Muharram

✨The month of Muharram is coming upon us in about a week, insha’Allah. Here are some interesting facts about this month:

**1. The month of Muharram is one of the four sacred months singled out by Allah (SWT).

“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, 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].” (Surah Tawbah, Ayah 36; http://quran.com/9/36) 

The four sacred months being referred to here are Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. Allah’s command “do not wrong yourselves” applies in all months, but by singling out the sanctity of these four, He (SWT) made sins during these months more grave, and He made righteous deeds during them and their reward greater. 

In fact, the sanctity of these months was recognized from the days of Ibrahim (AS). Even the pagans at the time of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) observed their sanctity; despite their frequent tribal battles, they regarded fighting during these months as unlawful. 

Allah (SWT) continued to hold these months as sacred in the law He gave to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

**2. The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of Muharram (optional fasts). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is Allah's month Al-Muharram.“ [At-Tirmidhi, http://www.sunnah.com/tirmidhi/8/59]

Mentioning the month with the name of Allah (SWT) is a sign of its great status. Do note though that the Prophet (ﷺ) did not fast any other month in full apart from the month of Ramadan. So the hadith is understood to be encouraging to fast a lot in the month of Muharram, but not the whole month. [Islamqa.info, http://islamqa.info/en/21311] 

**3. The day of ‘Ashura occurs in the month of Muharram. What is the day of ‘Ashura? It is the 10th of Muharram – the day on which Prophet Musa (AS) and his people miraculously crossed the Red Sea while the Pharoah was drowned in it.

Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: 

The Prophet (ﷺ) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Musa fasted on this day.” He said, “We are closer to Musa than you.” So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast. [Bukhari, 1865]

Musa (AS) fasted that day out of gratitude to Allah (SWT) for saving him and his people. 

Here’s the great reward for those who fast on the day of ‘Ashura:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied, "It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year.“ [Muslim,http://www.sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/9/262] 

All minor sins one committed in the past year are said to be forgiven by fasting the day of ‘Ashura! What better way to start the new Islamic year. 

However, in order to differentiate the Islamic way of fasting Ashura from the way of the Jews, the Prophet (ﷺ) advised to fast an additional day with the 10th of Muharram, i.e., either the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th of Muharram. 

**4. Lastly, the month of Muharram is the start of the new year in the Hijri calendar. Now’s a good time to repent for past mistakes.
Also try to settle all issues with your family members or relatives or friends to whom you might have hurt.
Because Allah will not forgive the injustice and hurting humans until they forgives.
Revisit your intentions, set your goals for the year as productive Muslims, and renew your ambition toward becoming better Muslims.

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