The Islamic calendar started when Muslims migrated from Makah to Madina. This is called Hijrah in Arabic. This occasion which happened when Muslims were forced to flee Makkah to Madina individually and finally Prophet Muhammad Swalla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam and his best friend Abu-Bakr Siddiyq Raddhiya llaahu ‘anhu made the difficult journey escaping the Mushrikeen in Makkah and headed to Madinah is famously known as Hijrah.

The Islamic Calendar which started following the Hijrah is very important to know because it allows Muslims to know when the important events took place. For example the fasting month is Ramadhaan and the festival feast is in the month of Shawwaal and Dhul Hajj.

On Sunday 10th Muharram 1431 – 26/12/2009 at Abington Mosque just before the beginning of Swalaatul Dhuhr , one Muslim brother, Yussuf Monday who just entered the Masjid ready to perform the Jamaat collapsed.

Brother Yussuf Monday never regained consciousness despite efforts to resuscitate him at the Masjid as well emergency department after being immediately rushed to Hospital. He was pronounced dead at the Hospital. Post mortem indicated the death resulted from the blood clot. He was fifty seven.

Brother Yussuf Monday who reverted to Islam about 3 years ago had been frequented the Abington Masjid to perform congregational prayers and he looked very healthy and according to Imaam‘s statement he once told him that He had a healthier heart than his (Imaam’s).

Little did we know about brother Yussuf who made number of contribution during the ongoing building work at the Mosque. He has been a very humble Muslim who does not speak a lot. Two of our Brothers Suleiman Rashid and  Abu Naasir were able to talk to him just few days before his death discussing some issues about Islam when commenting on an Islamic newsletter at the premises.

His funeral took  place on Monday 04/01/2010 and Al Iman Funeral Services – our department dealing with funeral and bereavement, overseen the task  carrying out the necessary required rituals on the behalf of the deceased. Brother Yussuf left behind two sons.

Al Iman Society has initiated a Bereavement Services scheme with the aim of supporting needy Muslims in the events of death by providing qualified Muslims dealing with washing and shrouding of the deceased as well as funeral itself. This scheme may support Muslims who are unable to cover funeral expenses on their own where the bereavement fund steps in to cover the cost.