The Month Of Allah, (Al-Muharram 2020)

The Month of Muharram

Muharram is not only the 1st month of Islamic Calendar but also called ‘The month of Allah’ and Optional (Nafil) fasting during this month are called the best fasting after the month of Ramadan. This is evident from the following Sahih Hadith:

"‘The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said: “The best fasting after the month of Ramadan is the month of Allah, Al-Muharram.”’

(An-Nasai: 1613) 

Also, Muharram is one of the four sanctified months of the year. As Allah Says in Quran:

“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.”

(Surah At-Taubah: 9:36)

The four months mentioned in the Ayah are the months of Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. This is evident from the words of Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) on the occasion of his last Hajj sermon:

“The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: Three are in succession Dhul-Qa' da, Dhul-Hajj, and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab.”

(Sahih Bukhari: 3197)

This is the reason that Muharram is one of the sacred months and these words of our Prophet (S.A.W.) confirms its sanctity.

Day of Ashura

The word Ashura has great historical and religious significance and holds great meaning in the lives of Muslims worldwide. On this day:

•    Allah accepted the repentance of Hazrat Adam (AS) after his exile from Paradise.

•    Allah saved Hazrat Nuh (AS) and his companions in the ark.

•    Allah extinguished the fire in which Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was thrown by Nimrod.

•    Allah spoke directly to Hazrat Musa (AS) and gave him the Commandments. It also marked the victory of Prophet Musa (AS) as Pharoah and his army got defeated.

•    Hazrat Ayyub (AS) was restored to health (from leprosy).

•    Hazrat Yusuf ('AS) was reunited with his father Ya’qub ('Alaihis-Salaam).

•    Hazrat Yunus (AS) was taken out from the belly of the fish.

•    The sea was divided as the nation of Israel was delivered from captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed.

•    Hazrat Dawood ('Alaihis-Salaam) was forgiven.

•    The kingdom of Sulaiman ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored.

•    Hazrat Isa ('Alaihis-Salaam) was raised to Jannah.

•    Hazrat Husayn (Radiyallahu 'anh) (the Holy Prophet’s grandson) achieved the honor of Martyrdom.

Conclusion 

As mentioned above, fasting on the day of Ashura is confirmed Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.) and one should also not forget that Muharram is Allah’s month.

By observing fast on the Day of Ashura and doing good deeds, we will be reviving one of our Prophet’s (S.A.W) Sunnah and whoever revives Sunnah of Prophet (S.A.W.), he / she will be with our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.) in paradise according to the following Hadith, narrated by Anas bin Malik (R.A.) that Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said:

“Whoever revives my Sunnah then he has loved me. And whoever loved me, he shall be with me in Paradise.'"

(Tirmidhi: 2678) 

Also, strengthen your relationship with Allah through regular Dhikr and Duas and helping others fellow Muslims. And Allah rewards every good deed.