The Sun will inevitably rise again. Did We?

IslamiCity Bulletin

It is He (God) that cleaves the day-break (from the dark): He makes the night for rest and tranquility, and the sun and moon for the reckoning (of time): Such is the judgment and ordering of (Him), the Exalted in Power, the Omniscient. 6:96

Dating, that is, the conscious process of establishing dates (as opposed to going out on a date), is one of the universal activities for societies to reinforce their own identity and reason to exist. Most cultures commemorate certain dates to celebrate their independence, mourn the death of their heroes, remember a battle or massacre, welcome a new season, honor an individual, etc. As a matter of fact, civilizations that neglect “dates” lose their own history and destroy their entire heritage.

In this season when the holy month of Ramadan has just ended and the New Solar Year will soon unfold, it seems necessary to place the concept of time and dates in its proper context.

The verse referred above clearly shows us that time is the basis for setting up dates and occasions, is a creation of Allah for the convenience of mankind. Hence, dates are relative, subjective, and irrelevant in the eternal realm of life. But like all other creations, such occasions are important to reflect upon if we want to improve our chances for a safe passage from the relative to the absolute and from the temporal to the eternal.

Taking the following Sura into consideration:

1. By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),
2. Verily Man is in loss,
3. Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy ...

We realize that since time is such a precious commodity, the celebration of unnecessary events fall in the category of wastefulness contradicting the teachings of Islam. Each solar year, many Muslims are seen to be indulged in celebrating what is popularly known as "New Year Eve Celebrations".

There could be more than many ways to commemorate an event. A new year could be raised to the level of 'religious observation' ... staying up until the zero hour, turning lights off, cheering and then turning lights back on and hugging and ... each other, OR

To commemorate the passing moments of one year into another by ... quietly reflecting our own doings & misdoings during the last three hundred sixty five days ... and a fearless self audit of our use of time, resources and actions ... may help us undo things that could have been avoided. Such self evaluation may help us 'raise' ourselves a notch, which is by far better than simply to turn the lights off and then back on but still continue to live in utter darkness! 

The sun will inevitably rise again but only to set down; the moon will shine itself in but only to fade away & this cycle will perpetually continue until He decides otherwise. Nothing will ever change!

All conscientious people must sincerely reflect about this past year that is known to many as the 'dawn' and to some as 'dusk' of a Millennium. It would be a true celebration only if we collectively strive for not just this coming new year but all years to come ... and, that our struggle will free the inhabitants of this world from the pangs of hunger to the pain of oppression.

Let us plead to Allah to make us among those who value occasions for the sole purpose of reflecting on the creations of Allah. We ask Him to assist us in reducing our meaningless activities and continuously improve ourselves to serve Him. Ameen.

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