April 3, 2001

M. Nureddin Cosan

Dear Brothers and Sisters who are listening to AK RADIO!

I congratulate each and every one of you for the month of Muharram and Ashura Day. From the bottom of my heart, I wish that this Day of Ashura, which is the beginning of many blessings and happiness, becomes a vehicle for the material and spiritual cleanliness of the believers, for the salvation of the countries and the mankind, and for the attainment of the peace and tranquility for all.

The month of Muharram and the Day of Ashura have significant places in our history. The 10th day of Muharram, which is the Day of Ashura, is also an important day in the history of religions. Historical sources state that many important and pleasant events took place on this day during the life of many prophets. On this day, our beloved prophets and their followers were saved from difficulties, oppressions, and injustices. With the grace of Allah, they had new beginnings in their lives.

Dear Brothers and Sisters. We are in a very blessed month, and in a very blessed day. Our beloved Prophet described the month of Muharram as the "Month of Allah." He also stated that the fasts that are the most valuable after Ramadan was held during this month. The rewards would be thirty folds compared to the other times. The fasting on the day of Ashura will be expiation for the offenses committed in the preceding year. The Prophet recommended fasting on this day including a day before or after the day of Ashura to be different from the Jews and Christians who used to fast on the Day of Ashura, too.

We shall comply with the recommendation of the Prophet and appreciate the Day of Ashura accordingly. We should pay attention to our obligatory as well as voluntary worship. We should fast, too. With our conduct, we should reflect the bounty and beauty of these days. We should visit our friends, neighbors, mosques, the graves of our elderly, our parents, and relatives. We should make our traditional Ashura sweets in plenty and offer to our friends and relatives. We should develop our ties of love, brotherhood and friendship. We should do good things and be beneficial for all without any discrimination; we should search for ways to improve our code of conduct and manners. We should not forget to give for the charity, offer prayers, and provide a helping hand for the needy. We should ask for good things for one another.

We should not neglect our spouses and children. In compliance with the Sunnah of the Prophet, we should get them beautiful gifts to win their hearts. According to our beloved Prophet, these gifts would bring happiness and abundance for the family throughout the year.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, these are my heartfelt feelings. I wish you well on this Day of Ashura which has been the beginning of many good things and happiness. Appreciate this day in the proper spirit of Ashura, improve your manners, and strengthen your ties of brotherhood. Uphold the orders of Allah and follow the path of the Prophet.

May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be with you.

M. Nureddin Cosan