The Significance of the Month of Muharram & the Day of Ashura

As we approach the beginning of a new Islamic year, it is an opportune time to reflect on the significance of the month of Muharram, especially the 10th of Muharram, known as the Day of Ashura. 

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, marks the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) from Makkah to Madinah. 

This migration, or Hijra, was a pivotal moment in Islamic history and serves as the starting point of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The month of Muharram is not only the first month of the Islamic calendar but also one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an. 

Let us delve deeper into the historical and spiritual importance of this month and explore the practices that make the Day of Ashura especially significant.

Muharram – 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.” [Surah At-Tawbah, verse 36]

Abu Bakr (RA) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah, and Muharram, and Rajab which comes between Jumada and Sha’ban.” [Reported by al-Bukhari, 2958]

The month of Muharram, one of the four sacred months mentioned in Surah At-Tawbah, derives its name from ‘haraam,’ meaning ‘forbidden.’ This name serves as a reminder of the prohibitions set by Allah (SWT), such as war and the shedding of blood.

Muharram is also considered sacred because sins committed during this month bear more weight, and good deeds earn greater rewards. Ibn ‘Abbas stated that sins in these sacred months are more serious, and good deeds are more heavily rewarded.

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting during Allah’s month of Muharram.” [Reported by Muslim, 1982]

As highlighted in the hadith above, the Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the sanctity of Muharram by referring to it as “Allah’s month” and encouraging fasting throughout the month.

What is Ashura?

The term Ashura originates from the Arabic word “Asharah,” which means ten. Ashura refers to the 10th day of Muharram. The Day of Ashura is on 16th July 2024. This day holds significant historical and spiritual importance in Islam.

The 10th of Muharram is a day marked by multiple significant events in Islamic history, such as the salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, the saving of Prophet Nuh’s (Noah) ark, and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala. These events underscore the themes of perseverance, faith, and divine intervention.

Historical Events on the 10th of Muharram

H.A. Fuad Said noted in his book that the 10th of Muharram is significant due to various historical events. It is believed to be the day when Prophet Nuh’s ark was saved, Prophet Yusuf was released from prison, and Prophet Sulaiman was granted his vast empire, among other events.

The day of Ashura is primarily recognized through the following hadith:

Ibn ‘Abbas (RA) said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) came to Madinah and ﷺ the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He said, ‘What is this?’ They said, ‘This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.’ He said, ‘We have more right to Musa than you,’ so he fasted on that day and commanded [the Muslims] to fast on that day.” [Reported by al-Bukhari, 1865]

Ibn ‘Abbas (RA) also reported: “I never ﷺ the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of Ashura, and this month, meaning Ramadan.” [Reported by al-Bukhari, 1867]

The Prophet (ﷺ) stated: “For fasting the day of Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.” [Reported by Muslim, 1976]

The Prophet (ﷺ) observed fasting on Ashura even before arriving in Madinah. Upon seeing the Jews fast, he instructed the Muslims to do the same, thus making the fast a Sunnah. In his final year, the Prophet (ﷺ) indicated that if he lived another year, he would also fast on the 9th of Muharram to differentiate from the Jews.

Ash-Shafi’i and his companions suggested: “It is recommended to fast on both the ninth and tenth days, because the Prophet (ﷺ) fasted on the tenth and intended to fast on the ninth.”

What Can You Do on the Day of Ashura?

1. Observe Fast

Fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or the 10th and 11th, is highly recommended. This act of worship expiates sins and holds great reward, as emphasized by the Prophet (ﷺ). 

Fasting on these days is a means of seeking forgiveness from Allah and purifying one’s soul. It serves as a spiritual cleansing, removing minor sins committed in the previous year.

2. Recite the Qur’an, Salawat & Dhikr

If fasting is not possible, engaging in the recitation of the Qur’an, Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and Salawat (sending blessings upon the Prophet) is encouraged. Such activities bring immense spiritual blessings and barakah. 

Reciting the Qur’an, particularly on the Day of Ashura, connects us to Allah Almighty, offering guidance and solace. 

Engaging in Dhikr and Salawat helps in keeping the heart and mind focused on the remembrance of Allah, fostering a sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment.

3. Give Charity

Charity, or sadaqah, is a virtuous deed on Ashura. Helping those in need and spending on one’s family are both Sunnah practices that carry great reward. 

Charity on this day not only assists the less fortunate but also purifies wealth and brings blessings to the giver. It is also narrated that spending generously on one’s family on Ashura brings blessings and barakah to the household. 

This act of kindness and generosity strengthens social bonds and ensures that everyone can partake in the blessings of this holy day.

Ushering in 1445H

The month of Muharram is a sacred period during which the Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged Muslims to engage in acts of worship, particularly fasting.

As we welcome the new year, let us remember Allah’s blessings, whether alone or with fellow Muslims in the numerous activities organized. May He accept our good deeds, forgive our wrongdoings, and grant us the opportunity to reap the rewards of Muharram. Ameen.