Why is the month of Muharram Significant for Muslims?
Why is the month of Muharram significant to Muslims?
The month of Muharram is the only month that the Prophet s.a.w. mentioned as being the month of Allah.
Abu Hurairah r.a. narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, “The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is Allah’s month Al-Muharram…” [narrated by Imam Muslim]
Significance of the Sacred Months
Allah s.w.t. said in Surah At-Tawbah verse 36:
‘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…’
In these four months (Zulqaedah, Zulhijjah, Muharram and Rajab) fighting is prohibited. Historically, Zulqaedah was made sacred to allow pilgrims to safely travel for Hajj, Zulhijjah so that pilgrims can safely perform Hajj, and Muharram so that pilgrims can safely return home from Hajj.
In this month, we are highly encouraged to fast on the 10th Muharram, also known as the Fast of Ashura’.
Abu Musa r.a. narrated,
‘When the Prophet (ﷺ) reached Medinah, he noticed that some people among the Jews used to respect Ashura’ (i.e. 10th of Muharram) and fast on it. They said, ‘This is a great day on which Allah saved Musa a.s. and drowned the people of Firaun. Musa observed the fast on this day, as a sign of gratitude to Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) then said, “We have more right to observe fast on this day.” and ordered that fasting should be observed on it.’ [narrated by Imam al-Bukhari]
In order to enliven the month of Muharram even more, in a different manner compared to the Jews in Madinah back then, the Prophet also encouraged those fasting on the day of Asyura to fast on the 9th of Muharram as well.
Ibn ‘Abbas said, ‘When the Prophet (ﷺ) on the day of ‘Ashura commanded us to fast on it, the Companions said: O Rasulullah, this is a day which is considered great by Jews and Christians? Rasulullah (ﷺ) said, “When the next year comes, we shall fast on the 9th of Muharram.” But the next year the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) breathed his last.’ [narrated by Imam Abu Dawud]
