Muharram: The First Month of the Islamic Calendar and Its Virtues in Islam
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds significant religious and historical importance in Islam. It is regarded as a time of reflection, commemoration, and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide. The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, began with the migration of the Holy Prophet( SAW) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. Muharram marks the beginning of this lunar calendar.
In this blog, we will talk about the virtues and significance of Muharram in Islam.
Muharram is considered sacred in Islam and is a month of fasting, prayers, and self-reflection. The Holy Prophet (SAW) encouraged His ummah to fast during the month of Muharram, with the tenth day being the most significant. On this day, known as Ashura, Muslims engage in fasting and other acts of worship, as it holds great virtue in Islamic tradition. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Fast the Day of `Ashura” and be different from the Jews by fasting a day before it or a day after it.”
According to a Sahih Hadith, one of the many blessings of Allah for a person who observes fast on the ‘Day of Ashura’ is that their sins of the past year are forgiven. Muharram carries great significance as it is divinely chosen by Allah, who commands His people to observe this month with utmost reverence. During this sacred time, Muslims are encouraged to maintain pure intentions and practice righteous behavior, abstaining from any wrongdoing.
The significance of Ashura stems from several momentous events in Islamic history. On this day, Allah saved Prophet Musa (A.S) from the tyranny of Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea. It is also the day when Prophet Adam(A.S) was forgiven by Allah for his sin of eating from the forbidden tree in Paradise.
Additionally, it marks the martyrdom of the grandsons of the Holy Prophet (SAW), Imam Hussein ibn Ali, at the Battle of Karbala. Imam Hussein’s martyrdom at Karbala is a profoundly significant event in Islamic history and serves as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and steadfastness in the face of injustice and oppression. His refusal to pledge allegiance to the tyrannical ruler Yazid and his stand for justice and righteousness have inspired generations of Muslims to uphold the principles of truth, dignity, and resistance against oppression.
The Prophet (SAW) emphasized the sanctity of Muharram and encouraged acts of charity, kindness, and seeking forgiveness during this sacred month. Many Muslims use this time to engage in self-assessment and set spiritual goals for the coming year, seeking to improve their relationship with Allah and their fellow human beings.
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