Muharram: The Sacred Month

Muharram is the first month of the Hijri calendar and is one of the four sacred months.  Allah Almighty said: “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. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them.” [ 9:36]. Ibn Abbaas ( RA) said that this phrase (so do not wrong yourselves during them… ) referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward.

The prophet (Peace be upon him) encourages increasing one's fasting during the month of Muharram.

 It is reported that He (Peace be upon him) said: “The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting Allah's month of Muharram." [Muslim].

The tenth day of Muharram, known as 'Aashooraa', has a special significance. Ibn Abbaas (RA) said: "The Prophet (Peace be upon him) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of 'Aashooraa'. He said `What is this? They said, `This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Moosa fasted on this day.' He said: `We have more right to Moosa than you,' so he fasted on that day and commanded (the Muslims) to fast on that day." [Al-Bukhari]

Fasting the day of Aashooraa’ has great reward because the prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “For fasting the day of 'Aashoora'a, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the past year.” [Muslim]