Muharram | The Month of Allah | Al- Muharram (2021)

Muharram is not just the first month of the Islamic calendar, but it is also known as "The Month of Allah," with optional (Nafil) fasting during this month being considered the best after Ramadan. The following Sahih Hadith demonstrates this:

"‘The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said: “The best fasting after the month of Ramadan is the month of Allah, Al-Muharram.”’

(An-Nasai: 1613) 

Muharram is also one of the four holy months of the year. In the Quran, Allah says:

“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.”

(Surah At-Taubah: 9:36)

Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab are the four months mentioned in the Ayah. This can be seen in the words of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) during his last Hajj sermon:

“The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: Three are in succession Dhul-Qa' da, Dhul-Hajj, and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab.”

(Sahih Bukhari: 3197)

This is why Muharram is considered one of the holy months, as these statements of our Prophet (S.A.W.) attest.

Day of Ashura

The word Ashura has a lot of historical and religious connotations, and it has a lot of relevance in the lives of Muslims all over the world. On this particular day:

• After Hazrat Adam (AS) was exiled from Paradise, Allah accepted his repentance.
• Hazrat Nuh (AS) and his companions were preserved in the ark by Allah.
• Allah put out the flames in which Nimrod had thrown Hazrat Ibrahim (AS).
• Allah spoke to Hazrat Musa (AS) directly and delivered him the Ten Commandments. It also marked Prophet Musa's (AS) victory, as Pharoah and his army were defeated.
• Hazrat Ayyub (AS) was made well again (from leprosy).
• Hazrat Yusuf ('AS) and his father Ya'qub ('Alaihis-Salaam) were reunited.
• Hazrat Yunus (AS) was extracted from the fish's belly.
• As the tribe of Israel was freed from captivity and Pharoah's army was defeated, the sea was divided.
• The forgiveness of Hazrat Dawood ('Alaihis-Salaam).
• Sulaiman's ('Alaihis-Salaam) kingdom was restored.
• Hazrat Isa ('Alaihis-Salaam) was promoted to the state of Jannah.
• The Holy Prophet's grandson, Hazrat Husayn (Radiyallahu 'anh), was awarded the title of Martyr.

What is the reward for fasting in Muharram?

The Virtues of Muharram Fasting

Fasting on the Day of Ashura provides spiritual salvation by allowing you to clear your slate of whatever little sins you may have committed in the previous year.

Conclusion

As previously said, fasting on the day of Ashura is a proven Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (S.A.W. ), and it is also important to remember that Muharram is Allah's month.

We will be reviving one of our Prophet's (S.A.W.) Sunnahs by fasting on the Day of Ashura and doing good deeds, and whoever revives Prophet's (S.A.W.) Sunnah will be with our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.) in paradise, according to the following Hadith, narrated by Anas bin Malik (R.A.): Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said:

“Whoever revives my Sunnah then he has loved me. And whoever loved me, he shall be with me in Paradise.'"

(Tirmidhi: 2678) 

Also, improve your bond with Allah by performing Dhikr and Duas on a regular basis and by assisting fellow Muslims. Every good deed is rewarded by Allah.