They ask you about the phases of the
moon…
They ask
you about the phases of the moon. Say,
"These are signs for the people to reckon dates and fix the periods of
Hajj."EN2-198. 2-189
EN2-198 - The phases of the moon have
always attracted the attention of moon in every age, and different kinds of
rites and superstitions have been connected with these in every country. The Arabs also had some superstitions
connected with these. They took omens
from them for journeys, marriage, business, etc., and performed some
superstitious practices, for they believed that the phases and eclipse of the
moon affected their fortunes. Therefore,
they questioned the Holy Prophet concerning the same thing. Allah answered their question and informed
them that the phases of the moon were nothing more than a natural
calendar. Hajj has been specially
mentioned in this connection because of its religious, cultural and economic
importance to the Arabs. Four months of
the year were fixed for Hajj and Umrah and war was
suspended and the routes were made safe, and business flourished on account of
peace.
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