Muharram is the first month of the Islamic [Hijri] calendar, marking the start of the Islamic New Year.
The term Muharram is derived from the Arabic word “haram,” meaning forbidden, referring to the fact that it is one of the four sacred months of Allah in which warfare is strictly prohibited.
Muslims are encouraged to engage in increased acts of worship and charity to seek the mercy and proximity of Allah سبحانه وتعالى during this month.
With the Hajj over, it’s time to look ahead to Muharram, the new Islamic Year observed according to the lunar calendar.
The Islamic year consists of 12 months, each of which begins with the sighting of the new moon. One calendar year is around 354 days long since it takes the moon 29.5 days to complete an orbit.
In 2024, Muharram starts on Sunday, 7th July 2024.
Muharram is one of the “Asyhurul Hurum,” the four sacred months of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, selected by Himself as the best time to seek His favour.
“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 wrong not yourselves therein.”
[At-Tawbah 9:36]
Allah سبحانه وتعالى chose four months and made them sacred, increasing the gravity of sins and the rewards for pious deeds during them. Committing wrongdoings during the sacred months carries a heavier burden than in other months. Hence, Allah سبحانه وتعالى commands us not to ‘wrong ourselves’ during this period, urging us to ensure we have pure intentions, act morally, and don’t fall into sin.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The year is twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them are in succession: Dhul-Qa'da, Dhul-Hijja, and Al-Muharram, and (the fourth being) Rajab Mudar which stands between Jumad (at-thani) and Sha'ban.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari 4662]
Allah created the heavens and the earth in the month of Muharram and accepted the repentance of Adam عليه السلام; therefore, acts of repentance are believed to carry a greater reward during Muharram.
Muslims should use this period to deepen their spirituality, seek forgiveness, and abstain from sinning, with the goal of becoming better Muslims and pleasing Allah سبحانه وتعالى.
Fasting in Muharram is virtuous as it is a month of great eminence and blessings and teaches us the lessons of patience and sacrifice. Rasulullah ﷺ said:
“The most virtuous saum (fasting) after the month of Ramadan is Allah’s month Al-Muharram.”
[Sahih Muslim]
We should fast as much as we can throughout Muharram, as among the acts of worship, Allah سبحانه وتعالى attributes fasting to Himself, saying, “It is Mine, and I Myself will give reward for it.” One of the remarkable virtues of fasting on the day of Ashura is that it can expiate sins from the past year. Rasulullah ﷺ said:
“Fast the Day of Ashura, for indeed I hope that Allah will forgive (the sins of) the preceding year.”
[Sahih Muslim]
Those who were before us also used to fast in Muharram. Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came to Madinah and saw Jews fasting on the day of Ashura because this is the day when Allah سبحانه وتعالى parted the Red Sea and Prophet Musa السلام عليه became victorious over Pharaoh in Egypt. They observed the fast out of gratitude towards Him. Upon this, Rasulullah ﷺ said: “We are closer to Musa than you” and ordered that fasting on this day should be observed.
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
When Rasulullah ﷺ told the companions to fast on the day of Ashura, they said, “O Messenger of Allah, this is a day which is considered great by Jews and Christians.” Rasulullah ﷺ said, “When the next year comes, we shall fast on the 9th of Muharram.”
Hence, it is encouraged to fast on the day before or the day after, in contrast to the practice of the Jews. Fasting on all three days—the ninth, tenth, and eleventh—is also acceptable, and there is nothing wrong with it.
Being the first month on the Islamic calendar, Muharram gives us an opportunity to make amends, set positive resolutions, and recommit to living a life that aligns with the teachings of Islam.
While there are no specific days of worship for Muslims during Muharram, it is an opportunity to reflect on the journey and struggles of Anbiyaa علیه السلام and our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Here are a few ways to make the most of this blessed month.
It is virtuous to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, as Rasulullah ﷺ never abandoned fasting on the day of Ashura. Some scholars also considered fasting on the 11th of Muharram if one misses the 9th or in order to ensure one catches the 10th of Muharram. Ibn Abbas said:
“I have never seen Rasulullah ﷺ so eager to fast like he is for Ashura and prioritizing it, besides Ramadan.”
[Sahih Al-Bukhari]
If you are unable to fast, recite the Quran and take time out to reflect and ponder over the message. Make an intention to do abundant dhikr throughout the day and after salahs. This will be a source of barakah in everything we do.
“And men and women who remember Allah often, for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.”
[Al-Ahzab 33:35]
Ibadah includes doing good to others and contributing towards the betterment of our community and Ummah, so Muharram is the perfect time to make a resolution of giving regular charity. Rasulullah ﷺ said:
“Spend in charity and do not count it, lest Allah counts it against you. Do not hoard it, lest Allah withholds from you.”
[Sahih Muslim]
You can give your Sadaqah or Zakat with Emaan Relief.
May Allah سبحانه وتعالى guide us to the truth, help us stand for justice, and make the days of this year the most fulfilling for all of us, both individually and as an Ummah. Ameen!
