By: Samsul Nizar
Professor and Head of STAIN Bengkalis
The alternation of day and night is a natural occurrence governed by the sunnatullah. As the ticking clock continues to spin, time alters. Consequently, the earth and the entirety of the universe rotate on each of its axes. The only difference is that the entirety of the universe rotates in the opposite direction of the clock. It has been discovered that electrons revolve around themselves and then the nucleus (nucleus) of the atom in the same direction that humans conduct tawaf in the Baitullah.
It comes out that the universe is capable of producing extremely large electromagnetic waves when the rotating direction is applied to the tawaf ritual. A rotation in the anti-clockwise direction is capable of producing upward-moving energy (power). Due to this, it can be demonstrated scientifically that the Islamic teaching that praying at the Kaaba is highly effective is true. Because the energy of electromagnetic radiation produced by the servant who performs tawaf multiplies the efficacy of prayer. Indeed, the transition between day and night signifies the passage of time. Alteration in the number of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. The entire universe appears to rotate (spin) on its axis and perform tawaf to glorify the Creator. As a result of the universe’s subservience to His principles, nature moves without collisions or friction.
If the beginning of the new Christian year is determined at midnight, then the beginning of the new Islamic year is determined when the sun sets on the western horizon. Over time, angels guarding humans and the universe took their turn. This refers to the words of the Prophet Muhammad SAW: “Among you are angels who alternate between night and day; they congregate for the dawn prayer (Fajr) and the evening prayer (Asr). Then, the angels who spend the night rise, and their Lord queries them (though Allah knows them best): How did you leave My servants? We left them in a state of prayer, and we returned to them in a state of (establishing) prayer.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).
Islam has four months with unique characteristics, namely Muharram, Dzulhijjah, Rajab, and Dzulqa’idah. “Surely the number of months with Allah is twelve, (as) Allah decreed (in Lauh Mahfuz) when He created the heavens and the earth, among which there were four forbidden months. Do not commit an offence against the (statue) of the straight religion, and fight all polytheists as they fight you. Know that Allah is with those who fear Him.” (QS. at-Taubah 36).
According to the interpretation of Ibn Kathir, it is forbidden to abuse oneself or others during these months. Because, if humans perpetrate sins during these months, the penalties are significantly harsher than on other days. This is a consequence of the immoral acts committed in Haramain. The Prophet advised his followers to observe the sunnah fast during the month of Muharram. This refers to his statement, “The most important fast after Ramadan is the fast of Allah’s month (Muharram).” While the night prayer is the most significant prayer after the obligatory prayer” (HR. Muslim).
Historiographically, the name of the month Muharram indicates “the forbidden month.” In accordance with Arab tradition, it is forbidden to wage war during the month of Muharram. According to this practice, the ancient Arabs determined the months of war and peace. The month of Muharram, on the other hand, is unique in that it is also known as the month of Allah (syahrullah). This name derives from the quote of Allah. Ibn Kathir explains this in his commentary. In reference to the Arab tradition of ignorance, it comes out that modern humans can be more ignorant than Arabs. If the Arab ignorance tradition of truce was practiced against enemies, then modern humans beat the rhythms of war and animosity precisely with each other (of the same religion and nationality), without truce and peace. There exists an odd phenomenon. The attitude of (supposed) educated people, who think and act like primitive humans beyond the ignorant, is even more barbaric than the most barbaric primates. It comes out that Allah’s reminder in His word is accurate: “Ask, Are those who know and those who do not know the same? In fact, intelligent individuals who can learn” (QS. Az-Zumar: 9).
In addition, the month of Muharram contains the Islamic holy day of Ashura. Muslims are advised to observe tasu’a fasting the day before Ashura (10 Muharram), which occurs on 10 of Muharram. This fast serves as a distinction between how Jews and Christians celebrate the arrival of Ashura with a festival. In the book by al-Nawadzir by Sheikh Syihabuddin bin Salamah Al-Qolyubi, it is stated that during the month of Muharram, Allah elevated the status of ten of His prophets, namely Adam, Idris, Nuh, Ibrahim, Daud, Sulaiman, Ayub, Yunus, Jacob, and Jesus. Such is the benefit of the month of Muharram, which should not be neglected. Its existence is not limited to the sign of the new Hijri year, but rather to the substantive dimension that Allah has provided for His servants in the month of Muharram. Aside from the privileges of the month of Muharram and the motion of the universe, which continues to rotate with the motion of tawaf, as well as the clock’s rotation in various directions. Both have lessons (i’tibar) for intelligent humans, including:
First, the movement of tawaf in the direction of ascent signifies the servant’s movement towards Allah the Highest. Move toward virtue and grandeur. Humans progress in the direction of truth, pleasure, piety, sincerity, and other forms of goodness towards the promised glory. Movement of the servant to learn and appreciate each hope, and to arouse a desire for communication with the Khaliq. Certainly, this movement is awoken when the servant always performs the function of humanity and is conscious of his servitude in accordance with the religious teachings transmitted by Rasulullah. If such a movement can be accomplished, glory will be attained, and the inhabitants of the sky will eagerly await its arrival. Although the inhabitants of the planet may not anticipate the personality of such a servant.
