[Session 8]The time traveller offered a dua:اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَبٍ وَ شَعْبَانَ وَ بَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ"Allahumma barik lana fi Rajab wa Sha'ban wa ballighna Ramadan."["O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha'ban, and let us reach Ramadan"]Then he continued, "Rajab is distinct from other months in the Islamic calendar due to its unique spiritual significance, historical events, and its role in preparing Muslims for the upcoming month of Ramadan. Rajab is one of the four sacred months (haram months) in Islam, during which warfare is prohibited. This designation emphasises the month’s sanctity and encourages peace and reflection among believers. Unlike the other three sacred months (Muharram, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah), Rajab stands alone in the calendar, occurring five months before Ramadan, which allows it to serve as a preparatory period for the holy month of fasting.One of the most notable events associated with Rajab is the Isra and Mi'raj, which took place on the 27th night of the month. This miraculous night journey involved the Prophet(ﷺ) being transported from the Kaaba in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, followed by his ascension through the heavens. During this journey, he received significant revelations, including the commandment of the five daily prayers. This event highlights Rajab's unique spiritual importance, marking it as a time of divine connection and revelation.In 1187 AD, Salahuddin Ayyubi liberated Jerusalem from Crusader control during Rajab. This victory not only marked a significant historical moment for Muslims but also symbolized unity and strength within the Muslim community. It serves as an inspiring narrative that encourages Muslims to strive for justice and dignity in their own lives.Rajab fosters a sense of community among Muslims as they collectively reflect on its historical and spiritual lessons. The month serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, particularly in light of Salahuddin's efforts to unite various factions within the Muslim world for a common cause. This historical context encourages contemporary Muslims to work towards solidarity and cooperation within their communities.Rajab can be metaphorically connected to a time machine and a moment in time in several meaningful ways, particularly in the context of its spiritual significance and historical events within Islamic tradition. Just as a time machine allows for travel through different periods, Rajab is a spiritual journey for Muslims. It is a sacred month that provides an opportunity for believers to reflect on their past actions, seek forgiveness, and prepare themselves for the upcoming month of Ramadan. This month acts as a bridge to spiritual elevation, allowing individuals to "travel" back to a state of purity and devotion.The month of Rajab is often seen as a time for transformation. Just as a time machine can alter the course of history, engaging in worship and good deeds during Rajab can change one's spiritual trajectory. It encourages believers to repent for their sins and renew their commitment to their faith, effectively allowing them to "rewrite" their spiritual narrative.Rajab serves as a moment in time for believers to engage in self-reflection and assess their spiritual state. It encourages Muslims to evaluate their actions over the past year, seek forgiveness, and set intentions for improvement before Ramadan begins. This reflective practice is crucial for personal growth and spiritual development.As Rajab leads into Sha'ban and then Ramadan, it represents an important moment of preparation. Muslims view this month as an opportunity to spiritually gear up for the intense devotion required during Ramadan, making it a critical juncture in the Islamic calendar.The 27th night of Rajab is specifically commemorated as the night of Al-Isra' wal-Mi'raj, marking it as a moment of profound significance in Islamic history. This night represents not only the miraculous journey but also the establishment of essential practices like the five daily prayers, making it a pivotal moment that continues to influence Muslim worship today.The event of Isra' wal-Mi'raj profoundly influences Muslims' understanding of time and space, reshaping their perceptions of these concepts in light of divine possibility. The Isra' wal-Mi'raj involved the Prophet (ﷺ) travelling from the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and then ascending through the heavens. This journey occurred within a single night, which challenges ordinary human understanding of time and distance, as it would typically take weeks to cover such a distance by conventional means at that time. This miraculous event illustrates that divine intervention can transcend the natural laws governing time and space. Some interpretations draw parallels between the event and modern concepts in physics, such as quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity, which suggest that time and space are interconnected. Just as these theories propose that time can be relative and flexible, the experience of Isra' wal-Mi'raj suggests that divine realities can operate outside human constraints, allowing for experiences that defy normal perceptions.The journey symbolizes a connection to the eternal, suggesting that moments in time can hold profound spiritual significance. During Mi'raj, the Prophet (ﷺ) witnessed divine signs and received revelations, emphasizing that spiritual experiences can transcend temporal limitations. This understanding encourages Muslims to view their lives through a lens that recognizes the importance of spiritual moments beyond mere chronological existence.Isra' wal-Mi'raj was a physical journey rather than merely a dream or vision. This assertion reinforces the notion that spiritual experiences can have tangible realities, further blurring the lines between physical existence and spiritual realms. When the Prophet (ﷺ) recounted his journey, many sceptics questioned its authenticity due to its extraordinary nature. However, his ability to describe events occurring during the journey, such as seeing a caravan approaching Mecca shortly after his return, served as validation for believers. This aspect highlights how experiences beyond human comprehension can affirm faith and challenge conventional boundaries of belief.The relationship between time and blessings in Islam is deeply intertwined, emphasizing the importance of utilizing time wisely to attract divine favour and barakah (blessings). In Islam, time is viewed as a significant blessing from Allah. The Quran emphasizes the value of time, as seen in Surah Al-Asr, which states that humanity is in loss except for those who believe and do righteous deeds. This highlights that time itself is a precious resource that should be cherished and utilized effectively.Allah swears by time in the Quran (in Surah Al-Asr), underscoring its importance and the blessings associated with it. This divine emphasis