The youngest kid in your neighbourhood will most likely be aware of the significance of Ramadan. Many people also understand the importance of Dhul Hajj. But Muharram? That’s often looked at and lived through as one of the regular months.
And why is that wrong?
What’s the significance of Muharram?
Why should we honour it more than other months?
We will answer all of that and more in this blog.
Understanding the Significance of Muharram
Most Muslims carry on with their regular routines during Muharram. This is mainly because of our lack of understanding of the significance of this holy month.
The month of Muharram holds immense significance for various reasons. Some of these include:
Declared Sanctity
Muharram is from among the four months that Allah (SWT) declares Sacred in the Quran. We learn from Surah at-Tawbah:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allāh is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allāh [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” [Quran 9:36]
The significance of Muharram is further emphasised by this hadith of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months, Dhu al-Qa‘dah, Dhu al-Hijjah and al-Muharram, and Rajab of Mudar which comes between Jumada and Sha‘ban.” [Bukhari – 2958]
Allah (SWT) and His Prophet ﷺ both declaring the sanctity of a month is reason enough for us to get into action mode and start honouring Muharram. But, and not that we need more reason to understand the significance of Muharram, there are a few other factors that further add to its importance in Islam.
Best Month to Fast In
Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The best fast after Ramadan is in the month of Allah al-Muharram” [Muslim – 1982]
Even though Ramadan was the only time that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted the entire month and Shabaan was when he ﷺ used to fast most days after Ramadan, fasting during Muharram is greatly emphasised.
A month during which fasting is emphasised is for sure no ordinary month, is it?
The Day of Ashura
The day of Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram. We all know of one historical incident that took place on this day, an event that changed the course of Muslim history and left us with lessons to benefit from for the rest of our lives. This was the incident of Karbala that led to the martyrdom of the beloved of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Imam Hussain (RA).
But that’s not the only incident that makes the day of Ashura important for Muslims.
We learn that Prophet Nuh (AS) ark reached Mount Judi after the great flood on this day. This, however, is from weak narrations. One authentic narration tells us that it was the 10th of Muharram when the Red Sea parted, and Allah (SWT) saved Musa (AS) and his followers as the Pharaoh drowned.
So, the day of Ashura is thought to be a day Allah (SWT) gave a clear victory to believers and took the oppressors down, either by drowning them or through the grave consequences of their oppression.
Since the day of Ashura falls in Muharram, it further increases the importance of this month for the believers.
Honouring the month of Muharram
Muharram is not an ordinary month, and we have come to realise this fully after reading through the previous section.
Now we know we need to give this month its due special treatment.
But how? Here are a few things you can do to honour the significance of Muharram:
Prioritise Fasting
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ declared Muharram as the best month to fast in after Ramadan. Therefore, keep as many voluntary fasts as possible during this month.
Besides fasting throughout Muharram, fasting on the day of Ashura is also highly recommended.
When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived in Madina, he saw the Jews fasting on this day as a way of celebrating Prophet Musa (AS)’s win over the Pharaoh. On seeing this, the Prophet ﷺ said: “I am closer to Musa A.S. than they are.” And he ﷺ fasted that day while also instructing Muslims to fast on the day of Ashura. This is why Ashura fast is so emphasised in Islam.
Fasting on the 9th of Muharram alongside the 10th is also recommended. So it’s best that you fast on both days. But if you can only manage one, fasting on the day of Ashura would work, too!
Do As Many Good Deeds as You Can
One great thing about the Sacred Months is that the reward for good deeds is multiplied during this time. So, safe to say, the month of Muharram is prime time for you to bag some good deeds and hope to get their rewards multiplied!
Fasting is an excellent good deed since you stay in Ibadah from sunrise to sunset and can get maximum rewards.
If you can’t fast or want to go a step further with your efforts, consider doing charity. It doesn’t have to be a significant amount. If you give whatever you can manage, hoping to earn Allah (SWT)’s pleasures, Allah (SWT) will multiply it for you.
Besides these two good deeds, maintain your five daily prayers and keep yourself busy in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah (SWT) to ensure you get the most out of your time.
Avoid Sins
Just like the reward for good deeds is multiplied, the consequences of sin are also more severe during the Sacred Month of Muharram. So, as you plan to do more good deeds this month, try going out of your way to avoid as many sins as possible.
Keep a close watch on major sins that have become a part of most of our lives, like gheebah (backbiting) and actively avoid them.
If you slip and do something wrong, waste no time before turning to Allah (SWT), making sincere tawbah (repentance), and seeking His forgiveness.
Learn from the Incidents of Ashura
Muharram is the first month of our Islamic calendar, and just like you make resolutions before the new year, try making a list of goals in Muharram to have a life vision for the Islamic year ahead.
As you prepare to honour the significance of Muharram and list some goals, make sure to learn more about the incidents that took place on the day of Ashura and see what lessons you can take away from them.
Allah (SWT) split the ocean for Musa (AS), rescued Nuh (AS) and his followers, drowned the people who made fun of him and refused to believe in his message, and most recently, honoured the grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with Shahada (Martyrdom) as he refused to bow down and surrender in front of an oppressive regime.
Remember these incidents of Tawakkul (Trust in Allah SWT), perseverance, and bravery, and consider fostering similar qualities within yourself as your goal this year!
