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Sommaire

Bibliographical References .................................................................4

Foreword ...........................................................................................5

Recommended Practices and Prayers.................................................8The First Day of Muharram .....................................................................8The Fast of the Third Day ......................................................................10Durant la nuit du 9 au 10 ......................................................................11The 10th Day ........................................................................................13

Annexe ............................................................................................16The Last Sermon of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba in Diourbel on Saturday 15th Muharram 1346 H. .......................................................................16

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BiBliographical referenceS

Massâlik-al-Jinân1, by Cheikhoul Xaddym Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba

Khouratoul Ayni2, by Cheikh Abo Madyana Shouhaïbou Mbacke

Muslim Calendar : Prayers and Invocations of Serigne Mor Jóob, Ed. Fe-bruary 2005 - Muharram 1426

Ar-Raheeq al Makhtoum (The Nectar Sealed), Cheikh Safi Ar-Rahman Al Moubarakfouri

Wolofalu Maggal yi, by Cheikh Moussa Kâ

1 The Heaven Routes, dealing with Sufism written by Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba ; translated by Serigne Sam Mbaye.2 Light on Islamic Practices, Soufi and Jurisprudence Treaty translated in 1993 by Safinatoul Aman Murid Teachers Dahira of Kaolack.

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foreword

Muharram is the first month of the lunar calendar. It is counted among the sacred months in Islam. Hence these verses written by Cheikh Ah-madou Bamba extracted from Massalik-al-Jinân :

235. (....) Refer yourself to Muharram sources because it is considered as the first lunar month.

236. They are unanimous on the preeminence of “âshùrâ” the tenth (10th)day of the first (1st) lunar month on the “tâsùhâ” (the day before ninth, 9th) (....)

244. Then, the tenth (10th) day of the first (1st) month possesses some particularities of its own, according to the wise man

245. It is that day when OUR LORD had forgiven ADAM3, father of all human beings who was the first prophet

246. It is that day that Noe’s Ark had been immobilized on the mountain called Jôdî

247. The sea split for MOSES, JESUS THE CHRIST was born that day

248. It is that day that PHARAON was drowned, also the getting out from the fish bowels4

249. Who obtained also the same day, the forgiveness of ALLAH

250. And also JOSEPH got out from the well and ABRAHAM the friend of ALLAH was saved from the fire lit and prepared for him

251. The rise of the eminent IDRIS and of his Spirit (of ALLAH) the faith-ful, JESUS, son of MARIE

252. It is that very day that ALLAH has granted to DAVID the redemption of all he had committed

253. It is also that day the sacred house has a new dress5 of ALLAH peace

3 It is also this day that he was created, with Hawa.4 It is the prophet Yunus who was saved from the fish guts and forgiven the same day.5 The Kaaba.

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and salvation on all the prophets.

To this we will add that the Prophet (Alayhi-s-Salaatu wa-s-Salaam) wanted to fast the 10th day more than any other day and recommended to do it. When he came to Medine and saw that the Jews6 were fas-ting that day and sanctifying it, he said: “We are closer to Muusaa than6 them”7. He did fast and ordered to do so, and this was before he re-ceived the obligation to fast the Ramadan month, and when ALLAH re-commended to fast that month, He said: “You have the choice between fasting that day or not fasting it”8, which means that the requirement of the fast of Ramadan has repealed its mandatory nature, but still recom-mended and a tradition on which the religion emphasizes - sunna mu’ak-kada9 -. The Imam Muslim narrated in his Sahih from Abd ‘Allah ibn’ Ab-bas said that when they told the Messenger of ALLAH Alayhi-s-Salaatu wa-s-Salaam that the Jews and Christians sanctified this day he said: “If I’m alive next year, I will also fast on the ninth of Muharram”10, but he was recalled to God meantime. However, the fact that he said it is enough to rise it to the rank of Sunnah. They reported from Ibn ‘Abbas that he said: “Fast the ninth and tenth day [of Muharram] “ It is established that the fast of that day erases the sins of the previous year.

Furthermore, this is the night of the 10th day that THE VERY HIGH-Created Heaven and the Earth11.

