Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, honoured by Allah سبحانه وتعالى. It marks the beginning of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and is a time for Muslims to renew their faith, increase in worship, and reflect on their relationship with Allah.
Allah says:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve… of these, four are sacred.”
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)
Among the greatest virtues of Muharram is the encouragement to perform voluntary fasting. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best fasting after Ramadan is the fasting in the month of Allah, Muharram.”
(Sahih Muslim)
One of the most significant days in Muharram is the Day of ʿĀshūrā’ (10th Muharram). The Prophet ﷺ fasted on this day in gratitude to Allah for saving Prophet Musa عليه السلام and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. He encouraged Muslims to fast on this day, saying that it expiates the minor sins of the previous year. To distinguish the Muslim practice from that of others, it is recommended to fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or the 10th and 11th.
Muharram also reminds us of important lessons: gratitude for Allah’s blessings, steadfastness during trials, sincere repentance, and the importance of beginning the new Hijri year with renewed intentions and righteous deeds.
As we enter this blessed month, let us strive to increase our prayers, fasting, recitation of the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), charity, and acts of kindness. May Allah accept our deeds, forgive our shortcomings, and grant us a year filled with faith, blessings, and steadfastness.
May Allah make us among those who honour the sacred months and draw closer to Him through sincere worship. Āmīn.
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