traditions held during English Reformation in Britain. However, in 1621 the first Thanksgiving day was held by “the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians” in North America, after a successful autumn harvest. However, “It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November” [1].
Whatever be the history of this day – having some explicit or implicit negative points aside from its positive aspects -, Islam holds a positive attitude toward the concept of thanksgiving. In what follows we will have a brief look at this view of Islam.
What does Islam Say about the celebrations in different cultures?
As we said in the article on Halloween, Islam is not against celebrating and having fun. There are four points that we, as Muslims, should observe in any tradition or celebration that we intend to take part:
1. It should not be harmful to ourselves and others, physically and mentally. A superstitious ceremony which is not based on any logical reason, and has no benefit for our mind and soul is not considered a proper kind of celebration according to Islam.
2. It should not result in ignoring our Islamic duties. Meaning that participating in a celebration should not lead us toward doing what we are not supposed to do as Muslims (e.g., drinking alcohol, eating Haram food, wearing immodest clothes, etc.) or forgetting what we must do as Muslims (e.g., praying, fasting, etc.).
3. It should not be a worthless and aimless pleasure that would only waste our time. “Islam always recommends us to be aware of what we are doing and think about our intention before any action. Even when we are having fun, there should be something behind it that makes it worthwhile. When enumerating the characteristics of a faithful person in Quran, Allah also mentions those who avoid vain actions (23:3); i.e., those activities that have no use for us and would only waste our time” [2].
4. Participating in that celebration should not make us like atheists or those who are against the belief in one God. That is to say, “A Muslim’s life should mirror his beliefs in every aspect. So, if an action even in appearance, represents what is against Islam or far from its teachings, then it should be avoided by Muslims” [2].
What do Thanksgiving and Islam have in Common?
Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is one of those celebrations that are very close to Islamic teachings. Being grateful to the creator for the blessings He had bestowed upon us [3] and also thanking other people for what they did for us, is one of the encouraged manners in Islam.
Family Gatherings
Also, Thanksgiving is a chance to gather with family and relatives and enjoy their company which is very much recommended in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (PBUHHP) said that: “I command all the people of my followers (Umma), whether present or not, and those generations which are to come … to maintain family kinship even if they live at a distance of a year's journey.” [4]. The family is one of the most significant blessings of Allah to us, so we should give thanks to Allah for this precious blessing.
Helping the Needy
As a way to thank for God’s blessings, some people would give charity to those who are less privileged or are under financial pressures [5]. This is one of the most praised actions in Islam and is highlighted in many narrations [i] as well as verses of the Quran: “You will never attain piety until you spend out of what you hold dear, and whatever you may spend on anything, Allah indeed knows it.” (3: 92). Thus, Allah would consider helping others as an act of gratitude.
Having Fun
Some American families would watch football games together, and some would play football together. Some others would pack up and go on a journey. Islam always recommended having fun, playing sports and traveling [ii]. Muslims should not keep themselves from enjoying Halal and lawful activities [iii].
6 Points to make the most of Thanksgiving as Muslims
1. Allah should be the ultimate one to whom you give thanks
As Muslims, we should keep in mind that whatever we have is granted by Allah. Thus the ultimate one to whom we give thanks is Him. That is the least we can do in return for Allah’s blessings. According to Imam Ali (AS), those who worship Allah as a way to appreciate His favors, are the most free-spirited ones, comparing with others who worship Allah with other purposes [6].
2. Always be thankful
Thanksgiving Day is only a reminder. We should always thank Allah, in every breath and every moment of our lives. A Muslim knows the reason that he/she is alive, and is enjoying all kinds of opportunities and blessings is only Allah. Therefore, every day is a Thanksgiving Day for a Muslim.
3. The chance to give thanks is a blessing
Not everyone is lucky enough to have the opportunity to be thankful for what they have. Sometimes we find more things to complain than to be grateful. While if we consider what we have instead of what we don’t, our life would be much happier and more satisfactory. So, giving thanks is itself a blessing that Allah bestows upon the ones who believe in Him. Thus He says in the Quran, “And few of My servants are grateful” (34:13).
4. Giving thanks will increase your Allah’s blessings to you
The more we are thankful, the more blessings will rain down on our life [7]. A simple Physics formula that every action will have a reaction. The result of our thankfulness will be Allah’s favor on us. Therefore, Allah says: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]” (14:7).