serves as a reminder for Muslims to recognize the value of each moment and strive to fill it with meaningful actions.Muslims are encouraged to regularly reflect on how they spend their time. Engaging in self-assessment helps individuals identify areas where they can improve their use of time for better spiritual outcomes. This reflection fosters a sense of accountability before Allah regarding how one utilizes their days.Procrastination is discouraged in Islam, as it can lead to wasted opportunities for earning rewards and blessings. The teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) emphasize taking advantage of free time before it is consumed by work or other obligations. This proactive approach encourages believers to maximize their potential for good deeds.To ensure that our time is blessed in Islam, several key practices and principles can be adopted, drawing from Islamic teachings and the concept of barakah (blessings). Salah is a mandatory act of worship that structures a Muslim's day. The Quran emphasizes the importance of prayer at specified times (Quran 4:103). By scheduling daily activities around these prayers, Muslims can ensure that their time is aligned with their spiritual commitments, inviting blessings into their lives.Engaging in activities early in the morning is encouraged in Islam. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'O Allah! Bless my people in the early part of the day'. Starting the day early allows for increased productivity and is believed to be a time when Allah bestows special blessings. Procrastination is discouraged in Islam, as it can lead to wasted opportunities. By taking action promptly and managing tasks efficiently, Muslims can maximize their time and ensure they are utilizing it effectively. The Prophet (ﷺ) advised taking advantage of free time before becoming busy, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities for good deeds.Effective time management begins with setting priorities. Muslims should identify their most important goals—spiritual, personal, and communal—and focus on them first. This ensures that time is spent on activities that yield the most significant blessings. Utilizing an Islamic planner can help manage time effectively while integrating spiritual reflections and reminders of important Islamic dates. This practice encourages mindfulness about how time is spent and fosters a connection with Allah throughout daily activities.Muslims can seek Allah's blessings by reciting specific duas to bless him in his time and work. This invocation reflects a desire for divine assistance in making the most of one's time.Engaging in self-reflection about how time is spent helps individuals recognize areas for improvement. This practice fosters accountability and encourages a more conscious approach to daily activities.Several activities and practices can be adopted to increase the blessings of time (barakah) in Islam. These activities not only enhance spiritual fulfilment but also improve productivity and overall well-being. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of the early hours. Engaging in worship during this time, such as performing Tahajjud (night prayer) or reciting the Quran, can significantly enhance the barakah in your day.In Islam, the Quran is considered a source of healing for the body and the soul. This belief is rooted in numerous Quranic verses and authentic narrations from the Prophet (ﷺ). Allah says,يٰٓاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاۤءَتْكُمْ مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاۤءٌ لِّمَا فِى الصُّدُوْرِۙ وَهُدًى وَّرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ'O mankind, there has come to you instruction from your Rabb and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers. (Surah Yunus 10:57)This verse emphasises that the Quran provides spiritual healing by addressing doubts, anxieties, and moral corruption.Allah also says,وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْاٰنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاۤءٌ وَّرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَۙ وَلَا يَزِيْدُ الظّٰلِمِيْنَ اِلَّا خَسَارًا'And We send down of the Qur’ān that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.' (Surah Al-Isra 17:82)This highlights the Quran as a cure for spiritual ailments like disbelief and moral waywardness.The Quran mentions honey as a physical cure but also implies that divine revelation, including the Quran, has a role in physical healing.ثُمَّ كُلِيْ مِنْ كُلِّ الثَّمَرٰتِ فَاسْلُكِيْ سُبُلَ رَبِّكِ ذُلُلًاۗ يَخْرُجُ مِنْۢ بُطُوْنِهَا شَرَابٌ مُّخْتَلِفٌ اَلْوَانُهٗ ۖفِيْهِ شِفَاۤءٌ لِّلنَّاسِۗ اِنَّ فِيْ ذٰلِكَ لَاٰيَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَّتَفَكَّرُوْنَ'Then eat from all the fruits [i.e., delicious substances found by the bee] and follow the ways of your Rabb laid down [for you]. There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colours, in which there is healing for people. Indeed that is a sign of a people who give thought.' (Surah An-Nahl 16:69)The Quran is a comprehensive source of healing for both spiritual and physical afflictions. It is viewed as a divine remedy when recited or reflected upon with faith and understanding. Combining Quranic healing with other permissible treatments, such as prophetic medicine, is also recommended.To memorise the entire Quran is a highly virtuous and rewarding act. At a minimum, every Muslim should memorize enough of the Quran to fulfil their basic religious obligations, while striving for more is encouraged for spiritual growth and reward. There are also general principles and du'as derived from the Qur'an and Sunnah that can help facilitate memorization, improve focus, and enhance one's understanding. The Quran highlights the ease of its memorization, emphasizing its accessibility and importance for reflection and remembrance.وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْاٰنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِنْ مُّدَّكِرٍ'And We have certainly made the Qur’ān easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?' (Surah Al-Qamar 54:17)The Prophet (ﷺ) would encourage his companions to memorise portions of the Quran. He (ﷺ) said,خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ'The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5027)The Prophet (ﷺ) also emphasized the high status of those who memorize the Quran (the Huffaz), 'It will be said to the companion of the Quran: Recite and ascend (in ranks), and recite slowly as you used to recite in the world. For your rank will be at the last verse you recite.' (Sunan Abi Dawood 1464; Sahih by Al-Albani).This indicates that memorizing the Quran elevates a person’s rank in Paradise, as their position will correspond to the extent of their memorization.Salah is a pillar of Islam, and its proper performance requires recitation from the Quran. This makes memorizing essential portions of the Quran obligatory for all Muslims who are accountable (i.e., reached puberty and are of sound mind).
[Session 6]
