Is it just me or has this year really zoomed by?
Don't stare at the screen with that blank face! Depending on the moon, we will be starting the new Hijri year 1435 in a day or two, InShaAllah...
... but you already knew that, didn't you?
With the end of every year begins a new one and I pray to Allah (SWT) that this year brings a lot of blessings to everyone around the globe. Ameen!
Around this time last year, I wrote an article about the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.
This year, I wanted to do something different. So, I thought and I thought and I thought...
Then at 3 a.m. one night, or shall I say morning, (by the way isn't that when the most brilliant ideas strike?), I knew what I wanted to write about...
New Year's Resolutions!
It seemed like a brilliant idea until I woke up next morning. I started doubting whether Muslims should even bother with things like New Year's Resolutions.
I did a bit of research and went around asking friends, and family, (and anybody who was ready to answer), the following question:
Do you think Muslims can make New Year's Resolutions for the new Islamic Year or avoid it because it is the tradition on the non-believers?
I got mixed answers and opinions.
"I think they can unless I am missing out on any Islamic rulings on this."
"Make resolutions everyday!"
"There shouldn't be a problem."
"Avoid it!"
"Resolutions can be made any time: on Ramadan, or Eid or Hajj. I think people need to realise that just because they are doing it for the New Hijri Year, doesn't mean that it is more Islamic, as there is no such tradition in Islam. However, making good resolutions and going according to them is a good thing; it doesn't have to be New Year."
"Avoid it as it is the tradition of the non believers. We are not supposed to copy them otherwise on the Day of Judgement, we will be awaken amongst them."
"If you sincerely want to improve your character and life style, go for it. Just bear in mind that it should not be limited to New Year only and your Niyah (intention) should be to please Allah (SWT) and not to follow some social trend."
"When's the new Islamic Year?"
So after much thought, more research and weighing all the opinions, I came to the following conclusion.
We can make resolutions, because no where in Islamic teachings is it mentioned not to, as long as our Niyah (intention) is:
1. to please Allah (SWT).
2. to improve ourselves and become better people.
3. not to make resolutions because everyone else does so.
4. not to show off to others by sticking to our resolutions.
Keeping all that in mind, I thought of some ideas that could top a New Year's Resolutions list:
~ If you don't offer Salah already, start with one, and be firm about praying that one Salah everyday. Then gradually increase it till you reach five. If you already offer your Fard Salahs, try offering the Sunnahs and the Nafils. And if you do all that, please tell me your secret.
~ Fast on Mondays and Thursdays.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“Deeds are shown (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays, and I like my deeds to be shown when I am fasting.”
[Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 747; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1041. ]
~ If fasting twice a week seems too much, fast three days a month. These days could be at the beginning of the month, in the middle or at the end, and may be done separately or consecutively. But, it is better to fast on the 'ayaam al-beed', which are the days on which the moon is full: namely the 13th, 14th and 15th of each lunar month.
It was narrated from Jareer ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Fasting three days of each month is fasting for a lifetime, and ayaam al-beed are the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth.”
Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2420; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1040.
~ Read an ayah of the Qur'an a day, and try to learn its meaning too. Just one ayah. It doesn't sound too hard, does it?
~ Do a good deed everyday, and don't tell anyone about it. Let there be a daily little secret between you and Allah (SWT) and He will definitely reward you for it.
It needn't be something huge and complicated either. It could be a simple thing as giving a small sum of money to the poor, or helping and old lady cross the road.
Why go far? Start at home. Help a younger sibling with homework. Do you daily chores without your Mum having to shout herself hoarse.
~ Forgive someone who has hurt you in the past. We all know the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) famous saying:
“Have mercy on those on the earth, and the One in heaven will have mercy on you”
[Tirmidhi].
Also, shove that ego aside and apologise to those who have been hurt by you.
Are there more points you can come up with? What is your take on the topic? Will you be making any resolutions this year, or will you be like:
.jpg)
Leave your answers in the comments below. I would love to know what you have to say on this topic.
