The Meaning of Muharram

The month of Muharram is the start of the Islamic New Year. It is a month marked by numerous historical events, in which Allah (SWT) gave relief from oppression to those who strove in His cause.

Here, we’ve listed some of those events, highlighting all the reasons why Muharram is a time for gratitude and striving. You’ll also find out why the 10th day – the day known as Ashura – stands out as one to strive harder on so we can reap its blessings.

One of the Four

Muharram is one of the four sacred months referred to in the following verse…

“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve — in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth — of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong one another during these months […] And know that Allah is with those mindful (of Him).” (Holy Qur’an 9:36)

Can you guess what the other three sacred months are? Here’s the answer…

Our 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 subsequent Zulkaedah, Zulhijjah and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab of (the tribe of) Mudar which comes between Jumadith-Thaniyah and Sha’ban.” (Bukhari)

The Hijrah and the Islamic New Year

It’s 1445! And here’s a chance to observe a New Year which is culturally relevant to us.

The first of Muharram is the advent of the Islamic New Year and marks the Islamic Hijrah. This is when Allah (SWT) helped our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions in their difficult and often dangerous migration to Medina.

‘Was not the earth of God spacious enough for you to flee for refuge?’ (Holy Qur’an 4:97)

The early Muslims abandoned their homes to flee the oppression of the Quraysh. In doing so, they observed the Sunnah of migration that was carried out by so many prophets before. And though the Hijrah to Medina meant security and freedom of religion for the early Muslims, it was by no means easy for them.

It is said that as he embarked on his journey with Abu Bakr (RA), the Prophet (ﷺ) turned to look at Mecca one last time and said: “By Allah, you are the best and most beloved land to Allah. Had I not been driven away from you, I would not have left you.” (Tirmidhi)

Upon this, Allah (SWT) consoled His Prophet (ﷺ) by revealing the following verse, and the promise that one day he would be able to return:

‘Indeed, [O Muhammad], He who imposed upon you the Qur’an will take you back to a place of return.’ (Holy Qur’an 28:85)

The Deliverance of Nuh (AS) and His People

According to the Tafsir of Ibn Kathir, the 10th day of Muharram – the Day of Ashura – is when the ark of Prophet Nuh (AS) landed on Mount Judiyy.

‘And it was said: “O earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold [your rain].” And the water subsided, and the matter was accomplished, and the ship came to rest on the [mountain of] Judiyy. And it was said: “Away with the wrongdoing people.”’ (Holy Qur’an 11:44)

With the protection of Allah (SWT), this wooden vessel carried Nuh (AS) and his faithful followers, and all the many animals they had been commanded to take with them, through the storm. It sailed amidst tumultuous waves as great as mountains and survived a flood which laid the whole world to ruin.

Nuh (AS) and his people suffered oppression and ridicule at the hands of the misbelievers before the flood. And they endured many unknown hardships during it. Theirs wasn’t an easy trial, but in the end, Allah (SWT) delivered them and made them the second beginning of mankind.

‘It was said: “O Noah, disembark in security from Us and blessings upon you and upon nations [descending] from those with you. […]”’ (Holy Qur’an 11:48)

The Deliverance of Musa (AS) and His People

The Day of Ashura also marks the deliverance of Prophet Musa (AS) and his people, from the oppression of Pharaoh. The story of Musa (AS) is beautiful in how it shows that Allah (SWT) delivers His believers through mind-blowing miracles when their faith in Him does not waver.

‘And when the two companies saw one another, the companions of Moses said: “Indeed, we are to be overtaken!” [Moses] said: “No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.”’ (Holy Qur’an 26:61-62)

After the many hardships of standing up to Pharaoh, even though he had neither strength nor eloquence on his side, Musa (AS) took his people out of Egypt upon Allah’s (SWT) command. But his very last trial was waiting for him at the shores of the Red Sea. Here, the children of Israel found themselves facing certain death by drowning or massacre by the armies of Pharaoh, who were in pursuit. But even then, Musa (AS) did not lose hope.

‘Then We inspired to Moses: “Strike with your staff the sea,” and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain. And We advanced thereto the pursuers. And We saved Moses and those with him, all together. Then We drowned the others.’ (Holy Qur’an 26:63-65)

The Blessings of Fasting on Ashura

Did you know that fasting on the Day of Ashura will wipe out all our minor sins from the previous year?

When asked about the merits of fasting on the Day of Ashura, the Prophet (ﷺ) responded that it would:‘expiate thereby for the year that came before it.’ (Muslim) The Prophet (ﷺ) is also reported to have said:

‘The most excellent fast after Ramadan is in Allah’s month, al-Muharram; and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night.’ (Muslim)

The fast on the Day of Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, is one which the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions observed before fasting in the month of Ramadan became obligatory. About this special day, Aisha (RA) is reported to have said:

‘[…] And on that day the Ka‘bah used to be covered with a cover. When Allah made the fasting of the month of Ramadan compulsory, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “Whoever wishes to fast [on the Day of Ashura] may do so; and whoever wishes to leave it can do so”.’ (Bukhari)

The Blessings of Giving on Ashura

As if all of the above isn’t enough to be grateful for, there’s another very easy way to reap the blessings of Ashura. How? Through giving — not just in charity, but also to those we love and care for. Here’s a Hadith which highlights that the rewards for giving Sadaqah on this single day, will be equal to the rewards for charity given for an entire year!

‘Whoever fasts on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura), it is as though he has fasted the entire year. And whoever gives charity on this day, it is like the charity of an entire year.’ (Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali in his Lata’if al-Ma’arif)

Is that all? Nope, not yet. Because Ashura is also a day for spending on the needs of our families. Just as the reward for our fasting and charity is multiplied on this day, so is the Barakah of our earnings when spent on our household needs, for the sake of Allah (SWT).

‘One who generously spends on his family on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura), Allah will be generous on him for the entire year.’ (Baihaqi)

The Martyrdom of Husayn (RA)

The 10th of Muharram also marks the day that Husayn (RA), the beloved grandson of our Prophet (ﷺ), was martyred at Karbalah with his family. His struggle for truth and justice was in line with the struggles of countless believers, and the many great companions of the Prophet (ﷺ), who also gave their lives for the cause of Allah (SWT). Among these great martyrs were Umar (RA), Uthman (RA), and Ali (RA) – three of the four rightly guided Khalifs, as well as Hasan (RA) – the brother of Husayn (RA) and the Prophet’s (ﷺ) other grandson.

‘And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say: “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.’ (Holy Qur’an 2:155-7)

While remembering Husayn (RA), along with all of the great heroes of Islam, let’s do so with prayers and Salawat on the Prophet (ﷺ) and his entire family. The martyrdom of such heroes is a source of pride and gratitude for us, as we try to live by their example.

‘The ones who have believed, emigrated and striven in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives are greater in rank in the sight of Allah. And it is those who are the attainers [of success].’ (Holy Qur’an 9:20)