15/06/2026
Muharram: The Sacred Month of Allah is here.
The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year and holds a special place in Islam. It is one of the four sacred months that Allah has honoured in the Qur'an.
Allah says:
«“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.”
(Qur'an 9:36)»
Muharram is unique because our beloved Prophet ﷺ referred to it as “the Month of Allah,” highlighting its great virtue and significance.
The Importance of Muharram
- It is one of the four sacred months during which righteous deeds carry greater reward and sins are more serious.
- It marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, offering Muslims an opportunity for reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal.
- It is a month of increased worship and devotion.
- It reminds us of Allah's support for His righteous servants, particularly through the events associated with the Day of 'Ashura.
What Did the Prophet ﷺ Encourage Us to Do in Muharram?
1. Observe Voluntary Fasting
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«“The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah’s month, Muharram.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1163)»
This hadith encourages Muslims to increase voluntary fasting throughout the month according to their ability.
2. Fast on the Day of 'Ashura (10th of Muharram)
The Day of 'Ashura commemorates the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh.
Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
«“When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on the day of 'Ashura. He asked them about it, and they said: ‘This is a great day on which Allah saved Musa and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people.’ The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘We have more right to Musa than you.’ So he fasted on that day and commanded the Muslims to fast it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2004; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1130)»
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
«“I hope that fasting on the day of 'Ashura will expiate the sins of the previous year.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1162)»
3. Fast an Additional Day Alongside 'Ashura
To distinguish the Muslim practice from that of other communities, the Prophet ﷺ said:
«“If I live until next year, I will certainly fast the ninth day as well.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1134)»
Therefore, scholars recommend fasting either:
- The 9th and 10th of Muharram, or
- The 10th and 11th of Muharram
4. Increase Good Deeds
Muharram is an excellent time to increase:
- Recitation of the Qur'an
- Dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
- Charity (sadaqah)
- Voluntary prayers (nawafil)
- Supplication (du'a)
- Seeking forgiveness (istighfar)
Allah says:
«“So do not wrong yourselves during them.”
(Qur'an 9:36)»
Scholars explain that this verse encourages believers to avoid sins and increase righteous deeds during the sacred months.
A Time for Reflection and Renewal
As a new Islamic year begins, Muharram offers every believer an opportunity to evaluate their relationship with Allah, repent sincerely for past shortcomings, and set goals for spiritual growth.
May Allah allow us to benefit from the blessings of Muharram, increase us in righteous deeds, and accept our fasting and worship.
Allahumma barik lana fi Muharram wa a'inna 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatik.
