Muharram
مُحَرَّم
"The Sacred Month / Forbidden"
Significance of Muharram
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months in which warfare is forbidden. It marks the Islamic New Year and holds great historical and spiritual importance.
Major Events
- 1Islamic New Year (1st Muharram)
- 2Day of Ashura (10th Muharram) - The day Prophet Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh
- 3Martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala (10th Muharram, 61 AH)
Recommended Practices
- Fasting on the Day of Ashura (10th Muharram)
- Fasting on 9th and 10th Muharram (recommended by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)
- Increased remembrance of Allah (dhikr)
- Charity and good deeds
- Reflection on the Islamic New Year
- Avoiding warfare and conflicts (sacred month)
Fasting in Muharram
Fasting on the Day of Ashura (10th Muharram) is highly recommended (Sunnah Mu'akkadah). Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted on this day and encouraged Muslims to fast, saying it expiates the sins of the previous year. It is also recommended to fast on the 9th of Muharram (Tasu'a) along with the 10th, or the 10th and 11th, to differentiate from the Jewish practice.
Historical Context
Muharram holds profound significance in Islamic history. The 10th of Muharram (Ashura) commemorates the day when Prophet Moses (Musa) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh's tyranny by the parting of the Red Sea. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged Muslims to fast on this day in gratitude for this deliverance. Additionally, the tragic Battle of Karbala occurred on the 10th of Muharram in 61 AH, where Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, was martyred. This event is commemorated by Muslims worldwide, particularly within Shia communities.
Spiritual Lessons from Muharram
The importance of standing firm for truth and justice
Gratitude for Allah's mercy and deliverance
The value of sacrifice for principles
Starting the new year with spiritual renewal
The sanctity of the sacred months
Reflection on the passage of time and mortality