5. Give thanks even for small things
Being thankful is not limited only to significantly great things. Even small or seemingly insignificant favors should be appreciated. Sometimes what we consider small or insignificant is far more important than what we think. Like having the chance of embracing our parents, kissing our kids, finding the nature’s beauties, being healthy or even breathing clean air. When we appreciate these favors and much more that are less seen by others, we realize Allah’s great love and care that includes every living creature, especially us.
6. Give thanks both in speech as well as action
It is not enough only to say you are thankful. You should show it in your actions as well. Whether it is God that you are grateful or your fellow human beings, you should do something that represent your thankfulness. Knowing that all we have is from Allah and not participating in sinful actions with the use of Allah’s blessings are only two ways of showing your thankfulness [8]. Also, helping others and giving away to the needy are other ways of appreciating your privileges [9].
Having said that, don’t forget that expressing your gratitude in words is cherished by Allah and there are many recommended and specific manners in doing so. For instance praying to Allah, performing a two Rak’aa prayer (Salat) with the intention of giving thanks to Allah, repeating some Zikr (short Islamic phrases for praying; e.g. Alhamd-u-lillah (praise be to Allah), Shukr-an-lillah (Thanks to Allah), Allah-u-Akbar (Allah is the greatest), Subhan Allah (Glorious is God)), etc.
Notes:
[i] Imam Reza (AS) stated in a narration that after having faith in Allah and his messengers, there is no better way of thanking Allah than to help your fellow human beings in their worldly matters [10].
[ii] Quran (29:20)
[iii] Quran (5:87)
References:
- history of thanksgiving
- can muslim celebaret halloween
- Quran (2:172)
- Shaykh al-Kulayni, “Al-Kafi”, vol. 2, p. 151.
- thanksgiving day practices
- Mizan al-Hikmah, vol.5, p.9583.
- Bihar al-Anvar, vol.71, p.42.
- ibid, p.52.
- Ibn Babawayh , Oyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.162.
- ibid, p.169.
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Ghadir Narrations part 2
07 - Aug - 2021
90 Read
4 Min
21- Day of greetings
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
The value of deeds on that day (Eid Ghadir) is equal to eighty months, and it is recommended to increase the remembrance of Allah and Salawat upon the Prophet (PBUH&HP) and his family.
22- The day of the leadership meeting
Imam Hadi (AS) said to Abu Ishaq:
On the day of Ghadir, the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HP) raised the hand of his brother Ali (AS) and introduced him as the flag bearer (and commander) of the people and the leader after him. Abu Ishaq said: I said, I beg your pardon, you are right. That is why I came to visit you, I testify that you are the authority of Allah over the people.
23- Takbir Day
Imam Reza (AS) said:
Whoever meets a believer on the day (Ghadir), Allah will send seventy lights on his grave and expand his grave, and every day seventy thousand angels will visit his grave and give him the good news of Paradise.
24- Day of meeting and goodness
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
It is proper to get closer to Allah by doing good to others, fasting, praying, reaching out to relatives, and meeting the brothers of faith because the prophets did so and advised their people when they appointed their successors.
25- Prayer in Ghadir Mosque.
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
It is recommended to pray in Ghadir Mosque because the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HP) introduced and appointed the Commander of the Faithful (AS) there. And that is where the great Allah revealed the truth.
26- Ghadir day prayer
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
A person who prays two units (Rakat) at any time on the day of Eid Ghadir -and it is better to be close to noon, which is the time when the Commander of the Faithful (AS) was appointed leadership in Ghadir at that time- is like someone realized that day ...
27- Ghadir fast
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
The fast of Ghadir day is equal to the fast of the whole life. That is if a person is always alive and fasts all his life, his reward is equal to the reward of fasting on Eid Ghadir.
28- Congratulations and smile day
Imam Reza (AS) said:
Eid Ghadir is a day of congratulations. Congratulations to each other, every time a believer meets his brother, he should say: "Praise be to Allah who has given us the success of grasping the guardianship of Imam Ali (AS) and the leaders." ...
