Rites or Rights?

Islam

This is an Arabic term, which means, “submission to the Divine will”. This is not a new term for us, but is is a misnomer in the present era. The term musallmaan means the one whose will is amalgamated with that of Divine will. The actions which make a sect of community praise us, and a sect, curse us, are truly selfish. Selfless actions make all the creations happy, and rejoice in merriment. If our actions are like this, we are the true follower of Islam. This is not a religious concept, rather a concept based on humaneness and humility.

Hijri means migration. What kind of migration are we talking about?

We are aware that Prophet Mohammed (p.b.u.h) was born in Mecca. His positivity began rising, but his kinsman and acquaintances began cursing him. He was guided towards Medina, during the course of the Divine Revelation. The Holy Quran was not reveled in a single bout, but across several bouts. That was marked as the Hijri. There was an intimate friend of Prophet Mohammed who was a famous astronomer. He observed the subtle and grand planetary movements, noted the pattern of waxing and waning moon, and thus created a lunar calendar. This is not a recent event, but 1431 years ago. This present year is 1431st year from the Hijri.

Muharram, Safar, Rabi Al-Awwal, Rabi Al-Thani, Jamada Al-Awwal, Jamada Al-Thani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramzaan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, and Dhul Hijjah comprise the twelve months of the Hijri Calender. They are made up 29 and 30 days. Thus, there is a difference of 10 days, at the end of one lunar year, with respect to Georgian Calendar. This approximation is reflected in the month of Muharram. Muharram falls in different seasons, every year.

Even, the Samvat Hindu Calendar is based on lunar fluctuations. The days do not lie in symmetry with the Georgian calendar. Thus, the days are collected for four years and are introduced as the Purushottam Maas, or Adhik Maas.

Muharram..

Haraam means the actions which are forbidden. The list of forbidden actions encompasses the alcoholism, addiction, attachment, greed, lust and the rest. These actions are also included in all religions. When the Islamic Calendar begins, the Divine instruction quotes that battles and warfare are prohibited. Muharram is the month, when we cherish the power of the sacrifice, which happened in this month, several ages ago. The first four months of the year are considered as the pure days, for we may practice true penance and manage to control our senses. Roza (fasting) are practiced in these days, for self-control descends. People ask for forgiveness from their kinsman, and even forgive their deeds. Any kinds of purchases are not practiced in this month. But, it should be practiced by heart. Repeating the words for forgiveness is an easy child’s play, we shouldn’t foster in those thoughts of grudges for others. If we truly implement the virtues, then all the rites will appear futile, and we will feel the Oneness. Haraam should be avoided, and Halaal should descend, which means that goodness and penance should triumph inside out.

Lots of rituals are practiced in these days. But, we are often misled by the actions, and entitle the people, with prejudices. But, judgement again is an act of Haraam. All the actions take them closer to God, we stand no where to judge. And moreover, this discussion is not from a religious standpoint, but from that of humanity.

Even, Saavan somvaar have begun. Lord Shiv is revered, people take some of the holy waters from a river or a lake and carry it, bare foot, to the grand Shiv temple. Then, the Shiv Snaan begins. There is a description of rites and gifts, which can grant bounties and blessings to us. If we offer milk, we may become rich, if some yogurt, we may become famous, but, if we offer our mind, we will become Shiv. We need not go to any temple, the body itself is the temple of the soul. If we offer the mind within, we will be freed. Again, it is not a religious discussion, but unity has been illustrated through meagre efforts. Let us end, with a quote, “Desire what you deserve.” And, we deserve Oneness.

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