In Your Opinion: Area Muslims Observe Pre-Ramadan Celebration

By Imam Rizwan A. Rizvi.

Shaʿbān is the eighth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, it is the month that precedes the holy month of Ramaḍān, when Muslims across the globe indulge in the month-long fasting.

Literal meaning of the word Shaʿbān is “to scatter;” the Arabs used to scatter and divide into different groups in search of water. The night leading up to 15th of Shaʿbān is known as Laylatul-barāʿah” (The night of freedom from Fire or the night of records). It holds great virtues as mentioned in a narration by Prophet Muhammad who said, “On this night God takes decisions in the matters of sustenance, life and death and welfare of the people.”

Therefore, God has promised to fulfill every legitimate desire put forward to him, especially on this night. One of the blessings of this night is that, at the dawn of this night, was born the 12th Shiʿite Imām, Muhammad al-Mahdi, in Samarra, Iraq in the year 869 CE. He went into occultation 70 years after his birth.

He is known as the Messiah — an ultimate savior — of mankind who will emerge with Jesus in order to fulfill their mission of bringing peace and justice to the world after it is engulfed with injustice and oppression.

There was a night-long program held at Masjid-e-Ali located at 47 Cedar Grove Lane to celebrate this auspicious occasion on Saturday, May 21st. Our congregation will gather and worship God by performing specific prayers recommended for this particular night, in addition we’ll also pray for the reappearance of Imām al-Mahdi alongside Prophet Jesus and offer prayers for our community, friends and family members.

Rizvi is the Imam of Masjid-e-Ali Mosque.

Your Thoughts

comments