Muharram is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and is the first month of the Islamic New Year. As Muslims, let’s try and learn about and benefit from this month as much as possible.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and is the first month of the Islamic New Year. As Muslims, let’s try and learn about and benefit from this month as much as possible.
The holy month of Muharram is the first month of the Islamic year. This year, it falls on the 19th of July 2023 and will last approximately 30 days. Muharram literally translates to the word ‘forbidden’ and is indirectly mentioned in the Holy Qu’ran as one of the four sacred months:
The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year) – so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred; that is the straight usage. So wrong not yourselves therein and fight the pagans all together as they fight you all together. But know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.”
(9:36)
In pre-Islamic Arabia, tribal wars were quite common and long-lasting. In the sacred months, fighting became forbidden (except in self-defense) so that people can enjoy a period of peace and safely carry out religious pilgrimage, trade, and so on.
What are some of the recommended acts to perform in Muharram?
Fasting
Many ahadith talk about the virtues of fasting on the first nine days of Muharram. In the book of Tirmidhi (book 8, hadith 59), the Holy Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said:
The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is Allah’s month Al-Muharram.”
Salatul-layl (night prayer)
The night prayers are, of course, recommended to do at any time of the year, yet the Prophet has specifically mentioned performing during Muharram, which can only mean there is extra significance or reward to performing the prayer. In Sunan abu-Dawud (book 13, hadith 2423), the Prophet is recorded saying:
(In Muharram) the most excellent prayer after the prescribed prayer is the prayer during the night.”
These are some of the recorded recommended acts to perform in Muharram. Being a sacred month, it is encouraged to increase general good deeds such as giving to charity. Read more about the Islamic-themed New Years resolutions you could make in Muharram
What events occurred in Muharram?
The pinnacle of the month of Muharram is the 10th day of the month, known as the day of Ashura. Shia and Sunni Muslims commemorate/celebrate this day based on key events recorded in history.
Prophet Musa (as) split the sea
Under persecution from Pharaoh and his army, Moses and his people attempted to escape until they hit a body of water. With Pharoah closing in, Moses used his staff to split the sea open so that his people could safely pass. Once everyone had safely crossed, the sea closed with Pharoah midway and subsequently drowned him.
Prophet Nuh’s (as) ark docked in a place known as Mount Judi
Prophet Noah built an ark under the instruction of the Almighty to save him and his people from the incoming flood. Anyone who boarded the ark would be saved and anyone left behind would be drowned. All of Noah’s sincere people and followers of monotheism boarded the ark as well as one of every species of animal whilst others, including his son, decided to stay behind and drowned. Tafsir ibn Kathir reports that it is on the 10th of Muharram that the ark finally docked.
Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) the grandson of the Holy Prophet
Although good news and glad tidings are related to the 10th of Muharram, we have to bear in mind that it was also the day Imam Hussain (as), the grandson of the Prophet, was martyred on the plains of Karbala along with his family members and companions. Unhappy with Yazid’s lifestyle and rule, which was leading Islam and its people down the wrong path, Imam Hussain (as) decided to make a stand against the regime. Although Imam Hussain (as) was martyred, his death and the manner of it sent shockwaves across the ummah and helped revive the true teaching of Islam.
How is Muharram commemorated?
Muharram and the day of Ashura is largely a day of celebration for Sunni Muslims, owing to the Prophetic events that occurred on the day. The majority will fast on the day of Ashura.
On the other hand, the focus of Shia Muslims throughout the entire month of Muharram is mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as). This is based on instructions from the Prophet. In Mustadrak al-Wasail, (volume 1, page 318) the Prophet has said:
Surely, there exists in the hearts of the Mu’mineen, with respect to the martyrdom of Hussain (as), a heat that never subsides.”
Bihar al-Anwar (volume 44, page 193) has recorded a conversation between the Prophet and his daughter Lady Fatima (as) as follows:
O Fatimah! Every eye shall be weeping on the Day of Judgement except the eye which has shed tears over the tragedy of Hussain (as) for surely, that eye shall be laughing and shall be given the glad tidings of the bounties and comforts of paradise.”
And another tradition in the same book (Bihar al-Anwar, volume 94, page 192), this topic of conversation continues:
On the Day of Judgment, you (Fatima) shall intercede for the ladies and I (Prophet Muhammad) shall intercede for the men; every person who has wept over the tragedy of Husayn (A.S.), we shall take him by the hand and lead him into Paradise.”
Shia Muslims use this basis to mourn for Imam Hussain (as) and this matter takes precedence over the good events that have happened on the same day.
Muharram may divide opinion on how it should be commemorated or the events that took place within it. However, there’s no doubt over the sacredness of the month and all Muslims should spend time increasing their good deeds and start the new year on a good footing.