Also, Abraha As-Sabah the Abyssinian was destroyed with army when he tried to demolish the Kaaba, Subhaanallah! This event took place in the month of Muharram ; 15 or 55 days (according to the majority) before the birth of the Prophet Anleyhi-s-Salaatu wa-s-Salaam.12

6 The Prophet Moses Anleyhi-s Salaam.7 Hadith narrated by Muslim.According to Ibn ‘Abbas, when the Prophet came to Medina, he found them (the Jews) fasting one day - that is the day -of Ashura. They said to him: - This is a memorable day it is the day God saved Moses and drowned Pharaoh’s people. Moses fasted that day to express his gratitude to God. - Me, says the Prophet, I am closer to Moses than them. He fasted and then ordered to the faithful to fast on this day. “.Hadith narrated by Bukhari.8 Hadith narrated by Muslim.9 Zâd al-ma ‘âd fi hadyi khayri-l-’ibâd » of imâm Shams Ad-Dîn Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyya.10 Hadith narrated by Muslim.11 c.f. Wolofalu Maggal yi, by Cheikh Moussa Kâ12 c.f. Quran Surat the Elephant.

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Let us remind also that it is on this month, specifically on the 10th day as the grand-son of the Prophet (Alayhi-s-Salaatu wa-s-Salaam) Hussein13 was assassinated in Karbala. So âshùrâ is therefore in addition to being a Muslim holiday, a day of prayer and meditation.

Otherwise, Muharram is a month of commemoration for the mourides. First let us remind that Sheikh Abdul Qadr Mbacke was born in 1914, a Friday night, the third day of Muharram in Daarul Alîmil habiir more known as Ndame.14

The fifteenth day of Muharram, Cheikhoul Khadim did his last sermon in Diourbel; and was brought to Touba the same month.

Ndiarème mosque was completed in 1924, a Friday 10th of Muharram, and Cheikh Insa Diene gave the keys to Serigne Touba.

Serigne Mbaye Sarr died a tamxarit day, Yawma âshùrâ as the Sheik had predicted it to him.

Serigne Hamsatou Diakhate passed away at Touba in 1969; it was the eleventh day of Muharram.

In 1981, the 25th day of Muharram, Serigne Ousmane Mbacke son of Mame Thierno Ibrahima Faty, died in his home at Daarul Muhti.

13 In wolof we say Ousseynou, deformation of Hussein.14 Small community not far from Touba.

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recommended practiceS and prayerS

The First Day of MuharramIt is recommended to recite the following prayer :

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It is also recommended the following prayer the first day of tamxarit (Muharram:

« Bismilahi rahmâni-r-rahîmi wa salla-l-Laahu hàlaa sayyidina Mu-hammadin wa àlla âlihi wa sahbihî wa salama taslîman Allahum-ma antal Abadiyul qadîmul awwalu wa àlaa hazîmi fadlika wa ka-rami juudikal muhawwalu wa hâzâ hânmun jadîdun qad aqbala as’alukal hismata fîhi mina-sh-shaytâni wa awliyâ’îhi wa junûdihî wal hawna àlaa hâzihi-n-nafsil amârati bi suu’i wal istikhâla bi mâ yuqarribunî ilayka zulfaa Yâ Karîmu Yâ Zal Jalâli wal Ikrâmi wa sal-lallâho àlaa sayyidinâ Muhammadin wa àlaa âlihî wa sahbihî wa salama taslîman » (3 times)

Whoever recites the first day of the year the verse of the Throne « Ayaa-tul kursiyyu » (360 times) preceded at each time by « Bismillaahi-r-rah-maa- ni-r-rahiimi » and says the following :

«Allahumma Yâ Muhawwila-l-ahwâli hawwil hâlii ilaa ahsa-

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ni-l-ahwâli bi hawlika wa quwwatika Yâ Haziizu Yâ Mutahâli wa salla-l-lâhu alaa sayyidinâ Muhammadin wa alaa âlihî wa sahbihî wa salama tasliiman », », God will preserve them from the calami-ties of the year.

And also whoever writes «Bismillaahi-r-Rahmaani-r-Rahiimi» (113 times) and puts it, God will preserve them from all calamities during all their life.

