1439AH: Time for reflections, resolutions

Again, another Islamic Year is here. The beginning of every Hijrah Year is implicitly a reduction in our life span. But the activities many of us engage in to celebrate this event, unfortunately, give little time for realising how closer we are to our graves. We have every cause to be grateful to Allah (SWT) regardless of the socio-economic and security challenges bedeviling us as a nation. The most important thing is that we are alive. Whether it is success or failure, only the living laments or celebrates. Some of those who witnessed the beginning of the previous year, 1438AH, did not live to see the close of it. Hence, it is a privilege that we are alive. We must therefore consider this privilege as a respite for us to repent from our sins and seek Allah’s guidance in all matter. 

This is time for reflections. So many things, some good and others painful to remember, happened in the past 365 days. Some of Allah’s favours which we enjoyed in the year under review include un-interrupted rains and absence of long queues at filling stations. Good health which is enormous wealth that many of us enjoy without appreciating is enough for us to give gratitude to our creator. It is likely that some of us spent the greater part of last year on sick bed; probably at different hospitals. There are several other reasons for which we must give glory to Allah (SWT). However, most people naturally find it easier to recall sad moments; pushing the remembrance of the favours received from Allah (SWT) to the sub-conscious. Our ability to acknowledge Allah’s blessings surely presents further privileges for accessing greater favours. Allah (SWT) states in Qur’an 14:7 “… if ye are grateful, I will indeed add more (favours) unto you…”

Some unpleasant events of 1438AH include economic recession, an “fantastic” increase in the wave of kidnappings across the country especially on the Abuja-Kaduna highway; high prevalence of rape cases; flood disasters; prohibitive cost of food items; and the unending insurgency in northeast Nigeria. To use the language of university lecturers, our “carry-overs” in to the new Islamic Year may include poverty, unemployment, non-payment of pension and gratuities owed retired workers as well as unpaid salaries and allowances to teachers in many states of the federation.

The beginning of a new Hijrah Year equally marks the beginning of a new fiscal year in Islam. It is therefore important for us to get acquainted with monetary Zakkat figures worked out in 1439AH. According to figures published recently, the minimum taxable amount (Nisab) upon which 2.5 percent is payable as Zakkat in 1439AH is put at N1, 021,820.00 only, which is the current value of 20 pieces of gold (dinar). Minimum dowry (Sadaq) which is the naira value of a quarter of dinar payable before a marriage can be contracted is N12, 770.00 only. The same amount (N12, 770.00 only) is the naira value of the least theft of property that can attract amputation of hand. 

Based on the current cost of dinar, compensation for manslaughter, which should be the naira value of one thousand pieces of dinar; stands at N51, 090,580.00 only for the year 1439AH. Nonetheless, the actual amount applicable for Nisab, manslaughter, minimum sadaq and haddi shall have to be verified whenever the need for such payments arises because of fluctuations that are relative to the price of dinar and the exchange rate of the Naira to other currencies.

Lest we forget, the end and beginning of a year is always a period to check whether our al-Kafan (the white sheet for shrouding the dead) is still intact or defaced. If anything has happened to it, now is the period to replace it. For those who have not provided themselves with one, it is time to do so. Some weeks ago, precisely on the eve of the last Eid ul-Kabir (Big Salah), I brought out my al-Kafan (which is more than two decades-old) from the box in order to dust it. I had to replace it because it has changed colour; probably due to its age. I seized the opportunity to remind some of my siblings, again, about where I kept it; and to inform some of my children who are now grown up, of it. 

As believers, let us resolve now to disown corruption, denounce injustice and shun all actions that are tantamount to dishonesty, betrayal, hatred, malice, intolerance, envy, impatience, ingratitude, arrogance or pride. O Allah! Accept our repentances and forgive our acts of unrighteousness; Give us the ability and the capacity to good at all times and in all places. Let our happiest moment be the moment we meet you. Give us refuge against all evils. While we pray to Allah (SWT) to guide and protect us through 1439AH, we ask Him to also give our leaders the wisdom and piety to kill corruption permanently; dislodge insurgency forever, and strategically tackle poverty, unemployment, disease and insecurity, amin. Happy New Hijrah Year!

Fasting on Tasu’ah and Ashura days: 

The Prophet (SAW) recommends the observance of voluntary fast on the 9th (Tasu’ah) and 10th (Ashura) of the first month, Muharram, of the Islamic Year. The six authentic compilers of hadith relate on the authority of Ibn Abbas (RA) that the Prophet (SAW) fasted on Ashura (day) and he instructed that believers observe (voluntary) fast on that day. Abi Qatadah (RA) reports that when the Prophet (SAW) was asked about fasting on Ashurah (day); He (SAW) said, “It vitiates for (the sins of) the previous year”. Similarly, the Prophet (SAW) exhorts Muslims to observe voluntary fast on Tasu’ah (day). Imam Muslim relates on the authority of Ibn Abbas (RA) that the Prophet (SAW) said, “If I am alive till next year, I will surely observe (voluntary) fast on Tasu’ah (day)”. May Allah accept our devoutions, amin. Once again, Happy New Hijrah Year!