Muharram ul Haram is the first month of the Lunar or Hijri calendar, and thus marks the start of the Islamic New Year.This holy month is important for its historical roots as well as the profound spiritual significance it has for Muslims worldwide. The month of Muharram marks the Hijrah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah – to new beginnings – to the glory of Islam. Muharram is a period of contemplation, memory, and rejuvenation.
The meaning of Muharam (ٱلْمُحَرَّم) is forbidden, referring to the fact that it is one of the four sacred months in which warfare is forbidden. Muslims are encouraged to engage in increased worship during this holy month.Muharram is also notable for being one of the four holy months that Allah specifies in the Quran. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ mentioned Muharram as the “Month of Allah.” [Sahih Muslim, 1163]. As the month of Muharram is attributed to Allah; thus, we can easily realize how virtuous it is.
The Importance of Muharram
Muharram is a time of remembrance for the Muslim Ummah, even though Muslims celebrate the start of the new Islamic year, viewing it as another chance to get closer to Allah. Therefore it is a good time for Muslims to incorporate acts of Sadaqah Jariyah, nafl (voluntary) prayers, fasting and Qur’an recitation.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three are in succession, namely, Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and (the fourth one) Rajab (of the tribe of) Mudar, which is between Jumada (Thani) and Shaban.” (Bukhari, 3197)
Not only is it a month decreed by Allah (SWT) as sacred, it is the first month of the Islamic calendar, marking the hijrah (emigration) of the Muslims to Medina and the establishment of the first Islamic state in 622 CE.
The Day of Ashura
The Battle of Karbala occurred on the 10th of Muharram, also known as the Day of Ashura, in the 61st year of the Islamic Calendar. This battle took place between Yazid’s army, the Umayyad Caliph, who had a far bigger army, and the small army of the Prophet’s (PBUH) family and allies.
Hussain رضي الله عنه , the beloved grandson of the Prophet (PBUH) was brutally martyred, alongside the majority of the male members of the Prophet (PBUH)’s family.
What Should We Do in the Month of Muharram?
Fasting
It is recommended and most rewarding to fast on the 9th and 10th Muharram (the day of Ashura), or on the 10th and 11th Muharram.
Narrated Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه: When the Prophet ﷺ arrived at Madinah, the Jews were observing the fast on Ashura and they said, “This is the day when Musa became victorious over Pharaoh,” On that, the Prophet ﷺ said to his companions, “You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Musa’s victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.” [Al-Bukhari]
In accordance with this, here is another important narration from Abdullah Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه who said, “When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ fasted on Ashura and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, `O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.’ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ‘If I live to see the next year, InshaAllah, we will fast on the ninth day too.’ But it so happened that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed away before the next year came.” [Muslim, 1134]
Moreover, in yet another hadith it is mentioned that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said: “The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is that of Allah’s month of Al-Muharram. And the most virtuous Salat after the obligatory is the night prayer.” (Tirmidhi, 438)
Fasting is among the deeds that Allah values the most. Allah promises to take care of this deed because it is done exclusively for him, without mentioning any kind of compensation. Even if we allow our imaginations to go wild, we will never be able to fully comprehend the magnificence of Allah’s blessings for those who fast in order to please Him.
“Fasting is a secret between the servant and his Lord. This is why Allah, Mighty and Exalted, says, “Every action of the son of Adam is his, except for fasting. It is Mine, and it is I who reward it.” [Bukhari, 7492 & Muslim,1151]
Reading Qur’an and Doing Dhikr
If you are unable to fast, you can still experience the blessings of Muharram by performing Dhikr or reading the Qur’an. Never forget that the angels will join you in every gathering you have for the sake of Allah SWT, and it will also be filled with barakah.
Daily Dhikr that can help in boosting your rewards
سُبْحَانَ للّهِ x 100 times = 1000 Rewards Added/1000 sins removed [Muslim, 2698]
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ = A date palm is planted for him/her in Jannah. [Tirmidhi, 3464]
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ x 100 = Sins forgiven even if they were like the foam in the sea.
لاَ إِ لَـٰهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْـدَ هُ لاَ شَـرِيْكَ لَـهُ ، لَـهُ الْمُـلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْـدُ ، وَهُـوَ عَلَـى كُلِّ شَـيْ ءٍ قَدِ يْرٌ = Reward as given for manumitting ten slaves + 100 Good Deeds + 100 Sins Deducted + Shield for him from Shaitan on that day till night [Bukhari, 6403]
To uncover countless more words of dhikr to brighten our days, hearts, and spirits, one need just take a fleeting look at a day in our beloved Rasul ﷺ’s blessed life.
From a mathematical point of view, the best thing we can do is read the Quran. We receive ten awards for each letter of a word found in the Quran. Imagine that after we complete the Quran, Allah increases it for us out of his abundance. It is useless to sit and actually calculate the rewards since there is no upper limit or numerical value that Allah can place on the benefits He bestows upon His slave.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will receive one good deed as ten good deeds like it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is one letter, but rather Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter.” [Tirmidhi, 2910]
Give Sadaqah
Acts of generosity, compassion, and charity are encouraged throughout the month of Muharram. Muslims frequently take part in humanitarian endeavors, such as feeding the underprivileged, contributing to charitable causes, and providing financial support to those in need. Generosity and increased spending on the family on the day of ʿAshurah is an encouraged practice.
4. Sincere Repentance
Asking Allah for forgiveness at the start of the Islamic year is crucial. Sincerely express your regret for your past transgressions and avoid sinning again.
It’s narrated in a hadith that Allah forgave an entire people on a day of Muharram.
The Prophet ﷺ said to a man, “If you want to fast a month after Ramadan, then fast Muharram, for it has a day in which Allah forgave an entire people, and He turns to others in repentance in.” [Tirmidhi]
In conclusion, Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and it is a time of deep reflection, remembrance, and renewal for Muslims across different sects. Across the globe, Muslims observe fasts, perform charitable deeds, and think back on important occasions. Muharram is also unique in that it is one of the four holy months that Allah has decreed in the Quran, emphasizing its divine importance. By encouraging people to live compassionate, empathetic, and devoted lives all year long, it strengthens the values of thankfulness, altruism, historical contemplation, and abiding by Allah’s commands.
References:
https://www.inkoffaith.com/post/muharram-a-month-of-rewards-and-hope
https://blog.quranmajeed.com/muharram-fasting-spiritual-practices-in-islam/
https://gtaf.org/blog/the-month-of-muharram/
https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/resources/islamic-calendar/muharram/
