Akhiri Chahar Shambah is a holy day[1] for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent and Iran.[2] It is an Arabic and Persian word-pair; its Arabic part is akheri, meaning "last" and the Persian part is chahar sambah, meaning "Wednesday".[3]
| Akhiri Chahar Shambah | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Afghanistani and Persian Muslims[1] |
| Significance | Muhammad's temporary recovery |
| Observances | Nafl prayers, donations, prayers |
| Date | Last Wednesday of Safar |
| Frequency | Annual |
Origin
editAt the beginning of Hijri 11, Muhammad fell seriously ill. Gradually his physical condition started to deteriorate. He became so ill that he could not even lead the prayer. He recovered on Wednesday, the 28th Safar. The day was the last Wednesday of the month of Safar.[4]
On this day feeling somewhat better, he took a bath and led the prayer for the last time. The people of Medina came to know about this news[4] and came in groups to see him.[5] All of them offered charity, prayers and prayers in thanksgiving. Some of his followers freed their slaves and donated money or camels.[4] On that day Abu Bakr donated 5 thousand, Umar 7 thousand, Uthman 10 thousand, Ali 3 thousand dirhams and Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf donated 100 camels.[5]
Observances
editAlthough there is a difference of opinion among religious scholars regarding the observance of this day, this day is observed in the light of certain rules.[5][6] The day is originally celebrated as 'Thanksgiving Day'; So that after taking bath and performing two rak'as Al-Shukr Nafl prayers, prayers for freedom from disease and charity are done.[2] Islamic mehfils are held in various mosques, madrasas, darbars, khanqahs to observe this day. On this day, various educational institutions in Bangladesh are officially closed as well as considered as an optional holiday in offices and courts.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b Syed Ashraf Ali (2012). "Akhiri Chahar Shambah". In Sirajul Islam; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir (eds.). Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. OL 30677644M. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
- ^ a b "আজ পবিত্র আখেরি চাহার শোম্বা". Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 1 January 2014. Archived from the original on 30 June 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
- ^ Sekendar, Md Abu Saleh (23 October 2019). "আখেরি চাহার শোম্বার ইতিহাস ও তাৎপর্য". Bangla Tribune (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
- ^ a b c "অবিস্মরণীয় আখেরী চাহার সোম্বা". The Daily Ittefaq (in Bengali). 4 January 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
- ^ a b c d "আজ পবিত্র আখেরি চাহার শোম্বা". Daily Inqilab (in Bengali). 9 December 2015. Archived from the original on 14 December 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
- ^ "আখেরী চাহার সোম্বা' কাকে বলে। শরী'আতে এরূপ কোন দিবসের অনুমোদন আছে কি?". At Tahreek (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 14 December 2022. Retrieved 14 December 2022.