Ramadan the Holy Month

Ramadan the Holy Month Festival

The month of holy Ramadan enjoys a special importance in the Islamic calendar. As Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said: “It is Allah’s Own month.” It is the chief of all months and the most glorious one. As we already know, ‘Fasting’ is one of the important pillars of Islam and it is the very month of Ramadan during which fasting has been made obligatory for all adults and sane Muslims. By fasting during Ramadan, a Muslim besides discharging an obligation imposed upon him by Allah (SWT), becomes entitled to great reward in the Hereafter. On the other hand, any lapse in the matter amounts to a great sin. Fasting is an article of worship, the knowledge about the performance or otherwise whereof rests only with Allah (SWT) and the person concerned. Hence, it is Allah (SWT) alone who will reward that person for it, on the Day of Judgment.

The blessings of Ramadan are not limited to fasting alone, because the performance of all sorts of worship and good deeds during this month is also a source of great Divine favor. The revelation of the Holy Quran commenced during this very month and it is therefore the duty of every Muslim to read and try to understand the meaning of the Holy Quran and thereby gain an insight into the Divine secrets enshrined therein. It brings peace and illumination to the mind and imparts purity to the soul.

Holy Ramadan is the month of fasting, intensive prayer, sacrifice and Divine worship. Throughout this month a devout Muslim fasts during the day in the true sense of the word, that is, he had merely denies himself food and water, but as explained by Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), exercises strict control over his tongue, eyes, ears, thoughts and deeds and does everything possible to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

Devout supplications to Allah (SWT) and repentance of one’s sins during Holy Ramadhan are the sources of Divine blessings and mercy. Some nights, among the last ten nights of Ramadan, are called the ‘Nights of Glory’ (Laylatul Qadr). These are the 19th, 21st, and 23rd nights. Muslims keep awake during these nights and offer special prayers. Even among these nights, the 23rd enjoys excellence over all the others. It is accompanied by great blessings, and he usually grants the supplications made to Allah (SWT) during this night.

Muharram

Muharram is the first Month of the Islamic Calendar

The Tenth of Muharram and Ashurah

The Islamic year begins with Muharram ul Haram, the first month of the Hijri Calendar. While followers of other religions spend their opening month in worthless merriment, the first month of Islam teaches us lessons of admonition, good counselling, knowledge of Allah Ta’ala, sacrifice, selflessness, patience and seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.

The tenth day of Muharram (Ashurah) has many distinctive qualities and features. Allah Ta’ala created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this day He gave His infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches of their enemies.

Allah Ta’ala created Hazrat Adam (Alaihis-Salam) in this month, pardoned him of his mistake, and Hazrat Noah’s (Alaihis-Salam) Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi, and he saved Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis-Salam) from fire and rescued Hazrat Musa (Alaihis-Salam) from Pharaoh.

On the first of Muharram offer 2 rakats Nafl prayer. In each rakat after Surah Fateha recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After the Salam pray to Allah Ta’ala for all your needs and desires. From the blessing of this prayer, Allah Ta’ala will appoint an angel for such a person. The angel will guide him or her to do only good deeds and prevent them in engaging in sinful acts.

On the eve of “Ashurah” offer 100 rakats Nafl. In each rakat recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times after Surah Fateha. After Salam recite first ‘Kalimah’ 100 times. Allah Ta’ala will forgive all the sins of such a person.

Dua-e-Ashurah – An insurance for a year’s Life

Hazrat Imam Zainul Abidain (Radi Allah Anhu) reports that who ever recites this dua on the tenth of Muharram, any time after sunrise and before sunset, or listens to its recitation from someone else, Allah Ta’ala will certainly make it an insurance for a years’ life for him, by keeping death away from him. However, if one is to become the victim of death in that year, they will by some strange coincidence not remember to recite it.

Nafl Salat for the Eve of Ashurah

On the eve of Ashurah offer 4 rakats Nafl Salat as follows: In every rakat after Surah Fateha recite “Ayetul Kursi” once and Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After completing this Namaz recite Surah Ikhlas 100 times. Allah Ta’ala will purify such a person of all their sins and grant them endless bounties and blessings in paradise.

The Fast of Ashurah

On the 9th and 10th of Muharram, one should fast. If it is not possible to fast on both days, then every effort should be made to fast on the 10th day of Muharram, as there is great reward for this fast. (Muslim Shareef).