Second, the counterclockwise movement in the descending direction represents the return of life to its origin. The motion resembles a downward-plunging drill blade. If humans live by the schedule, they will become humiliated and forget about Allah Almighty. He will only think and act to attain worldly glory by any means necessary. Glory and opulence became the objective. Activity is nothing more than a relentless and guilty pursuit of the world. In actuality, he was preparing for his dishonourable demise. Islam teaches that when humans strive for pleasure in this world and the afterlife, they will succeed. However, humans frequently pursue material existence without preparing for the afterlife. Regarding this, Allah reminds us through His Word: “Whoever desires the life of the world and its ornaments, We will certainly reward them in full for their work in the world, and they will not be injured in the world. These are the individuals who will receive nothing in the hereafter other than torment, and their worldly efforts and deeds will be wiped out” (QS. Hud: 15-16).
As a manifestation of the caliphate’s duties as rahmatan lil ‘aalamiin on earth, worldly activities are highly recommended in Islam. As a prolongation of the Prophet’s treatise, this is the responsibility of Muhammad’s people (QS al-Anbiya’: 107). All actions must have a dimension of subservience to Him (QS. az-Zariyat: 56). If not, humankind will be reduced to a state of humiliation (QS al-Mujadilah: 20). For this reason, Buya Hamka once remarked to humans who select a clockwise character and neglect the direction of tawaf, “If life is simply living, then the pigs in the forest can live. If you work simply working, the forest’s monkeys can work”.
Such straightforward advice conveys the message that life and worldly pursuits must be imbued with a sense of subservience to Allah. Activities that should undergo changes in the form of increases as the year turns and as the time remaining until humans fulfil their promises to Allah decreases. As His servants, humans are granted the privilege of living in the world and making use of everything He has provided. However, all decisions have been influenced by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Humans will attain renown and security by making prudent decisions. The incorrect decision, however, will be humiliating and miserable. In fact, the momentum of Muharram as the beginning of the new hijrah year is not limited to the turn of the year but gives humans a choice: to follow the motion of nature, which always performs tawaf and glorifies Allah by following the teachings of the Prophet, or to follow clockwork until it reaches its final resting place on the ground.
The presence of Muharram as the impetus for the change of the Hijri year should serve as a means of evaluating and contemplating on past accomplishments. Considering oneself to be a subordinate and caliph on earth. The choice was communicated by the Messenger of Allah through his words, and Allah was recalled by His own words. If Muharram chooses to construct a life with the dimension of tawaf, Allah will raise the servant’s status to a lofty level so that he or she can receive Divine love. The entire population of heaven will await his arrival and bear witness to it. Nonetheless, if Muharram is limited to the change of year without significance, then the choice will be a clockwise movement in synchronization with the downward movement of the drill bit (the earth). The inhabitants of the earth may worship, while those of the heavens scoff. So long as Allah has not revealed his disgrace, all grandeur on earth exists. When Allah unleashes my infamy, no matter how noble one’s position is, everything will be transformed into humiliation. The only eternal human glory is that which Allah bestows upon His chosen servants.
Muharram’s presence is not limited to the beginning of the Hijri year. The momentum of Muharram is a result of evaluating the choices made thus far. Allah always grants choice to every human being. Numerous prospective benefits of being a perfect creature have been provided. Allah’s (written and unfolded) word and the Prophet’s words are so undeniably obvious. It all depends on the calibre of each individual and the decisions that have been or will be made when interpreting Muharram.
Wa Allahua’lam bi al-Shawwab.
Translated by Riska Saputra
Alumni from the English Education Study Program at STAIN Bengkalis.
Master Student at Graduate Institute of Network Learning Technology in National Central University, Taiwan.
