Muslim's performing salah
What is Muharram?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. It marks the beginning of a new year. (Muslims follow a lunar calendar, so the months and dates are different to the Gregorian calendar.)
This month holds a lot of significance in the Islamic tradition. It is considered one of the four sacred months. The other three are Rajab, Dhul Q’ada, and Dhul Hijjah.
As Allah mentions in the Quran,
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them […]” (Quran 9: 36)
During these 4 months Muslims are not allowed to engage in any type of warfare and each one of these months holds a significant value to them.
So what is so significant about the month of Muharram from a Sunni perspective?
For starters, it marks the beginning of the new year for Muslims, known as the Islamic New Year or Hijri New Year. This period is a significant opportunity for reflection and personal growth. As the lunar year begins, Muslims take this time to review the past year, assess their achievements and challenges, and set their intentions and goals for the upcoming year.
It’s a moment to renew one's spiritual commitments and aspirations, aiming to start the new year with a heightened sense of faith and purpose. This reflection not only helps in personal development but also encourages setting spiritual and practical goals aligned with Islamic teachings.
Starting the year on a spiritual high can foster a deeper connection with one’s faith, enhance personal discipline, and set a positive tone for the months ahead. This renewal process helps Muslims align their actions with their values and aspirations, making the new year a time for both spiritual and personal rejuvenation.
In fact, The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, ‘The best fasting after Ramadan is the Sacred Month of Allah (Muharram)…’ (Muslim)
The Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him) encourages Muslims to take full advantage of this month. By fasting during this time, you not only reap spiritual benefits but also set yourself up for a strong start to the new year. A good beginning often leads to a more successful and fulfilling journey. When you start with intention and dedication, it can significantly impact your overall progress and outcomes. Fasting in this month serves as a powerful way to align yourself with your faith, cultivate discipline, and build a solid foundation for the year ahead.
The Day of Ashura
The Day of Ashura holds a lot of historical significance to Muslims. One of the reasons why Muslims fast is because they are celebrating the day Prophet Musa (AS) became victorious over Firawn.
This is narrated in the following hadith:
“When the Prophet ﷺ arrived at Madinah, the Jews were observing the fast on Ashura, and they said, ‘This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh.’ On that, the Prophet ﷺ said to his companions, ‘You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses' victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari #4680]
When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) fasted on the day of ‘Ashura and told the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of Allah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Next year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.”
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) passed away that year and did not have the chance to fast on the day before or after Ashura. However, Muslims are advised to fast on both days to distinguish themselves from the Jewish tradition.
To create a clear distinction between the two faiths, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) recommended that Muslims fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th of Muharram. This practice not only emphasizes the uniqueness of Islamic traditions but also honours the Prophet's guidance to establish a separate identity for Muslims.
There are also many benefits to fasting on this day, the main reason being,
Abu Qatadah reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about fasting the day of Arafat and he said, “It will expiate the sins of the previous and upcoming years.” Then, the Prophet was asked about fasting the day of Ashura and he said, “It will expiate the sins of the past year.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1162
Fasting any day in Muharram reaps abundant reward but fasting on the day of Ashura will expiate the sins of the past year.
Historical Events
In the month of Muharram there are many significant historical events that took place on the day of Ashura.
Three of which are:
Prophet Musa obtained victory over Firawn.
“The day that the ship of Prophet Nuh settled upon Mount Judi, and so Prophet Nuh fasted the day out of thankfulness to Allah” [Musnad Ahmad #8717].
The death of Prophet Mohammed’s (peace and blessings be upon him) grandson, Hussein Ibn Ali.
Here are three ways you can take advantage of this month:
Fasting: As mentioned earlier, fasting is a significant way to benefit from this month. Fasting on the day of Ashura brings abundant rewards, but you can also choose to fast on other days. This practice enhances your spiritual growth and helps you start the new year with a sense of accomplishment and devotion.
Qur'an: Increase your engagement with the Qur'an during this time. With the new year beginning, set a goal to read at least one page of the Qur'an each day. If you can manage more, aim to read additional pages. Along with reading, make sure to study the translation and reflect on the meanings of the passages. This approach deepens your understanding and strengthens your connection to the Qur'an.
Regular Sadaqah: Muharram is an ideal time to establish positive habits. Set a goal to give sadaqah (charity) regularly, such as once a week. It doesn’t have to be a large amount; even a modest contribution, like $1 a week, can accumulate and have a meaningful impact. Regular sadaqah helps foster a habit of generosity and supports those in need.
May Allah accept our efforts during the sacred month of Muharram and allow us to grow in our devotion and worship of Him.
