What's The Rush?
The 20th century is coming to a close and the 21st century is racing towards us. There is much hype and preparations have begun years ago. People have been bombarded of its importance by the media, so much so that the whole world is caught up in this drama. The countdown has already begun for this so called millennium. For the materialistic minded people, it is a time of joyous celebration, a chance to pass time merrily – lots of food, wine and free mixing on both sexes. Holidays and pursuits of all kinds are planned for the so-called arrival of the millennium. Hotels and everyone is “on the act” to rip off the general public with exorbitant charges. For businesses its time to make lots of money. A large “Millennium Dome” is being built in London for celebrations, which will attract thousands of people. Large amounts of money will be wasted at this event.
Christians say Jesus was born 2000 years ago on this day. i.e. 25th December. While some take it as the 1st of January. There is no certainty of proof of the practice of this date. Even the Christian Bible has no mention of celebrating the 25th of December. What is a Muslim expected to make of all of this. Join in the fun, perchance! Of course not. The Qur'an prohibits such acts.
Anyway what does the MILLENNIUM mean?
Millennium is a word to denote 1000 years. While living in the west, we use the solar Christian calendar with our everyday life and with the arrival of the year 2000, it means that the 2000 years have passed since the Christian calendar started. Therefore it's no magical number for us. The Christians believe that Jesus will re-appear and reign the world. So in effect, they are celebrating the coming of Jesus.
Millennium? It's only 1420!
For Muslims it's only another year as we will be year 1420. No special event has been declared in the Qur'an or the Ahadeeth for this time expect that we will be celebrating Ramadhan Ul-Mubarak.
Use it but don't celebrate it.
To join in or take part, in any form of the millennium celebration, is a grave sin. This is a celebration of the kuffaar. If a Muslim joins in, it's like believing in what the Christians say-guilty of Hypocrisy.
What shall I do As a Muslim?
Being the last ten days of Ramadhan, it is a great time to trail for the Muslims. Shall I join my friend to a party, watch TV to find out the latest or go to see the Millennium Dome with the family this week? None of these should be done. In the last ten days of Ramadhan, Muslims should be deep in the worship, yearning for the Laylatul-Qadr. Allah accepts our prayers especially in these days. It is a chance to ask Allah for guidance to lead a pious and most righteous life and start afresh- promising Allah to give up the bad habits.
Fortune – Tellers, Astrologers, predictors and scientists
Yes they are the Christians have all the got it wrong. No one can predict the end of the world and the coming of Jesus (Isa Alayhis Salaam). We only know what The Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him) has told us.
Which Dome?
Muslims already have domes, what better dome can we look up to than the dome of Masjid-Al-Nabi (The Mosque of the beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him).
(Ref. Al Atfaal No. 15 Pages 24 – 25)
Masjid-e-Quba. 20, Bundria Court, Bradford. BD8 7PD. (01274) 542027
