The month of Muharram

The Month of Muharram has begun!

A month of great reward & virtue:

“Muharram” means “sacred” and it is one of the 4 sacred months mentioned as sacred in the Qur’aan. (Ie. Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram & Rajab)

Muharram marks the start of the Hijri calendar year: (presently 1438AH)

Fasting in Muharram:

It is recommended to fast during Muharram. Each fast of Muharram is one of the most rewardable among the Optional fasts.

The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alayhi wa sallam) said:

“The best of fasts, besides the month of Ramadhaan, is the fast of Allaah’s month, Muharram.” [Muslim

The 10th of Muharram (Tuesday 11th October 2016) – known as “The day of Aashuraa” is one of the most important and blessed days in the Islamic Calendar:

It is the day in which Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously, and Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “We are more close to Musa than you.”

(ie. We resemble him more than you. Our beliefs are the same as his, we pray like him whereas You have drifted away from his teachings. We resemble him more than you.) So the Prophet (p.b.u.h) directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Aashuraa. [Abu Dawood]

The Prophet Sallallaahu ‘Alayhi wa sallam) used to be very keen to make sure he fasted on the day of ‘Aashuraa’ because of its great status. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet Sallallaahu ‘Alayhi wa sallam) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of ‘Aashuraa...(Bukhari)

Any one who fasts the day of Ashurah will have the previous years-minor-sins forgiven as is promised in a narration in Sahih Muslim.

May the new year bring guidance, peace and prosperity to our world.