Muslims around the world have recently welcomed the month of Muharram. But what is the importance of Muharram and why do Muslims celebrate Ashura?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Historically, it marks the emigration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to the city of Medina, known as Hijrah – which marked the beginning of Islam and thereafter, the start of the Islamic new year.
Muharram is referred to as the “sacred month of Allah”, and because of this, is one of the most blessed months in the Islamic calendar (alongside the months of Rajab, Dhul-Qa’dah and Dhul-Hijjah).
Allah (SWT) says: “Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong, not yourselves therein… [Surah At-Tawbah 9:36].
What Should Muslims Do During Muharram?
- Reading the Qur’an and remembrance (dhikr):Increasing recitation of the Qur’an and engaging in frequent remembrance is a great way to attain nearness to God during this month and reap rewards.
- Giving regular charity: The start of the Islamic new year is the perfect time to set new resolutions, such as giving regular voluntary charity in the form of Sadaqah (including Sadaqah Jariyah), to receive blessings all-year round.
- Increasing repentance: Muslims are encouraged to sincerely seek God’s forgiveness during this month.
- Expressing gratitude: Being grateful for the numerous favours of God is an easy and profound form of worship that is easy to overlook.
- Saying the salaam often and smiling: Simple acts like saying the salaam and smiling more often are simple acts to reap rewards from.
- Fasting: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended voluntary fasting during Muharram –“The best fasting after Ramadan is the Sacred Month of Allah (Muharram)…” [Hadith Muslim]. Muslims are strongly encouraged to fast on the 10th of Muharram, the day of Ashura, as it clears sins from the previous year. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Fasting the day of ‘Ashura’, I hope, will expiate for the sins of the previous year.” [Hadith Muslim]. The Prophet recommended to also fast a day before it (the 9th), or a day after it (the 11th), to differentiate between muslims and the people of the book. “Fast the Day of ‘Ashura and be different from the Jews by fasting a day before it or a day after it”. [Ahmad].
What is Ashura?
The word Ashura comes from the Arabic word ‘Asharah’ which means ten, and this day falls on the 10th of Muharram. Many significant historical events took place on this date, including; the arc of Prophet Nuh (AS) coming to rest at the foot of mount Judiyy, the martyrdom of Husayn (RA) grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at Karbala, and God saving Prophet Musa (AS) and freeing the children of Israel from the oppression of Pharoah.
The story of triumph of Prophet Musa (AS) in the face of oppression beautifully epitomises the essence of complete reliance and trust in God (tawakkul), and contains powerful lessons that are applicable to our daily lives today.
Standing before what seemed like a sea of impossibility, Prophet Musa (AS) didn’t despair and his heart remained firm on God. He called upon God in that moment when all seemed lost and impossible.
‘Then We inspired to Musa (as), “Strike with your staff the sea”, and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain. And We advanced thereto the pursuers. And We saved Musa (as) and those with him, all together. Then We drowned the others’. [Qur’an, 26:63-66]
Prophet Musa (AS)’s unwavering faith in the mercy of and complete reliance on God for help, illustrates the concept of placing our trust in God and calling out to Him alone to help and provide relief after He tests us.
“(Moses) said: ‘By no means! My Lord is with me! He will guide me through!’” (Qur’an, 26:61-62)
The take-home messages from the story of Prophet Musa (AS):
· Reliance on and complete trust in God’s plan for us (tawakkul).
· Call upon God alone for help.
· Do not despair in the mercy of God.
Recommended Acts to do on the Day of Ashura
- Fasting either on the 9th or 10th or on the 10th and 11th of Muharram
- Spending on one’s family on the day
- Giving charity – Sadaqah Jariyah to receive lasting rewards
- Seeking God’s forgiveness for sins.
The arrival of a new year is one of the favours of God. As we welcome the new year and the sacred month, let’s establish new productive habits, and seize the opportunities for increased reward and blessings. This new beginning is a prime moment to reflect upon the timeless lessons from our prophets’ trials and apply them to our daily lives.
Happy Islamic new year! Keep smiling 🙂
