THE MONTH OF SAFR
Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “There is no contagiousness in diseases, neither is there (such a concept) as bad luck, nor is there any bad luck in the flying of an owl (at night), and neither is there any bad luck in the month of Safr. [Saheeh Bukhari]
BADLUCK
The Hadith of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam negates all forms of bad luck. There are many that regard the number ‘13’ to be an unlucky number, whilst others consider the crossing of a cat to the other side of the road to be a sign of misfortune. There are those that consider the month of Safr to be an unlucky month, and as a result refrain from undertaking journeys or even having marriages solemnized in this month. These are all incorrect and baseless beliefs which hold absolutely no place in Shariah.
If we are uncertain or in doubt in regards to any particular matter we have been taught to remove our uncertainty by engaging in mutual consultation (i.e. Mashwera), or by performing Istikhaarah which is seeking guidance directly from Allah Ta’ala.
BLACK MAGIC – JAADU
Unfortunately, many people attribute their problems and difficulties to black magic. We do not deny the reality of black magic, but to attribute almost any little mishap in our lives to black magic is certainly an indication of weakness of Imaan. The Quraan states, “Whatever good comes to you is from Allah and whatever misfortune befalls you is from yourselves (the result of your evil actions.)” [Surah Nisaa, Verse 79]
The solution to these difficulties is by turning in repentance to Allah c, and leading a life in accordance to the commands of Allah and the blessed Sunnah of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, instead of frequenting Aamils and requesting them to solve our problems. Some even frequent Sangomas (traditional healers) and return after losing their Imaan.
EFFORT ON IMAAN
We as Muslims are required to rid ourselves of all incorrect beliefs and imbibe within us correct Islamic beliefs as taught to us by Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam . This can be acquired by remaining in the company of the true friends of Allah, conducting Kitaab reading in our homes and frequently spending time in the path of Allah where the greatness of Allah is discussed. It is recorded in a lengthy narration of Bukhari Sharif that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam was shown 70 000 followers from his Ummat that will enter Jannah without any reckoning. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam explained that these are those that place their complete trust in Allah Ta’ala to the extent that they do not seek any incantations, nor do they go for branding (surgery) when ill (although permitted in Shariah), and neither do they believe in bad luck, but they place their full trust on their Rabb. In short, they seek assistance from Allah alone and in fact hand their matters over to him totally.
Imaam Abu Dawud Rahimahullah has recorded a narration wherein Rasulullah g is reported to have said, “There isn’t any servant except that the concept of bad luck will soon enter his heart. When he experiences such a condition he should recite the following Dua and pass his hands over his face. ,
أَنَا عَبْدُاللهِ، مَا شَاءَ اللهُ، لَا قُوَّةَ إلَّا باِللهِ، لَا يَأتِيْ باِلْحَسَنَاتِ إلَّا اللهُ، وَلَا يَذْهَبُ بِالسًّيِّئَاتِ إلَّا اللهُ، أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ اللهَ عَلٰى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ
I am the servant of Allah, whatever Allah desires, there is no ability except from Allah, It is only Allah that brings goodness and removes evil, I bear witness that verily Allah c has power over everything.
Published by: Darul Ifta Ibn Masood Publication Department + 15 Carbis Road, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa ‘
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