What is Muharram and When is It?
Muharram is the first month of the Hijri calendar and holds great significance for Muslims. It was during this month that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migrated from Mecca to Medina, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar and a pivotal moment in Islamic history.
Due to this important event, Muslims around the world welcome this month with joy and engage in various recommended practices. In 2025, Muharram is expected to start on the night of 27 June.
Let's explore some of the blessings of Muharram and the recommended practices for this sacred month.
The Importance of Muharram
As the first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram has many privileges. This has been mentioned in the words of the Prophet Muhammad as follows:
1. The Sacred Month
The month of Muharram is a sacred month. The existence of this holy or haram month is stated in the Quran,
“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months, as Allah decreed when He created the heavens and the earth, among which are four unlawful months. That is the straight religion, so do not wrong yourselves in them (the four months), and fight the polytheists all as they fight you all. Know that Allah is with those who fear.”
(Surah At Taubah verse 36)
2. There is a Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram)
Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it holds immense significance for Muslims due to several key events and practices associated with it.
It is believed that on this day, Allah saved the Prophet Moses (Musa) and the Israelites from Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) acknowledged this event and encouraged Muslims to fast on this day in gratitude.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked about the virtue of fasting Arafah? He replied, “Fasting Arafah will erase the sins of the past year and the year to come.’ He was also asked about the virtue of fasting ‘Ashoora’? He replied: ‘Fasting “Ashoora” expiates the sins of the past year.”
(Muslim)
3. Reflection and Renewal
Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, offering a time for Muslims to reflect on their actions over the past year and make resolutions for spiritual and moral improvement in the coming year.
4. Increased Worship
Many Muslims use this month to increase their acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, to seek greater closeness to Allah and earn additional rewards.
Why is Muharram So Special?
The first month of the lunar calendar, Muharram, is special for Muslims due to its numerous virtues. It's the month of Allah, where the Quran and Hadith encourage Muslims to perform these practices:
1. Fasting
Besides fasting on the day of Ashura, several days in Muharram are recommended for fasting. Fasting in this month is considered very virtuous, second only to Ramadan.
Abu Hurairah (RA) said: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: The most excellent fast after Ramadan is the fast in the month of Allah, Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer."
(Muslim)
Recommended fasts in Muharram include fasting on the 9th (Tasua), 10th (Ashura), 11th of Muharram and the middle days of the month (Ayyamul Bidh).
2. Sadaqah (Charity)
Increasing charity in Muharram is encouraged. Allah says in the Quran:
"O you who believe, give away some of the good of your labor and some of what We bring forth from the earth for you. Do not choose that which is bad for you to give away, while you do not want to take it, except by squinting (reluctantly) at it. Know that Allah is All-Rich, All-Praised."
(Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267)
If you want to learn more about Sadaqah (Charity), you can read the article here.
3. Spending on the Day of Ashura
It is recommended to be generous with one's family on the day of Ashura.
"Whoever makes provision for his family on the day of Ashura, Allah will make provision for him for the rest of the year."
(Ath-Thabrani and Al-Hakim)
If you want to know other recommended actions during Muharram, you can read the article here.
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