The Fast of the Third DayThis is the first day that the Prophet Adam anleyhi-s-Salaam has fasted on earth. It is a day which includes many benefits as Serigne Moussa Ka quotes :Jiimune muharramine bissub maggal la Mooy ñetti fane, ci weeru tamxarit15 la

Waaju ko maggal, woor ko, am nga yoolub Makkaak Madiinatu Shaam, ni Kaalib

Waaju ko woor ñu féy la biss bu nekk Di weer li feek déwane ci att mu nekk

Adama moom la njekka woor ci dunyaa YALLA setal yaram wa, fòot bone-bone yaa16

Translation extract :

15 in Wolof, means the month of Muharram.16 extrait de Wolofalu Maggal yi

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The three of Muharram is a day of remembrance. It is the third day, during the month of tamxaritWhoever celebrates it, and fasts it will be rewarded By the pilgrimage of Mecca, Medina, and Sham...Whoever observes the fast there will be rewarded Each the equivalent to one month (fasting) until next yearThis is the first fast that Adam observed on earth God purified his body, and expiated his sins

Durant la nuit du 9 au 10Whoever performs after their ablution 2 rakaas and keeps on their knees facing the qibla (Kaaba) reciting the verse :

«Ayaatul kursiyyu » (360 times) preceded at each time by « Bismi-lahi-r-Rahmani-r-Rahimi » and says the following : « Qul bi fadli-l-Lâhi wa bi-r-Rahmatihî fa bi zâlika fal yaf’rahuu Huwa Xayrun mimmâ yajmahuuna» (48 times)

Then they will add : « Allahumma ina haazihi laylatun jadiidatun wa shahrun jadiida-tun wa sanatun jadiidatun fa’ahtini Allahumma xayrahaa wa xay-ramaa fîhaa wasrîf hânnii sharrahâ wa sharra maa fîhâ wa sharra fitnatihaa wa muhdasâtihâ wa sharra nafsi wal hawâ wa shayta-ni-r-rajiimi » (12 times)

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And add « Subhâna-l-Lâhi wal hamduli-l-lâhi wa laa ilâha illa-l-Lâhu wa-l-Lâhu Akbar wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa bi-l-Lâhi-l-Haliyil Hazî-mi » repeatedly

And finally they will pray on the Prophet (SAW) : « Sallalâhu Tahâla alayhi wa alaa âlihî wa sahbihî wa salama taslîman » as many times as they can, and end with prayers for him and for all other Muslims, God will protect them from all evil throughout the year

Also whoever writes the following and puts it in rain water or taken from a well and makes it as « sâfara », whoever drinks that potion God will preserve them from every possible calamity :

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« fatiha + Ayatoul koursiyou + ihlaas + nâssi »

The 10th Day• It is recommended on the 10th day of the tamxarit 12 practices which are:• The fast17

• The prayer• Paying visits to parents• The purification bath18

• Alms• Cutting nails• Putting Kohl19 on eyes• Paying visits to sick people• Going and seeing a wise man• Caring and protecting Muslim orphans20

• Reciting the Sourate “al Ihlaas” (one thousand times 1000),• Cooking for your family a delicious lunch21

Whoever performs these practices will be rewarded the equivalent of the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) and thousand times the small pilgrimage (Umra); and all their wishes will come true. They will also be rewarded thousand martyrs of Haybar or Badr. They will also receive the equivalent of someone who has freed thousand slaves of Ismael sons who were captured in Sham.

Perform 4 raakas (Yor yor or after Zhur22 prayers ) recite in each :

Faatiha ( 1 time ) + Ihlaas 11 ou 15 times

After the final salvation recite 70 times the following words :«Hasbunal-Lâhu wa nihmal wakîlu nihmal mawla wa nihma-n-na-

17 According to Abou Hourayra (r.a), the Messenger of God (anleyhi-s-Salaatu wa-s-Salaam) said: “The most meritorious fast after Ramadan is the holy month of God (Muharram) and the most meritorious prayer after the obligatory prayer is the night one.” (Reported by Muslim).18 The bath in this day takes away from us the disease; it should be done as the Fri- day one, however, we must formulate the intention to purify for this day.19 In woloff: tousngeulou; the application of eye Kohl saves from blindness.20 It is here to assist and comfort them.21 The feasting of our family grows and multiplies our chances for the acquisition of property by the willingness of Allah.22 In Wolof : Tisbar.

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sîru»

Then read 7 times the following text :« Subhâna-l-Lâhi mil almizâni muntahal hilmi wa mablaxa-r-ri-da wa hadada nihami wa zinatal harchi là malja wa laa manja’a mina-l-Lâhi ila ilayhi subhâna-l-Lâhi hadada shafhi wal watri wa hadada kalimâti-l-Lâhi tâmâti kullihâ as’aluka-s-salaamata birah-matika ya Ar-hamar-râhimîna wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa bi-l-Lâhi-l-Haliyil Hazîm wa Huwa hasbî wa nihmal Wakîlu nihmal Mawla wa nihma-n-nasîru wa salla-l-Lâhu alaa sayyidinâ Muham-madin wa alaa âlihî wa sahbihî wa salama taslîman ».