Miladi Sherif

Miladi Sherif Festival in Kerela

Mohammed, the Prophet of Islam, was born on the 20th April, 571 AD. Muslims all over the world celebrate the birth of the Prophet in various ways. In Kerala the practice of large scale celebration of the Prophet’s birthday is of recent origin. Reading what is commonly known as the Maulod’ which is a short biography of the Prophet written both in verse and prose in the Arabic language has been the common ritual of the day. Of late in Kerala, there has developed another practice connected with the Miladi Sharif. Night lectures are organised during the first twelve days of the month when Muslim Ulemas through their discourses enlighten the people on the various aspects of the life of the Prophet. Thus through the celebrations connected with the Miladi Sharif, the Muslim masses get an opportunity to be enlightened on the life and teachings of the Prophet.

The celebration of the Miladi Sharif in certain parts of the State, for instance Ponnani, is marked by busy activity connected with large scale feeding of the poor. Here in the Muslim Centre, one finds that the town is active during the whole night busily engaged in the charitable work of supplying food to the poor.

Recently Miladi Sharif celebration has assumed greater importance in Kerala. On this occasion colourful processions are taken out through the towns reciting Thakbir. These processions finally converge on some central place where public meetings are held These public gatherings are addressed by well-known speakers who deals with the various aspects of the Prophet’s life. Such meetings are often attended largely by non-Muslims also.

Id-ul-Zuha – Bakrid

Id-ul-Zuha – Bakrid

Place : All over India

Month: July

Significance:  Muslim Festival of sacrifice

This Muslim festival of sacrifice, Id-ul-Zuha (Arabic) or Bakrid in India is celebrated all over the country. On this day Muslims sacrifice a goat or Bakr (Urdu) to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God.

According to Islamic belief, to test Ibrahim’s faith, Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail. He agreed to do it but found his paternal feelings hard to suppress. So he blind – folded himself before putting Ismail on the altar at the mount of Mina near Mecca. When he removed his bandage after performing the act, he saw his son standing in front of him, alive. On the altar lay a slaughtered lamb. This festival coincides with the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca.

Prayers are offered in the mosques and the sacrificial meat is then distributed after the Id prayers. Special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion.

CHANDANAKUDA MAHOTSAVAM IN BEEMAPALLI

The holy shrine of Beema Beevi, more popularly known as Beempalli, which is held sacred by Muslims as well as others, is situated about five kilometres southwest of the Trivandrum Central Railway Station, on the beach road leading to Poonthura via Valiyathura. Beemapalli is a shrine dedicated to the hallowed memory of Beema Beevi, a pious and devoted Muslim lady gifted with divine powers. It is one of the most distinguished mosques in Kerala, which draws large gatherings. Pilgrims of all ages from all communities can be seen heading towards the shrine all along the routes during this festival.

This is the first Juma Masjid in India and is situated in the Methala Village of Kodungalloor taluk, hardly 20 kilometre from Irinjalakuda railway station. According to the legend, Cheraman Perumal went on a pilgrimage to Arabia where he met Prophet Mohammed at Jeddah and embraced Islam and accepted the name Thajuddin.

ST. DOMINIC SYRIAN CHURCH FEAST

ST. DOMINIC SYRIAN CHURCH FEAST Aluva

The feast of St. Dominic church at Aluva falls on the third Sunday after the Easter. The statue of the Saint is taken out in procession on that day. The feast of “Our Lady of the Holy Rosary” also consists of a spectacular procession on the Sunday after 8th of December. The entire length of the route is canopied with festoons, paper flower, baskets and balloons.

The feast of St . Dominic church at Aluwa falls on the third Sunday after the Easter. The statue of the Saint is taken out in procession on that day. The feast of “Our Lady of the Holy Rosary” also consists of a spectacular procession on the Sunday after 8th of December.

Niranam Festival

Niranam Festival in Kerela

All the places hallowed in the annals of Christianity in India, Niranam holds pride of place. In social, cultural, literary and political matters, this small village has kept up its own distinctive, pristine traditions. The fame of Niranam must have reached Syria and weighed most with St. Thomas. He is believed to have visited Niranam in 53AD, erected a crucifix founded and built a church on the site.The main religious festival is in honour of the Holy Mother on August 15. Special mass is held on that day. The birthday of St. Mary is celebrated on a grand scale on 8th September. The feast of St. Thomas is celebrated on 3rd July.

