“Muharram 2023: Sacred Month of Allah” Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months as ordained by Allah (SWT). It holds a special place in the Islamic calendar and is often referred to as ‘the month of Allah’. This title signifies its unique status, as no other month is given such an honor. Despite its significance, Muharram is less well-known compared to other Islamic months like Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah.
What is Muharram?
The month of Muharram is steeped in both religious and historical significance for Muslims. It marks the hijrah (emigration) of the Muslims to Medina and the establishment of the first Islamic state in 622 CE. Many important events in Islamic history have occurred in this month, including the Battle of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the beloved grandson of the Prophet (PBUH).
Observances and Practices
During Muharram, Muslims are encouraged to engage in increased worship and seek the mercy and favor of Allah SWT. Fasting on the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram, known as the day of Ashura, is recommended as it expiates sins. Reading the Qur’an, giving regular Sadaqah (charity), and performing nafl (voluntary) prayers are also encouraged during this sacred month.
When is Muharram 2023?
The first month of the Islamic calendar is Muharram. The Islamic calendar depends on 12 lunar months, with the appearance of a new moon signaling the beginning of a new month.
Muharram begins on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
During this blessed month, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied, and any wrongdoing is considered more serious. The 1st Muharram marks the beginning of the new Islamic Year, a time for reflection on the journey and struggle of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Muslims of his time.
The Day of Ashura
The Day of Ashura observed on the 10th Muharram, is one of the most virtuous days of the Islamic year. It commemorates when the Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israeel were freed by Allah from the Pharaoh and his army. It is also the day on which the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) in the Battle of Karbala took place. Scholars of Islam recommend fasting on the 9th of Muharram along with the 10th of Muharram (‘Ashura) to differ from the People of the Book.
Why is Muharram celebrated?
Muharram is one of the four sacred months established by Allah (SWT). It is known as ‘the month of Allah,’ which makes it unique and one of the most auspicious months in the Islamic calendar. Muharram has a long history, and many significant events have occurred during this month.
There are 12 months in the Islamic calendar, although we know more about some of them than others. Everyone is aware that we fast throughout Ramadan, and many are aware of the Dhul Hijjah sacrifice. Muharram, on the other hand, appears to be less well-known. This holy month is referred to as the month of Allah (SWT) in Hadith; no other month is given such honor.
For Muslims, the month of Muharram holds religious and historical significance. It is not only a month designated as sacred by Allah (SWT), but it is also the first month of the Islamic calendar, commemorating the hijrah (emigration) of Muslims to Medina and the creation of the first Islamic state in 622CE.
A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: ‘Which fasting is better after the month of Ramadan?’ He said: ‘The month of Allah which is called Muharram.’
Hadith | Ibn Majah
Abu Hurairah narrated that:
Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said: “The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is that of Allah’s month of Al-Muharram. And the most virtuous Salat after the obligatory is the night prayer.” (Tirmidhi)
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 [i.e., way], 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].
Qur’an | 9:36
What happens in Muharram?
Although Muslims celebrate the arrival of the new Islamic Year in Muharram as another opportunity to be closer to Allah, Muharram is also a moment for the Muslim Ummah to reflect.
The Battle of Karbala took place on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura Day) in the 61st year of the Islamic Calendar. This battle was fought between a small army of the Prophet’s (PBUH) followers and family and the army of Yazid, the Ummayad Caliph, who commanded a substantially bigger force.
Imam Hussain (AS), the adored grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), was cruelly killed, along with the bulk of the Prophet’s (PBUH) male family members.
Fasting during Muharram
The day of Ashura is a unique day that falls in Muharram. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encourages Muslims to fast on this day, which occurs on the 10th of Muharram.
What happens on 9th Muharram?
It is urged by Islamic scholars to fast on the 9th of Muharram as well as the 10th of Muharram (‘Ashura). This is because of the Hadith:
When the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) fasted on ‘Ashura and instructed the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of Allah, this is a day that Jews and Christians venerate.” “Next year, if Allah wills,” said the Prophet of Allah (PBUH), “we will fast on the ninth day.” However, by the next year, the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) had passed away. (Muslim).
The Prophet (PBUH) desired to fast on the 9th to separate himself from the People of the Book.
I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Ashura’, and this month, meaning Ramadhan.
Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari
What are the celebrations of Muharram?
Muharram is one of Allah’s sacred holy months. It is a great time for Muslims to include deeds such as Sadaqah Jariyah, nafl (voluntary) prayers, fasting, and Qur’an recitation.
Muslims may celebrate the new year by going to the mosque, reflecting on the previous Islamic (Hijri) year, and spending time with their loved ones.
Muharram Importance
Muharram is significant to Muslims because, in addition to being one of the four sacred months, it is a month in which many major historical Islamic events occurred.
These include the Hijra sharif–the Muslim migration to Madina–as well as the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and other relatives of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) during the Battle of Karbala.
According to the Prophet (PBUH),
“There are twelve months in the year, four of which are sacred: three in succession, namely Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram, and (the fourth) Rajab (of the tribe of) Mudar, which is between Jumada (Thani) and Shaban.” (Bukhari)
Conclusion
Muharram is a month of great significance and reverence in Islam. It offers Muslims an opportunity to reflect, pray, and seek the blessings of Allah. As we approach Muharram 2023, let us remember its importance and strive to observe its virtues as guided by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
