Author: Muneeb Solomons

Every now and then, the Hijri and Gregorian calendars intersect in a way that is an opportunity for reflection and realisation. This year, the first ten days of Muharram fall in Women’s month, bringing together our identity as Muslims, as women and as South Africans.

As South African women, we know the role of our mothers and grandmothers in the Apartheid struggle. They acted as leaders, activists and changemakers, taking a firm stance against the injustices and as support and scaffolding for their husbands, fathers, and brothers.

As Muslim women, we remember the Battle of Karbala, the plight and persecution of the beloved sahabiyah (female companions) and members of the Ahlul Bayt (prophetic household). These women bravely protected their faith and their families, becoming role models for all, remembered centuries after their deaths.

Sayyidah Zaynab Al Kubrah stands out like a lighthouse in stormy seas. Not only in this intersection of Muharram and Women’s month, but in Islamic world history. Sayyidah Zaynab is the epitome of grace and courage. A true candle, burning itself to give light to others.

She is the granddaughter of the Messenger SAW. Her parents are the Queen of Jannah, Sayyidah Fatima Az Zahra, and fourth rightly guided caliph, Sayyiduna Ali. Her brothers, Imam Al Hasan, and Imam Al Husayn, are the leaders of the youth of Jannah, may Allah ta’ala be pleased with them all. Growing up in the noblest of families, she continues to be a source of hope, inspiration and gratitude for us today.

We can learn many lessons from her life, and she exhibited many beautiful qualities we should aspire to emulate. Five of these qualities are especially important for us, as women today, facing challenges of the 21^st century:

1. Courage

Courage, it is said, is not the absence of fear, but the victory over it. Sayyidah Zaynab faced many hardships and challenges. Not only did she lose her closest relatives in a short space of time, but their deaths were a result of violence and tyranny. Despite the overwhelming grief and fear she must have faced, she stood firmly, her feet planted in the foundations of her faith.

We may find ourselves in a position where a trial or challenge leaves us feeling helpless and hopeless. It is in moments like these where we can take strength from the women of the prophetic household. They showed us how that true courage comes from knowing and loving Allah ta’ala and relying on Him.

• Steadfastness

Remaining steadfast in a world that is changing, in a world of illusions and distractions, is one of the most underrated qualities. Sayyidah Zaynab paved the way for the Muslim women coming after her, showing us patience, perseverance and steadfastness. She remained firm in her belief, holding onto the message and example of her grandfather, our Prophet SAW, without any hesitation or apology.

Being consistent in our worship, actions and prayers is not something that always comes easy. If we find ourselves in a ‘spiritual slump’, we should start with small consistent good deeds and build up from there. We need to make an intention to want to be firm in our faith and ask Allah ta’ala to keep us steadfast.

• Compassion

As a mother, an aunt, a sister, and a daughter, Sayyidah Zaynab shows us how to embody compassion in all our actions and words. Many times, we associate compassion with softness. Sayyidah Zaynab showed us, in her dealings with beloved nephew, Ali Zainul Abideen (May Allah be pleased with him), that true compassion is sometimes shown through kindness with firmness.

• Truthfulness

In the face of adversity, Sayyidah Zaynab stood with the truth. She stood firm on the truth and was unafraid of her opposition. She knew that when one is armed with the Qur’an and the authentic Prophetic Sunnah, there is nothing to fear.

• Wisdom

Through all the difficulties and challenges, Sayyidah Zainab possessed great wisdom and foresight. She understood her context well, and stood up for what she believed, what she knew was right. Wisdom is not just based on knowledge and information. It is being able to disseminate that knowledge at the right time, in the right way. The foundation of wisdom is love. Sayyidah Zaynab showed us this in her actions and in her words.

We ask Allah ta’ala to allow us to be of those who follow in the footsteps of our beloved Mothers of the Believers, the blessed sahabiyah (female companions) and the honourable women of the prophetic household, may Allah ta’ala be pleased with them all, Ameen.

Saleemah Jaffer

For many of us, it is hard to maintain the motivation, determination and vigour experienced in Ramadaan.  With Dhul Hijjah just a few short weeks away, we have 8 simple ways to help us keep the momentum.

Ibn Abbas reported that Prophet (SAW) said, “No good deeds are better than what is done in these first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.” (Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 969)

1. Renew our intentions

We should make our intention to continue our good habits and be consistent in our acts of worship. We are reminded of the hadith “Actions are judged by the intention”.

Our teachers also encourage us to make the intention of going on Hajj, even if we are not by the means (or have not been accredited for Hajj for this year). The wisdom behind this is two-fold: the first being that if we are unable to fulfil this obligation within our lifetime, we pray Allah accepts the intention from us; and the second being that it motivates us to prepare for the journey in our thoughts and actions.

• Fast regularly

Fasting should not be limited to Ramadaan. It is sunnah to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. It is also Sunnah to fast the middle days (13, 14 and 15^th) of the lunar month. Fasting gives us the opportunity to be more constantly aware of Allah.

• Do Tahajjud

Tahajjud is the night prayers performed after Esha and before Fajr salah, after one has slept for some time. With winter months approaching, and Fajr athaan getting later, this is an excellent time to try and establish the habit.

Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Our Lord Almighty descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of every night, saying: Who is calling upon Me that I may answer him? Who is asking from Me that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him?” (Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1145).

Getting up 20 minutes before Fajr athaan to perform two Rakaats will (bi’intnillahi ta’ala) make us of those whom Allah answers their prayers, grants them their requests, and forgives them their transgressions.

