Muharram
Muharram
23 Days to go
Being the first month of the Islamic New Year, Muharram holds great importance in Islam. It is one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar. Muharram in its literal sense means “forbidden”. Similar to the other sacred months, waging war during this month is forbidden.
“The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: Three are in succession Dhul-Qa’ da, Dhul-Hijja and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab…” (Bukhari 3197)
Muharram holds great significance long before the Prophet’s (PBUH) time. Earlier on, it was obligatory to fast on the 10th of Muharram. However later, fasting was made obligatory in Ramadan only. As narrated by Aisha (RA):
“The people used to fast on ‘Ashura (the tenth day of the month of Muharram) before the fasting of Ramadan was made obligatory. And on that day the Kaa’ba used to be covered with a cover. When Allah made the fasting of the month of Ramadan compulsory, Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever wishes to fast (on the day of ‘Ashura’) may do so; and whoever wishes to leave it can do so.”(Bukhari 1592)
Centuries
ago, on the 10th of Muharram, Prophet Musa (AS) performed a miracle
with the help of Allah (SWT) whereby he was able to save his people from the
Pharaoh by dividing the sea into two parts creating a pathway for his people to
safely cross the sea, while the Pharaoh’s army drowned. Hence, the Jews used to
fast on Ashura i.e. the 10th of Muharram, as thanksgiving. The
Prophet (PBUH) himself fasted on this day and also ordered the Muslims to do so
as he said that:
“I am closer to Moses than they." (Bukhari 3397)
The
Companions observed that Jews also consider the day as special, fasting on the
day. So Prophet (PBUH) announced that from next year they will fast on the 9th
of Muharram so as to distinguish themselves from the Jews. Unfortunately,
Prophet (PBUH) did not live to see the next year. Therefore, Muslims consider
the 9th and 10th of Muharram, Days of Ashura, as
significant days in the Islamic calendar and observe fast on these days.
Similar
to the regular New Year, one should make resolutions at the start of the
Islamic New Year to improve oneself. You can set small goals for yourself to
become a better person. These goals can be both spiritual and social. You can
strengthen your relationship with Allah (SWT) through regular Dhikr and Duas.
You can help others out through participating in a social cause. It does not
need to be a big social project. Allah (SWT) rewards every good deed. It might
be small in your eyes but it might inspire someone else to do a good deed,
thereby creating a ripple effect of goodness. Thus, a tiny good deed might be
of way more magnitude than you deem it to be. Verily Allah (SWT) knows the
best!
For more
information on Muharram you can visit our blog.
Frequently asked questions
- Q How do we celebrate Muharram?
A We can fast on the Days of Ashura and we can start the Islamic New Year by reciting this Dua; Allahumma adkhilhu ‘alayna bil amni wal iman, was salamati wal islam, wa ridwanim minar Rahman, wa jiwarim minash shaytan O Allah, bring this [month or year] upon us with security, Iman, safety, Islam, your pleasure and protection from Satan. (Tabarani 6237)
- Q Why do the Shia hit themselves?
A It is the Shias’ way of remembering Hussain (RA) and mourning for him. Shias believe that since Hussain (RA) and his family suffered a lot in the field of Karbala, they should hit themselves with swords and knives or with bare hands as a gesture of showing empathy to Hussain (RA) and his family.
- Q What is the Ashura day?
A The 9th and 10th of Muharram are collectively known as the Days of Ashura. The 10th of Muharram holds significance for Muslims.
- Q What is Tazia in Muharram?
A Tazia is the procession staged by Shias in Muharram where they recreate certain aspects of the Karbala incident. At times, these processions even have replicas of the tomb of Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They do this in memory of Hussain (RA).