Niranam Festival & Niranam church : In spite of the initial protest against propagation of Christianity, many local people gradually embraced it and they formed a congregation which in due course grew into the Malabar Christian Church. It is to St. Mary the Niranam church is dedicated.

The present edifice is a renovation of the old. The tall, granite cross in front of the church is a relic of the past. The paintings and sculpture bear eloquent testimony to a high architectural standard. A statue of St. Mary carved in marble and another in pure gold are the proud possessions of the church. Moreover, a holy cross of the church, made of pure gold and set with precious stones, is unrivalled in craftsmanship and cost.

The main religious festival is in honour of the Holy Mother on August 15. Special mass is held on that day. The birthday of St. Mary is celebrated on a grand scale on 8th September. The feast of St. Thomas is celebrated on 3rd July

Koratty Muthy’s Feast

Koratty Muthy’s Feast Festival

Every year, in the second week of October, the beautiful village of Koratty, in Thrissur district, comes alive to celebrate a feast dedicated to Virgin Mary, locally known as Koratty Muthy. The feast, the most important event at the St. Mary’s Church here, is attended by hundreds of devotees. Apart from the devotional rites, there is an awe-inspiring pageantry as part of the feast.

Gettting there: Chalakkudy lies on the Kochi-Thrissur route.

Nearest Railway Station:Chalakkudy, about 7 km away.

Nearest Airport:Cochin International Airport, about 24 km from Chalakkudy.

Koratty Muthy’s (St Mary’s) Forane church at Koratty is one of the most important Marian Pilgrim Centre in India after Velankanni. The Church is located in a beautiful, scenaric village of Koratty (Named after the church) in Thrissur district.
The Annual Grand Feast organized at the Koratty Muthy’s church is a very significant and mega event to miss. The Festival is celebrated with great number of rituals and is a rich and spectacular ceremony attended by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.

The Feast is an annual event organized in the second week of October every year. In the year 2009, it will be celebrated on 11th October’09. Koratty Muthy is actually a local interpretation of Virgin Mary, to whom the festival is dedicated.
Koratty Muthy’s Feast Festival
Apart from the traditional and customary rituals, there are many cultural activities and programs organized throughout the Feast. Although any and every devotee attends the feast the main attendants to the Feast includes the Ill and the Infirm, Distressed Damsels yearning for their partners in life, Parents longing for children etc.

The Church of Koratty Muthy is extremely popular amidst its devotees and people from all sects and castes participate in the annual Feast. Not only during the feast days but all through the year Church is full of devotees thronging to seek the blessings of Mother Mary.

Kallooppara Perunal

Kallooppara Perunal in Kerela

St.Mary’s Church at Kallooppara stands in close proximity to the Kallooppara Bhagavathy temple. Inside the church, on its eastern and western wings, there are two granite slabs with some inscriptions in the Pali language.

The Palli perunal and the foundation day of the Church are the two celebrations held on January 15 and July 5 respectively.

Kallooppara, a village of Mallappally taluk, is located on the eastern side of Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta District. This pilgrim center is at the central part of the blue waters of the Manimala River.

Kallooppara was formerly known as Perumbranad. The name came from its massive storage of rocks, ‘Perum Parra Nadu’ and later reduced to Perumbranad. Folklore also has it that the Royalties of the Thekkumkoor Dynasty and Edappally Thampurans once governed this place.

The main attraction is the St Mary’s Orthodox Church. The Kallooppara Perunal and the Kallooppara Convention associated with the church are also famous. Kallooppara also has a Bhagavati temple. There is a government engineering college operating at this place.

Kadamattom Feast

Kadamattom Feast in Kerela

Mainly two feasts are celebrated in this church, one on the 24th and 25th of Makaram (January-February) and the other on 23rd of Medam (April-May). The former is the most important. According to legends, the feast is celebrated in memory of
Kadamattathachan, the founder of this church, while some others say that it is in remembrance of his Guru. The consensus of option is that both of them passed away on Makaram 24. Kadamattathachan had been a celibate all his life and worked several wonders.

Mainly two feasts are celebrated in this church, one on the 24th and 25th of Makaram (January-February) and the other on 23rd of Medam (April-May). The former is the most important.

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