The Islamic New Year 1428

Dear Brothers and Sisters, as-Salaamu alaikum!

It's already another new year in the long Islamic Calendar. It is the year 1428. This is another year of Islamic history that we usually rejoice mentioning the luminous epochs of it. Fourteen hundred and twenty eight years have passed since the great incident of Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah that marked the outset of something called Muslim Ummah.


The day our beloved Prophet (S) arrived to Madinah was indeed the birthday of the Muslim Ummah. As reported in many authentic accounts, the building of the mosque of Madinah, which was also the headquarters of the new Muslim governance, took place after an unprecedented event in human history. When Prophet Muhammad (S) arrived to Madinah he was ordered by Allah to establish a community like no other community. A pattern for the Muslim societies and communities to come after. A community constituted of individuals who could absorb the principle of brotherhood in its highest meaning and spirit. A community that would look similar to a tree with different branches holding to it tightly where each individual sees the common benefits as a priority over the personal ones. A community where sacrifice and concern for one another are great virtues.


This event was conducted by the Messenger of Allah who called upon each Muhaajir, emigrant, and Ansaary, supporter, to become brothers and to care about one another. The Ansaar; the Supporters from Madinah were very eager to help and support those who left their homes and belongings in Makkah for the sake of Allah and His Deen. They did not only host their new faith-brothers and their families but they even shared with them their properties and most of what they owned. A thing that could never be imagined in today's world where even the so-called Islamic brotherhood could rarely be manifested beyond verbal courtesy and the usual lip service of insha Allah brother or sister! when the available help is needed.


In commemorating the Hijrah, the Muhaajirun and al-Ansaar and their legacy, we should try to imitate them for their unforgettable qualities through which they achieved what they achieved in order to change the state of our affairs to better as it happened for them. Please reflect on the following Ayat of the Qur'an:

"For the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their properties, seeking bounties from Allah and to please Him, and supporting the cause of Allah and His Messenger. Such are indeed the truthful. And those who before them had homes and had adopted the faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their for that which they have been given and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful. And those who came after them say, ?Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful.? (59:8-10)

Imam