Muharram Mubarak
Food Garden Waqf
| New beginnings includes supporting the destitute and needy |
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Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four months of the year in which fighting is prohibited. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, Muharram moves from year to year in relation to the Gregorian calendar.
After Ramadhán it is held to be the most sacred of all the months. The tenth day of Muharram is called Yaumu-l ’Ashurah, and it is a day of voluntary fasting.
The advent of a new year is usually associated with renewal and resolutions to engage in virtuous deeds. This month which signals the new year is a reminder of good deeds we have yet to commence and good deeds we have yet to complete.
Muharram is also associated with struggle, particularly that of Imam Hussein (RA) who was martyred on the tenth day of the month.
The South African National Zakáh Fund (SANZAF) recognises the significance of Muharram and would like to join all Muslims in participating in the experience of renewal and resolution on the occasion of the new year.
There are many of the projects of SANZAF that lend themselves to this kind of renewal year after year. The significance of an annual renewal and rededication to an actual activity at SANZAF is that it allows a review of successes, challenges and missed opportunities. It also allows the individual and the collectivity to reflect on their own personal commitment to a project for the benefit of the destitute and the needy.
One of the projects is the care for the aged among us. This activity of SANZAF focuses on the needs of a marginalised group of people towards whom we have an obligation decreed by Divine law. It is very important that we constantly check how well we are looking after the elderly. Muharram marks a moment in which to reflect how we fulfill this responsibility.
This focus on this year’s programme in support of the aged will be less about providing a meal and more about providing memorable quality time. Details about this programme will be released at a later date.
Many Muslims also view Muharram as a time of reconciling their Zakáh obligations and to pay their Zakáh. Although there is no Islamic prescription with respect to the date of payment of Zakáh, Muharram is a useful indicator and reminder of this responsibility.
Contact your nearest SANZAF branch for further information.
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