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Muharram

The message of Alhaj A. H. M. Azwer, MP Minister of Parliamentary Affairs on Muharram: "Today is the 1st of Muharram - it marks the dawn of the Year 1424 according to the Hijri (Islamic) Calendar.

With the sighting of the new moon, the Islamic New Year is ushered in. The first month Muharram is one of the four sacred months that Allah has mentioned in the Holy Qur'an:

"Verily the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heaven and the earth; of them four are Sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein..." (At Taubah 9:36)

The month of Muharram has been blessed with certain specific virtues. It has been recommended in Islamic teachings to indulge in virtuous deeds, including the observation of fast during this month. The Holy Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon Him) said: 'The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadhaan is in the fasting of Allah's month of Muharram and the best of prayer besides the compulsory prayer is the prayer performed after midnight before dawn.'

The month of Muharram in fact has much significance for the Muslims. It marks the journey of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) from his birthplace Mecca to Medina - the journey of Hijra - where he laid the foundation for establishing a multi-racial, multi-religious State based on the Islamic principles of equality and justice, with arguably the first written constitution of the world.

It is also in the month Muharram that the grandson of the Holy Prophet, Hussain (R) sacrificed his life fighting against oppression and falsehood in Karbala in the region of Baghdad.

This time is opportune for us to reflect upon the achievements and failures of the past year and to anticipate new experiences in the coming year. Let us reflect upon our actions of the past at this moment and ensure that we indulge in virtuous deeds in this month as taught to us by the Holy Prophet.

Let us also pray that Almighty Allah relieves the suffering of Muslims, including the Muslims Sri Lanka. May the arrival of this Sacred Month also the dawn of lasting peace and prosperity in our beloved motherland

- Ameen!

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