Muharram, also known as Muharram-ul-Haram, holds a place of utmost importance in the Islamic calendar, marking the commencement of a new Islamic year. Referred to as ‘the Sacred Month of Allah’ by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Muharram is a profoundly significant and blessed month for several reasons, as we shall elucidate below.
What is Muharram?
Muharram, one of the four sacred months designated by Allah (SWT), holds a unique status wherein warfare is strictly prohibited. Its significance is reflected in its name, as ‘Muharram’ translates to ‘forbidden’ in Arabic.
The Holy Quran (9:36) states, “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].”
During this month, every deed, whether virtuous or sinful, is weighed more heavily on the scales of judgment. Hence, it is incumbent upon all Muslims to strive for improvement. While Muharram is inherently significant as one of the four sacred months, many Muslims observe it to commemorate the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandsons. As a sacred month, fasting is widely practiced by Muslims during Muharram to enhance their devotion.
Allah (SWT) commands us to guard ourselves against wrongdoing during this momentous month. This necessitates abstaining from sinful actions and instead cultivating pure intentions, performing righteous deeds, and worshiping Allah (SWT).
Notable Muharram Events
Muharram encompasses several notable events, with two of the most prominent being:
- The Day of Ashura
- The Battle of Karbala
The Day of Ashura
The Day of Ashura commemorates two significant events. Firstly, it marks the day when Prophet Musa (Moses) (AS) and the Israelites were miraculously saved by Allah (SWT) from the Pharaoh’s tyranny through the parting of the Red Sea, allowing them to safely cross.
The second significant event associated with the Day of Ashura is the departure of Prophet Nuh (Noah) (AS) from the Ark.
Observing Fasting on the Day of Ashura
The practice of fasting on Ashura predates the advent of Islam. When the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) migrated to Madinah, he noticed that the Jews were observing a fast on Ashura and inquired about it. They responded, “This is the day when Moses achieved victory over Pharaoh.” In response, the Prophet (S.A.W.) advised his companions (R.A.), “You (Muslims) have a greater right to celebrate Moses’ victory than they do, so observe the fast on this day” (Sahih Bukhari: 4680).
Upon learning that fasting on the Day of Ashura was also esteemed by Jews and Christians, the Prophet (S.A.W.) encouraged Muslims by stating, “If I live until next year, I will fast on the ninth day (of Muharram) too” (Ibn Majah: 1736).
Unfortunately, the Prophet (S.A.W.) did not live to witness the following year. Nevertheless, Muslims consider the 9th and 10th of Muharram as significant days in the Islamic calendar and observe fasting on these days (Sahih Muslim: 1134 (a)).
According to Islamic teachings, it is recommended but not obligatory to combine the fast of the 10th of Muharram with another fast, preferably on the 9th or 11th of Muharram. This distinction was intended by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) to differentiate the Islamic way of fasting from the Jewish practice of fasting solely on the 10th of Muharram. Most scholars agree that fasting on Ashura should be accompanied by fasting on the 9th or 11th of Muharram, although fasting solely on the 10th is also acceptable.
Originally, fasting on the 10th Muharram was obligatory. However, it was later made optional, with fasting during Ramadan becoming the obligatory fast. Nonetheless, the Prophet (S.A.W.) continued to observe fasting on the Day of Ashura even after the obligatory fasting in Ramadan was established.
