Entering houses from back door

[ZebunNissa]

Salam alaikum.  This is with ref to verse 2:189.

They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the new moons. Say, "They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj." And it is not righteousness to enter houses from the back, but righteousness is [in] one who fears Allah. And enter houses from their doors. And fear Allah that you may succeed.  2:189 Al-Baqra.


I follow about new moon needed for calculating time.  But I want to know what does new moon have to do with entering homes from back door and the hajj season?

[Ruhi_Rose]

Walaykum As-Salam.   This Verse denounces superstitions that were very common in those early pre-Islamic times. The changing phases of the moon made people curious.  But instead of making efforts to educate themselves, they would concoct superstitious ideas in their minds which would develop into traditional practices.  In 7th century Arabia there were plenty of false and silly superstitious concepts about the waxing and waning of the moon linked to many facets of peoples' lives.  The people would often ask the Prophet (pbuh) questions concerning these superstitions that arose from the changing phases of the moon.   

The answer is provided by Allah Almighty in Verse 2:189 Surah Al-Baqrah.  The Almighty explains that the waxing and waning of the moon is only a physical phenomenon (as ordained by Him).  It serves the purpose of a natural calendar, helping to calculate the time - that is, days of the month - including the months for Hajj which is a very significant event for every believer.   Coming to the issue of superstitions, one common superstition was when people returned home from travels, they presumed it to be "bad omen" to enter their homes (or any one's home) from the front door.  Instead they entered from the rear door.  The Almighty asserts in Verse 2:189 that entering houses from the rear door does not make anyone righteous (or pious), rather righteousness comes from the quality of a person's heart who fears and loves Allah Almighty.   Thus, this Verse informs of the senselessness of superstitious notions that sprout from thoughtless adherence to traditions.  

[ZebunNissa]

Thank you so much.  I now follow it. 

[roti-seller]

Salam.  How long does it take for the moon to go from crescent to full, 2 weeks or 4 weeks?

[Ruhi_Rose]

Wa'salam.  Two weeks.  The light of the moon starts with a crescent, then grows to a semi-circle, then more than semi-circle (aka gibbous) and finally a full moon.  This process of the moon from new (or crescent) to full is called waxing of the moon and it takes about 2 weeks. 

[shukri halil]

That means there are two full moons in a month?

[N. Truth Seeker]

No, no. How can there be two full moons in a month?  From fine crescent to full moon takes 14 days.  Then the cycle is reversed.  After the full moon is reached it starts to wane again or grow smaller until the moon looks new as a fine crescent.  This takes another 14 days.  Thus, from new moon to new moon it takes about a month.  From this stage onward the light of the moon showing the fine crescent starts growing again, and  takes 14 days or 2 weeks to appear as full moon which is in the following month.  Therefore it takes 30 days (or 29.5 days to be exact) from one full moon to another, and full moon appears once every month.  

[ZebunNissa]

Thanks again.  Phases of moon is also useful and interesting info.