• Engage in congregational worship

With Covid-19 restrictions easing, and masajid resuming their daily prayers, there is ample opportunity to engage in congregational worship. Not only are the rewards amplified when praying in congregation, but the social and emotional support and engagement is hugely beneficial. It builds brother- and sisterhood and creates a platform for spiritual growth.

• Be generous

The Prophet (SAW) said “The deeds most beloved in the eyes of Allah are those deeds carried out with continuity (regularity) although they may be small” (Source: Sahih al-Muslim). While many of us keep our charity in the hopes of magnifying the blessings associated with disbursing in Ramadaan, we need to try and do it more regularly. Generosity is not limited to financial contributions – we can give of our time, skills, and expertise by volunteering in our community.

• Do salawaat

Sending salutations and blessings on the Prophet (SAW) is something that can be done anytime, in any place. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever forgets the blessings on me has missed the way to Jannah” (Source: Ibn Maja).

Try and make it a habit to do a few salawaat every day. Sending salawaat can also turn idle time – such as waiting in a queue or sitting in the car in traffic – into productive meaningful time.

• Connect with the Qur’an

For us to connect with the Qur’an, we need to nurture our relationship with it. This first step is consistency. Start small – listen to Surah Yasin every morning on the way to work, read a page from the Qur’an every evening after Esha or look up the meaning of one ayah daily. The Qur’an is not only a book of guidance for us, but a source of healing in this world, and a protection in the hereafter.

• Talk to Allah ta’ala

One of the simplest ways for us to build a strong relationship with Allah is for us to talk to Him. Thank Him for the numerous blessings He has granted us. Tell Him about the challenges and difficulties we face. Confide in Him our fears and anxieties. Admit to Him our weaknesses and transgressions and ask Him to guide us and to forgive us. These conversations will help us to gain closeness to Him, and to rely on only Him.

We ask Allah to make it easy for us, to forgive us, to make us of those close to Him and His Beloved (SAW), and to allow us to witness the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah.

Saleemah Jaffer

Hajj season is fast arriving. For those of us who have not yet been invited to perform this sacred pilgrimage, it is a time of hopeful yearning. For those who have already been to those blessed lands, it is a time of reminiscing and nostalgia. And for those who will soon be standing on the plains of Arafat, it is a time of reflection, gratitude, and submission. In whichever category we find ourselves, we all share the same desire: to be of those who will be responding to the call with “Labayk”.

While it may not be physically possible for all of us to perform the Hajj this year, we can make the intention to bring our hearts closer to Allah ta’ala.

We know that Prophet (SAW) said, “No good deeds are better than what is done in these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.”

These are nine simple ways to keep the feeling of Hajj alive in our hearts and in our homes:

1. Learn more about the Hajj and follow the events and rituals: Try to learn about the rituals, the history and essence of the Hajj. To make the Hajj real for those of us at home, follow the journey of the Hujjaj each day, with the awareness of where the Hujjaaj are, what they are doing and most importantly, why that are doing it. Reflect on the different places and rituals and what they mean.
2. Fast regularly: Our teachers recommend that we fast as many days as possible in the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, with special emphasis on the day of Arafaat. Encourage children who have started fasting in Ramadaan to fast on this day as well – it serves as an opportunity to teach them about the Hajj and reinforces the good habits learnt during Ramadaan.
3. Dua and Istighfaar: The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah have been highlighted to us as blessed days. Maximise on this with dua and istighfaar. Ask Allah ta’ala sincerely for forgiveness without reckoning and ask Him for guidance with ease. Remember to include your family, community, and the entire ummah in these prayers.
4. Show kindness towards your family: One of the greatest blessings and sometimes one of the greatest challenges is the maintenance of family ties. During these days of Dhul Hijjah reach out to family members with a word of concern or a kind gesture. Sometimes a simple phone call to check in can soften hearts. Remember that the Prophet (SAW) told us that smiling is charity and giving gifts increases the love between people. He also reminded us that one of the acts most loved by Allah ta’ala is the maintenance of family ties.
5. Do Qurbani: Doing Qurbani connects us directly to the rituals of Hajj. If it is a challenge from a financial perspective, make the niyyah (intention) and try to put in place a savings plan to enable you to perform it next year InshaAllah. We are fortunate that we have many options available to us. Regardless of which route one takes, whether it is done in the home, or in a different country, whether one eats of the meat or distributes it – there is no doubt that there is a special barakah (blessing) that comes from the sacrifice, a sacrifice for the sake of Allah ta’ala.
6. Recite the Talbiyyah and Takbeer: Let the Labayk roll off your tongue often. If you are blessed with young children, teach it to them and let them hear the meaning. We know Allah ta’ala is All-Hearing, but often in the hustle and bustle of our day, we forget this. There is nothing more powerful than feeling, and knowing, that your Creator can hear you, and that He loves you.
7. Pray salah: Try to pray all salah on time, with as many of them in congregation as possible. Congregational prayers can also be performed at home with your family or even with your neighbours. Tahajjud salah in these days is a highly recommended act of worship.
8. Observe the Day of Wuquf: Try and take some time during the day to engage in ibaadah. During this time, think of the Hujaaj on Arafaat, and ask Allah ta’ala to forgive them and accept from them.
9. Give Sadaqah: Be generous with your wealth and your time. Spend in the way of Allah ta’ala by contributing towards your local masajid and supporting underprivileged communities. There are numerous reputable organisations that accept sadaqah and zakah.

We pray Allah ta’ala accepts our efforts, forgives our sins, and grants us closeness to Him and His Messenger (SAW). Wishing all the Hujaaj a Hajj Maqbool and Mabroor, Ameen. Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones!

Saleemah Jaffer