Concord Times (Freetown)
John Momoh
15 June 2011
Freetown — The Cultural Chancellor of the Iranian Cultural Consul in Freetown, Mr. Muhammad Reza Ghezel Sofla has explained to the media the importance of the Rajab and Shaban lunar months in the Islamic calendar, describing them as the gateway to the Ramadan fasting month.
In an exclusive interview with some journalists at his Garrison Street office yesterday, Mr. Sofla noted that the Ramadan month is very important because it provides an opportunity for the purification and renewal of the believer who observes fasting.
“What we must remember is that the Ramadan fasting month is like a party hosted by believers to which Almighty God is the Guest. But to every important event there must be preparations made and the Month of Rajab and Shaban is that preparation for the Ramadan event,” Sofla indicated.
He said one formidable event in the Rajab Month is the birthday anniversary of Imam Ali (sa) on the 13th Rajab, which this year coincides with the 16th June. He mentioned that the role played by Imam Ali (SA) in the establishment of Islam is well known to all Muslims. Another significant event to Islam in this Rajab holy month is Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) appointment to Prophet-hood on the 27th Rajab which will coincide with the 30th June, 2011.
He said the importance of Shaban lunar month should equally not be treated lightly as the infallible Imam Hussein’s (SA) birthday falls on the 3rd of Shaban which is the 15th July. The 5th and 7th of Shaban which will be on the 17th and 19th July respectively mark the birthday anniversary of the infallible Imam Zeinabuddin (SA) and Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (SA) respectively.
He however noted that the month of Ramadan is one of the greatest in the Islamic calendar. He used the occasion to announce that several Muslim and Christian organizations will be holding a one-day seminar on Wednesday to mark Imam Ali’s (AS) birthday anniversary on Thursday at the Cultural Consulate with the theme: “Imam Ali (SA), A Manifestation of Human Rights and Justice”.
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Importance of Shaban and Rajab Lunar Months Underscored