Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and marks the beginning Muslim Lunar Hijrah Calendar. With the very first view of the new moon the Islamic new year is ushered in. The word Muharram means “Forbidden” and is derived from the word haram, meaning “sinful”. It is the second holiest month, following Ramadan. There are twelve months as per the Islamic calendar, four of which are sacred. Muharram is one of the four sanctified months about which it is mentioned in the holy Quaran,
“The number of the months according to Allah is twelve months ( mentioned ) in the Book of Allah on the day in which He created heavens and the earth. Among these ( twelve months ) there are four sanctified ”.
Significance of Muharram:
The day of “Ashurah”
Though the entire month of Muharram is a sanctified month, yet the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days because it holds a special significance in the Islamic history. The day is named “Ashurah”as it literally means “tenth”in Arabic.
According to the Holy companion Ibn Abbas (RA), when the Holy Prophet (SAW) migrated to Medina, found that the Jews of Medina used to fast on 10th day of Muharram. They said that, “It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Moses and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people, and Moses observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it”. On hearing this from Jews, the Holy Prophet (SAW) said, “We are more closely related to Moses than you” and asked all muslims to fast on the day of “Ashurah”. Thus, Sunnis, fast during this day to commemorate the fasting by Moses that marks the victory, and celebrate the occasion on a quieter note by indulging in calm and silent offerings.
While on the other hand Muharram is observed by the Shia Muslim community in commemoration of the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson, Hussein ibn Ali, together with his family and followers, who were killed in the Battle of Karbala in AD 680. They mourn for Hussein ibn Ali and refrain from all joyous occasions. Unlike Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims don’t fast in this month especially on the 9th and 10th days of Muharram. Instead they read a very important Ziyarat book which is called “Ziyarat Ashura” about Hussein ibn Ali on the day of Ashura and send salutations to Hussein ibn Ali. During Muharram, Shia muslims don black attire and participate in mourning gatherings, visit mosques and shrines with their relatives and they beat their chests, cry loudly and are in grief throughout this period of time. People enact plays and dances to make people recall the sufferings of Hussein ibn Ali and his followers.
Blessings of Muharram:
There are many bounties of this month, especially the tenth of Muharram. All the good deeds done during this month will bring you a greater reward. Therefore, one must hasten to do maximum good deeds.
On this day he who spends lavishly for the well-being of his family members, Almighty will bestow blessing upon the sustenance of the following year.
Fasting on the day of Ashurah is an expiation of a year of sins and Almighty will pardon the sins of the past year.