This article highlights Islam’s approach to race and diversity, which the Quran and prophetic teachings…
Why Are There Varying Dates for Some Islamic Events?
The reason why sometimes there are two or more dates for certain Islamic events, such as birth and death anniversaries of the Ahl al-Bayt (p):
Today’s Islamic calendar sometimes shows two different dates for the birth or death of one or more of the infallibles (p). For example, some Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (p) on the 7th of Safar while others do so on the 28th of that month. These disparities exist due to a number of important reasons which bear consideration.
To begin with, history shows that the Ahl al-Bayt (p) were oppressed by the despotic regimes, particularly in the eras following the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (p) in Karbala. As a result of this oppression, the birth or death of the infallibles was likely hidden (i.e., out of precaution) in certain situations. Another potential cause of these disparities was the ongoing malicious propaganda by both the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties and their unrelenting campaign to sow doubt, vis-a-vis belief in the imamate, among the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (p).
Despite the valiant struggle of Shia scholars and sincere followers of the Imams to preserve the authentic records, uncertainties about the exact Islamic events still exist. As a result, I.M.A.M. relies on the dates that the well-known researchers and jurists cite and use in the seminaries. These are the dates that are most strongly indicated in the authentic traditions and relied upon based on available evidence. Thus, our readers may notice a few differences between I.M.A.M.’s Islamic calendar and the calendar used by others. As such, believers have the choice to commemorate the birth and death of the infallibles on all of the potential dates or pick the one they rely on. I.M.A.M.’s Religious Affairs team appreciates the believers’ understanding and values their engagement with these important Islamic events.
4 responses to “Why Are There Varying Dates for Some Islamic Events?”
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In it something is. Earlier I thought differently, many thanks for the information.