Muharram ul Haraam

Muharram – the first month of the Islamic calendar, marks new beginning full of hopes, aspirations and resolutions. It is a time to reflect and realign our goals with a stronger and more purposeful resolve.

We have compiled number of virtues related to Muharram from authentic resources so that you may derive maximum benefit from this month.

One of the Sacred Months:

Muharram is the first month of the Hijri calendar and it is also from among the four sacred months. Transgression and oppression in any form is prohibited during all these sacred months. The Qur’an mentions about the sanctity of these months in following words:

إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ

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, so do not wrong yourselves during them…[Surah At-Tawbah: 36]

The same can be found in the Hadith where the Prophet (ﷺ) said. “The division of time has turned to its original form which was current when Allah created the Heavens and the Earths. The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: Three are in succession Dhul-Qa’da, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab of (the tribe of) Mudar which comes between Jumadi-ath-Thaniyah and Sha’ban.”[Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Month of Fasting:

This month is well-known for fasting as depicted in the words of Prophet (S.A.W):

  1. Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The best fasting after the month of Ramadan is the month of Allah, Al-Muharram, and the best prayer is prayer at night.'” [Sunan An-Nasa’i]
  1. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is Allah’s month Al-Muharram.” [Jami’ At-Tirmidhi]
  1. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year.” [Sahih Muslim]

Importance in History:

The virtues of this month date back from the time of Musa (A.S). His (A.S) nation performed a massive Hijrah from the tyrant rule of Pharaoh during this blessed month and when we fast on Ashura (10th Day of Muharram) we show solidarity to Musa (A.S) and his followers who migrated for the sake of Allah (S.W.T).

Narrated Ibn `Abbas: When the Prophet (ﷺ) arrived at Medina, the Jews were observing the fast on ‘Ashura’ (10th of Muharram) and they said, “This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh,” On that, the Prophet (ﷺ) said to his companions, “You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses’ victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Q & A about Muharram with our Students

Following is a list of thought-provoking lectures by Dr. Farhat Hashmi to learn more about this blessed month: