The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri, begins with the month of Muharram. One of the reasons for choosing Muharram as the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar is the historical migration of Muslims from Makkah to Madina, known as the Hijra. In 622 CE, 313 Muslims, including the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), migrated from Makkah to Madina (then known as Yathrib) to escape severe hardships caused by the non-believers of Makkah and to freely practice their Islamic beliefs without fear.

The decision to establish Muharram as the first Islamic month of the Hijri calendar was made by the second Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Umar (RA), after consulting with the companions of the Prophet (PBUH). The migration of the Prophet and his followers from Makkah to Madina was a significant event in Islamic history and marked the starting point of the Islamic calendar.

MUHARRAM – ONE OF THE FOUR SACRED MONTHS OF ISLAM

Although all days are significant in Islam, and every day Muslims should strive to seek Divine pleasure, there are four months that are given utmost importance. These months, known as Al-Ashur Al-Hurum (Four Sacred Months), are mentioned in the Quran (9:36). ALLAH (SWT) increases the rewards of good deeds and opens more doors of repentance for Muslims during these four sacred months of Islam. The Al-Ashur Al-Hurum are Muharram, Rajab, Zil Qad, and Zil Hajj.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) signified the importance of the month of Muharram by saying

 “The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months, Dhu al-Qi’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, and Muharram, and Rajab of Mudar, which comes between Jumada and Sha’ban.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Some of the reasons why Muharram is declared a sacred month in Islam are as follows

HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE

Muharram marks the inauguration of the Islamic calendar, bearing immense historical significance. It was during this momentous month that the momentous migration (Hijra) of the venerated Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina transpired, signifying the genesis of the Islamic calendar.

THE COMMEMORATIVE DAY OF ASHURA

The day of Ashura falls in the month of Muharram. Two historical events happened on that day. ALLAH (SWT) saved Hazrat Musa (AS) and his followers from the cruelties of Fir’oun by splitting the sea. Centuries later, on the same date, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) – matrilineal grandson of Prophet (SAW) – was martyred. Many other events happened on that day. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said about 10th Muharram.

PRACTICE OF FASTING

Muharram encourages the practice of fasting, especially on the Day of Ashura, as an act of sincere worship and a way to beg Allah for mercy and forgiveness. It further urges Muslims to partake in introspection, embark on a journey of spiritual contemplation, and earnestly seek repentance for any transgressions.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MONTH OF MUHARRAM

Other than its historical significance, the month of Muharram has undeniable benefits for Muslims in individual and communal ways. Let’s go through some of the benefits which this blissful month possesses for the Islamic community.

A TIME FOR SPIRITUAL CONTEMPLATION AND REVITALIZATION

Muslims have a unique and holy opportunity during Muharram to reflect on their lives and advance spiritually. It invites them to reflect on their actions, ask for pardon for their transgressions, and purify their souls. The month emphasizes the virtues of compassion and empathy, not only within the Muslim community but also extending to the larger globe, and encourages charitable and benevolent deeds. As a result, Muharram’s ideals serve as beacons of harmony and benevolence for the entire human race.

MUHARRAM’S UNIFYING POWER IN THE MUSLIM SPHERE

Muharram has a crucial role in uniting the hearts of the faithful by promoting solidarity among Muslims. It is a good opportunity to put aside differences, cross all barriers, and come together as a single community in remembrance of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions. This sense of harmony spreads beyond religious lines, promoting tolerance and understanding between people of different religions.

BRINGS US CLOSER TO ALLAH

The Holy month gives the unique opportunity to the Muslims of getting closer to the creator of the whole Universe. The Muslims in this month get additional rewards for every good deed and get extra chances of seeking forgiveness from ALLAH (SWT). The Muslims with their increased worship get the chance of pleasing ALLAH (SWT) and purifying their souls.

MISCONCEPTIONS AND MYTH ABOUT MUHARRAM

• Myth: Muharram bears significance exclusively for Shia adherents.

 

• Misconception: Erroneously, some assume Muharram to be pertinent only to Shia Muslims, dismissing its relevance to Sunni Muslims and other Islamic sects. In truth, Muharram stands as a sacred and momentous month for all Muslims, regardless of their sect. The Day of Ashura, especially, holds immense historical importance in the Islamic world and is observed by Muslims worldwide even before the incident of Karbala.

 

• Myth: The entire month of Muharram is solely a period of mourning.

 

• Misconception: Although the 10th day of Muharram (Ashura) serves as a day of solemn remembrance of Imam Hussain RA, the entire month is not entirely dedicated to mourning. Muslims can avail this month for seeking Allah’s pleasure by fasting and indulging in spiritual deeds.

 

• Myth: Observing Muharram is restricted to a specific ethnic or cultural group.

 

• Misconception: Some people believe that the month of Muharram is observed by a certain sect or cultural group, whereas the month of Muharram is significant for every Muslim, and Muslim to observe in their way.

 

• Myth: Muharram solely revolves around the Battle of Karbala.

 

• Misconception: While the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) during the Battle of Karbala remains a central theme during Muharram, the month is also an opportunity for Muslims to partake in various acts of worship, seek forgiveness, and perform charitable deeds. Muharram’s essence extends beyond Karbala, encompassing a broader context of spirituality and introspection.

 

• Myth: Muharram is a month plagued by superstitions and ill omens.

 

• Misconception: Certain cultures associate specific superstitions or ill omens with Muharram, deeming it an unlucky month. However, Islam discourages such superstitious beliefs, emphasizing that Muharram, like any other month, should be approached with faith, positivity, and adherence to Islamic teachings.

CONCLUSION

Muharram being the first month of the Islamic year gives us the golden chance of entering into the New Year with valuable deeds which are liked by ALLAH (SWT). The month teaches us the lesson of love and sacrifice for Islam. Muslim commemorate this month in different ways like fasting, doing charity, and remembering the day of Karbala as a means of getting closer to ALLAH and cleansing their souls.

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