Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Muslim Brothers and Sisters who are Loved by Allah
We are grateful to Allah Subhanahuwataala because with permission and blessing, this year, once again, we are able to celebrate the beginning of Muharram as the start of the Hijra 1435 year. Peach and blessings to Prophet Muhammad Sallallahualaihiwasallam, his family and all his companions.
Hijra is an Arabic word which means “move, leave behind, turn away and to no longer acknowledge.” In the following context, Hijra means several things; the Muslims leaving the place which is under the heathen government, staying away from sin, and the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
Hijra in Islamic history is often associated with when Prophet Muhammad Sallallahualaihiwasallam moved from Mecca to Madinah after being ordered by Allah Subhanahuwataala.
Indeed, there are many benefits if we use the opportunity and space from celebrating Maal Hijra to remember the biography of Prophet Muhammad Allah Sallallahualaihiwasallam, his great personality and his message which makes Allah as a blessing of all things.
Therefore, when we talk about these events, we are reminding Muslims, and non-Muslims, about the grace of Allah, and is something that is prescribed and such efforts should be commended and acclaimed.
Among the favours of Allah, in the Surah al-Ahzab, verse 9 and 10, Allah reminds about the Battle of the Trench where the Quraysh tribe, the Ghaffan tribe and their allies attacked Prophet Muhammad Sallallahualaihiwasallam and a group of Muslims in their homes. Quraysh besieged Medina and erected fences to eliminate the Muslims. But Allah saved the Muslims from the disaster. Allah sent wind and angles that could not be seen by humans. Allah reminded the of the event. This means that Allah requires us to remember these blessings.
Another example is that in Sura Al-Ma’ida, verse 11, Allah reminded them of the actions of the Banu Qaynuqa Jewish tribe which was determined to kill Prophet Muhammad Sallallahualaihiwasallam planing a trick. However, Allah’s plan was more quick and accurate.
In the context of everyday life, we should make “hijra” as a platform to move towards a better direction in terms of practice, socialisation, economy, politics and so on.
The current Selangor State Government, with everything that we have, is undertaking efforts to improve the economy and the standards of living of the people of Selangor, which we love, through various programmes, schemes and incentives.
People of various races, from babies to senior citizens, students, youth, the disabled, women, single mothers and pensioners, are given assistance and guidance to enable them to “hijra” or be independent to live and enjoy a better life.
This way, the Selangor State Government is confident that the targeted group of people will be able to improve themselves from being plagued by desolation of knowledge and poverty in order to face everyday life.
The Selangor State Government’s efforts are in line with Rasulullah Sallalahualaiwasalam’s decree which means: “If anyone of you carry wood behind you, to a point that a portion of it can be given to charity and refrain from begging, this is the best for you, rather than asking other, whether given or not, because the hand above is better than the hand below…”
Finally, let us come together to love Allah and His Prophets more by obeying Allah’s commandments and instructions in order to improve ourselves for the year 1435 Hijra.
Wassalamulaikum Warahmatullahitaala Wabarakatuh.
