Happy New Year! – Islamic Society of Baltimore

ISB wishes you a Happy New Islamic/Hijri Year!

As’salaam Alaikum wa RahmatullahIn the Name of Allah, All Praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings upon the Messenger of Allah (saw) and his family and companions.

We are blessed to see the beginning of a new Islamic year, with the beginning of the sacred month of Muharram at sunset today, July 19, 2023.

ISB Council wishes you and your families a very happy and blessed Islamic New Year 1445 A.H.

Fasting and the day of Ashura

Muharam is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, as it marks the beginning of the Islamic year. We are now in the year 1445 AH (After Hijrah). It is a time to reflect on the past, what we have accomplished and what we fell short on. More than just reflecting on the past though, we must use this reflection exercise to plan for our future. For the coming year, where and how will we spend our time?

One opportunity we have is the 10th of Muharram known as Ashura. It is a great day in Islam because of the many authentic traditions that highlight its value and importance. On this day, Muslims who fast are rewarded with the forgiveness of their sins from the prior year (Sahih Muslim).

Many scholars have noted that the fast of Ashura can be done in multiple ways including:

fasting on the 9th, 10th, and 11th days
fasting on the 9th and 10th OR on the 10th and 11th
fasting only the 10th, which is the least praiseworthy.

This is due to the fact that when the Prophet (saw) came to the city of Medina, he found the local Jewish tribes fasting on this day. He inquired why and was told that this was the day that Allah (SWT) freed the people of Musa from Firaun and his army. Upon hearing this, the Prophet (saw) said, “We have more right to Musa than you all.” He also noted, “If I am to live to see the next year, I will fast the ninth (in addition to the tenth) (Sahih Muslim).

May Allah (SWT) bless us with deeds that are pleasing to Him for the coming year!