Muharram, also known as Muharram ul Haram, is the first month of the Hijra calendar and marks the beginning of a new Islamic lunar year. It holds extreme significance in Islam because it is one of the four sacred months. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH referred to Muharram as the month of Allah, emphasizing its significance and blessings while also shedding light on its sacredness.
Muharram is derived from the Arabic word haram, which translates to forbidden. This month is so sacred that even warfare is forbidden in Muharram because it violates its sanctity.
When did Muharram Emerge?
After Prophet PBUH began preaching Islam in Makkah, the tribal leaders didn’t approve. Therefore, the Muslims had to face oppression and torture, eventually being forced to migrate to Madina. This migration was chosen as a turning point; the Islamic Hijri calendar was established, and Muharram was declared its first month.
Muharram’s Significance: Explained
The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said that “the year is composed of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred months. Three of these sacred months are in succession (Dhul-Qa’ da, Dhul-Hijja and Muharram), and the fourth one is Rajab of Mudar, which comes between Jumadi-ath-Thaniyah and Sha ban.” [ Sahih al-Bukhari 3197 ]
“Lo! The number of months with Allah is twelve months by Allah’s ordinance in the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong, not yourselves in them.” [Surah Tawba, Verse 36]
Both the hadith and the Quranic verse highlight the significance of Muharram. Allah’s saying not to wrong oneself during these four months refers to preventing oneself from falling into sins and committing wrongful acts because, just like the reward from good deeds is amplified during these months, so is the burden of sins. Therefore, one should take extra precautions to have good intentions during the month of Muharram so that every action becomes an opportunity for a reward from Allah.
When Is Muharram 2024?
Each Islamic month lasts around 29 to 30 days. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, which means that every new month starts when there is an explicit sighting of the new moon, only the starting date of Muharram is known. Therefore, Muharram in the year 2024 will start on July 7th.
It is important to keep in mind that dates in the Islamic calendar change according to prayers rather than the 24-hour cycle of the clock. Therefore, when the sun sets on July 6th and the time of Maghrib prayer is established, this means that Muharram has started. Every other day of Muharram will be complete by sunset rather than the 24-hour cycle.
Maximizing Blessings In The Sacred Month
Since Muharram is a month when the reward for good deeds is amplified, there are many quick ways one can make their blessing scale more heavy.
Smiling
In a hadith, the Prophet PBUH said that smiling in the face of your brother is charity. And since it is such a small act, it can be done in seconds and will have a heavy weight on the scales. One thing to keep in mind is that one’s smile must only be directed towards a mehram.
Saying Salam More
Saying ‘Asalam Alaykum’ has countless benefits. From being one of the best aspects of Islam to greeting the people of Paradise, saying Salam is one of the best acts to reap rewards and forgiveness.
Giving Sadqah
Sadqah, or charity, is highlighted as one of the most rewarding deeds in Islam. And like any other good deed, sadqah will also weigh heavily on the scale. And since Muharram is in the 1st month of the Islamic year, one can establish the habit of giving sadqah, even if it is as little as 1 dollar, and reap the benefits of this act all year round.
Increased Quran Recitation
Increased recitation of the Quran not only helps one to achieve blessings but also strengthens our relationship with Allah as we read and understand his word. Committing to 10-15 minutes per day is a great way of incorporating Quran recitation into your daily routine, which will help one gain numerous benefits.
Increased Voluntary Prayers
Voluntary prayers, such as tahajjud, are a great way to grow closer to Allah in this sacred month and develop a habit that will help one collect blessings throughout the year.
Fasting In Muharram
It is highly recommended that one fast as much as one can in Muharram, especially on the day of Ashura (10th Muharram). This is because several hadiths state the Prophet PBUH used to fast in Muharram.
Abu Hurairah RA narrated that the Prophet PBUH said that fasting in the month of Muharram is considered the most virtuous fasting after the fasting of Ramadan. [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 740 ]
The Prophet also encourages us to fast on the 10th of Muharram, also known as Ashura. There are several hadith that highlight the importance of fasting on the 10th of Muharram, such as
The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said that fasting on the day of Ashura is an expiation for the minor sins of the past year. [ Book 5, Hadith 31]
A person asked Ibn Abbas RA about fasting on the day of Ashura, and he replied that the Prophet PBUH did not say that fasting on any day was better than others, except for the day of Ashura and the month of Ramadan. [Sahih Muslim 1132a ]
The Prophet PBUH also advised his ummah to fast on the 9th and/or 11th of Muharram to distinguish themselves from the people of the book. Therefore, fasting in Muharram is a great way to receive blessings and strengthen our relationship with Islam.
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