Muharrum
Muharram is the first month in the Islamic Lunar calendar. The word Muharram means âForbidden.â Even before Islam, this month was always known as a sacred month in which all-unlawful acts were forbidden, prominently the shedding of blood.
FASTING IN MUHARRAM
The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said, âThe best fasts after the fasts of Ramadhan are those of the month of Muharram.â (Tirmizi)
FASTING ON THE 10TH OF MUHARRAM (ASHURA)
Abu Qataada (R.A.) has related that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) has reported to have said, ” It is my thought that by fasting on the 10th Muharram Allah Ta’alaa will pardon the sins for the past year.â (Tirmizi) M. Taqi Uthmani Sahib. Islamic months Pages 11-15 & Jamia publications No. 11Page 1)
HISTORY OF âASHURA’
According to the holy companion Ibn Abbas (R.A.) The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him), when migrated to Madina, found the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th of Muharram. They said it was the day on which The Holy Prophet Musa (A.S.) crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, âWe are more related to Musa than youâ and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Ashura. (Abu Dawood)
TWO FAST NOT ONE, WHY?
According to another hadeeth, it is more advisable that the fast of âAshura’ should either be prefixed or suffixed by another fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th or 11th of it. The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) is that the Jews used to fast on the day of âAshura’ alone, and the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) wanted to distinguish the Islamic-way of fasting from that of the Jews. Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to that of âAshura.’ (M. Taqi Uthmani Sahib. Islamic months Pages 11-15 & Jamia publications No. 11Page 1)
RECTIFICATION OF BELIEFS & MISCONCEPTIONS
Some people attribute the sanctity of âASHURA’ to the martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain (R.A) during his battle with the Syrian army. No doubt, the martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain (R.A) is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of âASHURA’ cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of âASHURA’ was established during the days of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) much earlier than the birth of Sayyidna Husain (R.A).
Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Sayidna Husain (R.A) was killed in it. It is for this misconception that people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram.
Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mourning ceremonies in the memory of Sayyidna Husain (R.A). The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person.
(Mufti Taqi Uthmani. Islamic months Page 16-19)CORRECTION OF BELIEFS
Some people attribute the sanctity of âAshura’ to the martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain (R.A.) the grandson of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him). They mourn the death by beating themselves which is contradictory to the sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) has said in a Hadeeth,
Translation âHe is not from our group who tears his clothes and slaps his cheeks and cries in the manner of the people of ignorance.â (Tirmizi)
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MUHARRAM
- The month of Muharram is seen to be an evil and unlucky month, for Sayyidna Husain (R.A.) was killed in it. Therefore people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram. Such superstitions have been totally negated by the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him).
- This is the day in which the Prophet Adam (A.S.) was created.
- This is the day in which the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) was born.
- This is the day in which Allah accepted the repentance of the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.).
- This is the day in which the Qiyamah (Doomsday) will take place.
- Whoever takes bath on âAshura’ will never get ill.