Muharram: Everything You Need to Know about The Sacred Month

What is Muharram?

The profoundly blessed month of Muharram stands as one of the four sanctified months designated by Allah (SWT), carrying a distinct importance where any form of warfare is strictly prohibited. Its significance is underscored by its name, ‘Muharram,’ which directly translates to ‘forbidden.’

“Allah’s count of months is twelve months in Allah’s record, from the day He created the heavens and the earth; four of them are sacred. This is the right religion; do not wrong yourselves in them, and fight against the disbelievers all together, as they fight against you all together; and know that Allah is with the righteous.” – Holy Quran (9:36).

Every action, whether virtuous or otherwise, holds greater weight on the scales during this sacred month, prompting all Muslims to strive for self-improvement. Muharram’s significance emanates from Allah (SWT) designating it as one of the four holy months in the lunar calendar. Moreover, many Muslims observe it to honor the passing of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandsons. Given its sanctity, numerous Muslims choose to fast during Muharram to intensify their devotion.

Allah (SWT) instructs us to safeguard ourselves and abstain from wrongful conduct during this momentous period. This entails refraining from engaging in unlawful and sinful acts and instead fostering pure intentions, performing righteous deeds, and offering worship to Allah (SWT).

The importance of Muharram

“Verily, in the sight of Allah, the count of months is twelve [lunar] months in Allah’s decree, from the day He created the heavens and the earth; and of these, four are sanctified. That is the upright religion. So, do not wrong yourselves during them…” (Qur’an, 9:36)

In relation to this verse, Ibn Katheer (may Allah have mercy upon him) provides insight, stating, “Allah has chosen select elements from His creation: from among the angels He selected Messengers, from among humanity He chose Messengers, from within speech He chose the remembrance of Him (dhikr), from among places on earth He chose the mosques, and from among the months He chose Ramadan and the sacred months… Thus, revere what Allah has chosen, as individuals of discernment and wisdom hold in esteem that which He has chosen.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer)

Hence, Muharram bears significance solely because Allah has designated it as such. He directs us to refrain from ‘wronging ourselves’ during this consecrated month, which fundamentally calls for cultivating pure intentions and virtuous conduct, avoiding the pitfalls of sin.

Notable Muharram Events

There are a number of notable events that have occurred across the month of Muharram, with two of the most prominent being:

• The Day of Ashura
• Battle of Karbala

The benefits of Muharram

While the significance of the month of Ramadan is widely acknowledged, we often unintentionally overlook the sanctity of the sacred months. However, these months hold a treasure trove of possibilities to seek Allah’s mercy and blessings, unique to this particular time of the year. They have been specifically handpicked by Allah Himself as optimal periods for drawing nearer to Him.

As previously discussed, our actions carry heightened weight during Muharram, akin to the weight they carry within the precincts of the Ka’bah. This presents us not only with the chance to amass greater rewards daily but also the risk of accumulating more transgressions through our negative deeds. This underscores the need for extra vigilance in our behavior – whether in our relationships, professional endeavors, worship, time management, or even our health regimen. Armed with sincere intentions, each action can potentially become a avenue for attaining rewards.

We’ve compiled a brief list of effortless ways to capitalize on the advantages of Muharram:

• Say salaam more! This is the greeting of the Prophet (saw) and the people of Paradise, and such a simple action can reap countless rewards and forgiveness.
• Smile at everyone (even on Monday mornings). This simple action will weigh heavy on the scales during Muharram.
• Give regular sadaqah. Muharram is the beginning of the Islamic New Year, so it’s the perfect time to make resolutions and establish good habits that you can reap the rewards of all-year round.  .
• Improve your health by eating better, exercising more and having a good sleeping routine. Yes, taking care of your health is a rewardable action too – your body is an amanah (trust) from Allah! Making a few lifestyle changes can earn you countless rewards.
• Seek forgiveness. Since sins are heavier in Muharram, you should ask for forgiveness as often as possible during this month, or even erase your sins by giving water to the people of Yemen, which is a great Sadaqah Jariyah.
  
• Read more Qur’an. It’s an obvious one that always gets put on these lists – but it’s the perfect way to draw closer to Allah during this incredible month! The best way to do it is to commit to just 10-15 minutes per day; set yourself a time and stay disciplined! Hopefully, you will stick to this New Year’s resolution if you establish the good habit during Ramadan.

Fasting on The Day of Ashura

Muslims commonly observe fasting during Muharram, typically on two days within the month. The foremost of these days is the 10th, renowned as the Day of Ashura, while the other is generally the 9th.

The 10th day of Muharram is renowned as the Day of Ashura, recalling the occasion when Allah (SWT) delivered Musa (as) and the Children of Israel from the oppressive rule of the formidable Pharaoh, one of history’s greatest tyrants. In appreciation for this divine rescue, Prophet Musa (as) practiced fasting on this day.

To commemorate this liberation and in emulation of Prophet Musa’s (as) example, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advised Muslims to observe fasting as well. The Messenger (ﷺ) also expressed his intention to fast on the ninth of Ashura [Sahih Muslim], although he passed away before he could fulfill it.

Many Muslims also fast on this day to honor the memory of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (ra), the beloved grandson of the Prophet (ﷺ), his companions, and other members of the Holy Prophet’s (ﷺ) family at the tragic Battle of Karbala.

Participating in fasting on the Day of Ashura presents an extraordinary occasion for spiritual renewal. Allah (SWT) has pledged that those who fast on this day will be rewarded with the expiation of minor sins accumulated over the past year. This signifies a remarkable offer: a single day’s effort erasing the weight of a whole year’s worth of minor transgressions. Truly, Allah’s (SWT) generosity knows no bounds.