N.B : Whoever performs this prayer God will forgive them insha’Allah 50 sins already committed and 50 years of committed sins coming.

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Read before the family if possible the Mulk23 Surat; you will be rewarded by the divine protection

23 Quran, Surat 67 «Tabâraka».

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annexe

The Last Sermon of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba in Diourbel on Saturday 15th Muharram 1346 H.

During his last days, the Sheikh used to do his last farewell. He sometimes would say, “I’m ready to go in Touba” or “I have nothing to do here anymore, my mission is accomplished.».

He told Serigne Muhammadu Mustapha “when the first lunar month has exceeded ten days, you will come in Diourbel, wherever you are un-der the sky”

It is on Saturday, 15 of Muharram 1346 (July 1927) that the Sheikh came out of his retirement after the noon prayer, we are told. He held these words to the disciples: «I recommend you not to talk too much, not too stroll around the town square because these days are not days of loud noise, nor walk. Pass this message to your descendants. He then made his last sermon in the mosque. Here it is: “O people! Worship your Lord who created you for His worshiping. Certainly those who do not worship have committed many sins that prevent them from doing it and also from doing good deeds in their worshiping. I recommend you to follow anyone who teaches you the recommendations of Allah, exalted be He, recommendations that allow you to approach Him, and to enter His pa-radise, for it is the measure of your knowledge on these recommenda-tions and on their implementation that you will acquire eternal bliss that is neither accompanied nor followed by destruction.

In contrast to this, I recommend you to run away and not to follow those who would trivialize you banned things of the LORD because this would lead you to hell where people and stones are used as heating wood. Make efforts to deviate all Allah forbids, and you will have the perma-nent protection and resting.

O disciples! Know that to conform yourselves to knowledge of the first and last wise people lies in the fact of knowing the recommendations and perform them precisely and prevent yourselves from the forbidden

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things. Thus, the elected of GOD have distinguished themselves and are the privileged.

O disciples, strive yourselves to the fulfillment of the five prayers, give alms and make prayers.

I will let you in the LORD’ Hands, Who is sufficient enough to be Master and Support simultaneously.”

* After the sermon he went into the house until dusk prayer. He came out and led the prayer and asked Cheikh Muhammad al amîn Jóob Dagana to recite the opening verses of Surat «The Cow.»

«Alif, Laam, Mîm zâlikal kitâb...humul muflihûna ». Stop there says the Sheikh.

Commenting on these verses He says : God describes the true Muslims who believe in hidden things like the doomed day, the Heaven, the hell. They are like what is called in Wolof tax * one * which is posed in the rain is filled with water. This “tax” is like the heart of the true believer who receives the divine orders and believes in them, which also has the privilege to receive divine light. Continue, he told cheikh Muhammad al amîn Jóob Dagana !

« Inna lazîna kafarû... wa lahum azâbun hazîmun».

After this reading He says : “God sets in these verses the unbelievers, nothing can be told for them to follow the right path. They are similar to a *yajj* which posed in the rain four hundred years, no water will enter. God made their hearts insensitive to the truth. “Keep on reading !

Cheikh Muhammad al amîn Jóob : « wa mina-n-nâsi man-yaqûlu ... wa mâ yash-hurûna ».

The Sheikh : “these verses characterize the hypocrites, they are found wherever Muslims are for show while they do not believe in anything they do, say or in what they listen. They think they are misleading the Lord but it is the opposite, they deceive themselves. Their hearts are si-milar to a *tëlëjj* that has both ends holes. It never keeps water. «

In conclusion, the Sheikh says “So be like true Muslims who believe in the invisible such as the doomed day, the angels, the other prophets etc.

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Do not be like the Jews and Christians who are competing. Each group is announcing the destruction of the other. Be satisfied with what you have because it is largely enough for you. We often see someone be satisfied with their part while it is not enough. But you’re not victims of it because I suffice you. So do not worry about others and what they follow. «

Extracted from the newspaper Al Bichru, Dahira Mafaatihul Bichri of UGB

No. 17 / February 2008

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