Chapter 3: Guardianship in Ghadir
29- The Prophet and the guardianship of Ali (AS)
On the day of Ghadir, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP) ordered: A preacher should call: Gather for prayer. Then he took the hand of Ali (AS), raised it and said:
O Allah, whoever I am the master of, so Ali is also his master, O Allah, love the one who loves Ali and be the enemy of the one who is at enmity with Ali.
30- Prophetic life
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP) said:
Whoever wants to live and die like me and live in the eternal paradise that my Lord has promised me, will choose the guardianship of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), because he leads you not astray.
31- The Prophet and Imamate of Ali (AS)
I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP) to say to Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS):
O Ali, you are my brother, guardian, heir and successor among my ummah during my life and after my death. Your friend is my friend and your vindictive is my enemy.
32- The foundations of Islam
Imam Baqir (AS) said:
Islam is based on five pillars: prayer, zakat, fasting, Hajj and Wilayah (Guardianship), and nothing has been called as much as what has been emphasized to Wilayah on the Day of Ghadir.
33- Immortal province
Imam Kadhim (AS) said:
The guardianship of Ali (AS) is recorded in the books of all the prophets and no prophet was sent except with the covenant of the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH&HP) and the Imamate of Ali (AS).
34- Wilayah and Tawhid
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP) said:
The guardianship of Ali (AS) is the guardianship of Allah, loving him is worshiping Allah, following him is a divine obligation and his friends are friends of Allah and his enemies are enemies of Allah, war with him, war with Allah, and peace with him, peace with Allah Almighty.
35- The day of the devil's wailing
Imam Baqir (AS) said:
Satan, the enemy of Allah, lamented four times: the day he was cursed by Allah, the day he fell to the ground, the day that Holy Prophet (PBUH&HP) was sent, and the day of Eid Ghadir.
36- Tawhid fort
The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HP) said:
God says: The guardianship of Ali is my stronghold, so whoever enters my fortress will be protected from the fire of Hell.
37- The successor of the Prophet
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP) said:
O Ali, I am the city of knowledge and you are its door, do not enter the city except through its door. ... You are the leader of my nation and my successor in this city, whoever obeys you is blessed, and whoever disobeys you is miserable, and your friend has benefited and your enemy has lost.
38- Islam in the shadow of the province
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
The cornerstones of Islam are three things:
Prayer, Zakat and Wilayah, none of which can be made without the other.
39- Ten thousand witnesses
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
O Hafs! Surprising of what Ali (AS) encountered! He could not get his right with ten thousand witnesses (on the day of Ghadir), while a person with two witnesses gets his right.
40- Ali (AS), the commentator of the Quran
The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HP) said on the day of Ghadir:
Ali (AS) is the interpretation of the Book of Allah, and the inviter to Allah, be aware that what is lawful and what is forbidden is more than what I introduce and command and forbid and count them. So I was instructed to make a covenant with you to accept what I brought from Allah Almighty about Ali the commander of the faithful and his successors.
O people! Think and understand the divine revelations, pay attention to its courts and do not follow its similarities. I swear by Allah, no one can ever utter the verses of the Qur'an and clarify its interpretation, except the one whom I have taken (and introduced).
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Shaban month
29 - Jul - 2023
165 Read
4 Min
Shaban is the eighth month on the Hijri calendar. The three months of Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan are considered among the most important months in the Islamic view. The month of Sha’ban is considered to be the month of the Prophet (PBUH & HP).
In this regard, Imam Ali (AS) says,
Ramadan is the month of Allah and Sha’ban is the month of the Prophet (PBUH & HP) and Rajab is my month (1)
Various important religious events take place in Sha’ban, including,
- The Birth of Imam Hussain (AS) (Sha'ban 3, 4 AH)
- The Birth of Abbas ibn Ali, the brother of Imam Hussain (AS) (Sha'ban 4, 26 AH)
- The Birth of Imam Sajjad (AS) (Sha'ban 5, 38 AH)
- The Birth of Imam Mahdi (AS) (Sha'ban 15, 255 AH)
The most important event of this month is Imam Mahdi’s birthday. Shiite Muslims celebrate this day and congratulate each other. Some also stay up on the eve of Sha’ban 15th and pray for the arrival of Imam Mahdi (AS).
The recommended practices in Shaban
In every month of the year, various prayers and practices have been recommended by the Prophet (PBUH & HP) or the Shiite Imams (AS). Among all, these three months, Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan, are full of prayers and practices that you can say or do and we mention some of them for Sha’ban month below.
Fasting
Fasting is one of the most important practices you can do in Sha’ban.
In this regard Imam Sadiq (AS) said,
When Sha’ban arrives, Imam Sajjad (AS) had gathered his followers and he told them: “My companions! Do you know which month is this? the Holy Prophet (PBUH & HP) said, ‘Sha’ban is my month so fast in it for my love so that you can get closer to Allah.’” (2)
Also, the Holy Prophet (PBUH & HP) said,
The heavens are decorated every Thursday in Sha’ban and the angels tell Allah, ‘O our God! Forgive the ones who fast during this month and answer their call. (3)
He also said,
Anyone who fasts on Mondays and Thursdays of Sha’ban Allah will satisfy twenty needs of them in this world and twenty needs of them in the hereafter. (4)
As you may know, fasting in Ramadan is obligatory, but in Sha’ban it’s not mandatory and yet so recommended. It has also been recommended to fast in the last days of Sha’ban so that the fasting of Sha’ban and Ramadan combine.
Imam Sajjad (AS) said,
The fasting of Sha’ban and Ramadan can meet and if you fast these two months in a row your sins will be forgiven. (5)
Also, Imam Sadiq (AS) said,
Anyone who fasts during the last three days of Sha’ban, Allah will reward them as if they fasted two months in a row (6)
Prayers
- Every day in Sha’ban has an exclusive prayer; we mention the most important ones here.
You can say 70 times every day,
اَسْتَغْفِرُاللهَ وَ اَسْئَلُهُ التَّوْبَةَ: I Ask Allah for forgiveness and want him to turn back to me
- In the last three days of Sha’ban, it is recommended to say,
اللهُمَّ إِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ غَفَرْتَ لَنَا فِيمَا مَضَى مِنْ شَعْبَانَ فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا فِيمَا بَقِيَ مِنْهُ: O Allah! If you haven’t forgiven us in the past days of Sha’ban, then forgive us in the remaining days of it.
The al-Sha’baniah prayer
The al-Sha’baniah prayer is one of the most popular Shiite prayers. This prayer includes various spiritual subjects and so many points about the attributes of Allah and His love. This prayer is narrated by Imam Ali (AS) and it is said that all the other Imams had always read this prayer during Sha’ban.
You can hear this prayer through this link
How should we pray?
There are some practices that are recommended to do before, during, and after our prayers, including;
Salwat
Salwat is a prayer that you say to remember Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) and his progeny. This is Salawat:
اللهُمّ صَلِّ عَلی مُحَمَّد وَ آلِ مُحَمَّد و عَجِّل فَرَجَهُم
O, Allah! Bless Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad and send their savor sooner
It is recommended to say this prayer before and after every other prayer you say. Imam Sadiq (AS) said,
Anyone who has a wish should start with Salwat, then ask Allah their wish, and after that say Salawat again because Allah is so great that he wouldn’t ignore a praying that is between two accepted prayers because Salawat is always answered by Allah and there is no obstacle for it. (7)
Raising hands
Imam Hussain (AS) said,
The Prophet (PBUH & HP) would always raise his hands for praying like a beggar who wants food. (8)
Praying in group
Imam Sadiq (AS) said,
When my father was sad, he would gather all the women and the children and pray and others would say ‘Amen.’ (9)
The Sha’ban month is a great opportunity for every servant of Allah to get closer to him by praying and doing the aforementioned practices. Actually, this month makes you ready for Ramadan because you can ask Allah for forgiveness in this month and if it is accepted, which is so likely, you will enter the Ramadan month while you are pure of any sin. So, do not lose this chance.
Resources
- Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.10, pg.493
- Bihar al-Anvar, Allamah al-Majlesi, vol.94, pg.82
- Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.10, pg.493
- Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.10, pg.493
- Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.10, pg.496
- Vasa’il ash-Shia, Sheikh Hurr al-Ameli, vol.10, pg.498
- Al-Kafi, Sheikh Koleini, vol.2, pg.494
- Bihar al-Anvar, Allamah al-Majlesi, vol.90, pg.294
- Al-Kafi, Sheikh Koleini, vol.2, pg.487
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