Islamic Articles Muharram – The Month of Allah

The month of Muharram is steeped in both religious and historical significance for Muslims. 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 622CE.

A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: ‘Which fasting is better after the month of Ramadan?’ He said: ‘The month of Allah which is called Muharram.’

Hadith | Ibn Majah

Abu Hurairah narrated 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)

Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion [i.e., way], so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him].

Qur’an | 9:36
What are the celebrations of Muharram?

Muharram is one of the sacred months ordained by Allah. Therefore it is a good time for Muslims to incorporate acts of Sadaqah Jariyah, nafl (voluntary) prayers, fasting and Qur’an recitation.

Muslims may also reflect upon the new year by visiting the mosque, reflecting on the past Islamic (Hijri) year, and spending time with their loved ones.
Muharram Importance

Muharram holds much significance among Muslims because as well as being one of the four sacred months, it is a month in which many important historical Islamic events took place.

These include the Hijra sharif- migration of the muslims to Madina, and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and other family members of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) during the Battle of Karbala.

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)

What happens in Muharram?

Although Muslims celebrate the coming of the new Islamic Year in Muharram seeing it as another opportunity for them to gain nearness to Allah, Muharram is also a time of remembrance for the Muslim Ummah.

On the 10th Muharram (Day of Ashura) in the 61st year of the Islamic Calendar, the Battle of Karbala took place. This was fought between a small army of the supporters and family of the Prophet (PBUH) and the army of Yazid, the Ummayad Caliph who had a significantly larger army.

Imam Hussain (AS), the beloved grandson of the Prophet (PBUH) was brutally martyred, alongside the majority of the male members of the Prophet (PBUH)’S family.​

Fasting during Muharram

A special day which falls in Muharram is the day of Ashura. On this day, which falls on the 10th day of Muharram, Muslims are encouraged to fast by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
What happens on 9th Muharram?

The scholars of Islam consider it recommended to fast on the 9th of Muharram along with the 10th of Muharram (‘Ashura). This is due to the Hadith:

When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) fasted on the day of ‘Ashura and told the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of Allah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Next year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.” But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had passed away. (Muslim).

The Prophet (PBUH) wanted to fast on the 9th, in order to differ from the People of the Book.

I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Ashura’, and this month, meaning Ramadhan.

Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari
History of Muharram

As mentioned, Muharram marks Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE to escape oppression and opposition in Makkah. This day historically marks the beginning of the Islamic Calendar as it was such a significant event for the preservation of Islam.

The Hijrah not only ensured the safety of the Prophet and his followers but also allowed Islam to flourish in Madinah. Find out more here.

Muharram also holds the Day of Ashura, when significant historical events including the Battle of Karbala, the story of Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers’ escape from Firawn’s tyranny, and other historical events took place.

Learn more about the history of the Day of Ashura here.
Virtues of Muharram

The sacred months offer us the opportunity to seek the mercy and favour of Allah SWT. Thus, there is an opportunity to gain more reward every day; but also the danger of gaining more sins with our bad deeds.

There are many virtues of Muharram and simple things we can do to take advantage of the benefits of the sacred month. Here are some recommended actions or Sunnah during Muharram.

Fast: Keep a fast on the 9th and 10th Muharram (the day of Ashura), or on the 10th and 11thMuharram. Fasting expiates sins.
Read the Qur’an: If you are unable to fast, reading the Qur’an or doing Dhikr can help you to feel the blessings of Muharram. Remember, any gathering for the sake of Allah SWT will also be filled with barakah and the Angels will join you.
Give regular Sadaqah: Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, so it’s the perfect time to make resolutions and establish good habits like giving regular charity, so that you can gain blessings all-year round.​