Muharram is one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar as the month of Muharram marks the start of the Islamic New Year and it helps Muslims in strengthening their iman (faith). Muharram is known all over the world because of the most important day of Ashura but the importance of its sacredness does not lie in one day alone because there are much more reasons to find it sacred. Muharram is one of the four months that Allah made sacred.
One can imagine that going on a long journey with a clear map indicates that we want to make good progress in our life. Muharram represents the first month of the Islamic New Year since it helps Muslims eliminate their past errors and work to create positive habits for the new year. The focus of the Muslims during the month of Muharram should not only be on worldly goals but also achieving satisfaction with Allah through good actions and intentions.
But what exactly makes Muharram a sacred month? Is it simply because it begins the Islamic year, or is there a deeper significance rooted in the Quran and the Sunnah? In this article, we’ll explore the virtues of Muharram, its special status in Islam, the importance of Ashura, and practical ways to honor this blessed month.
Table of Contents
What Is Muharram?
Muharram is the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of the renowned months in Islam. The word “Muharram” refers to the Arabic meaning of “prohibited” or sacred. The month has been held in high regard by the Arabs before the coming of Islam and was further clarified by the teachings of Islam.
Unlike Gregorian calendars that are based on the solar calendar, the Islamic calendar follows the lunar system of the months. Therefore the month of Muharram keeps shifting and being celebrated in different seasons with different environmental conditions. This, however, does not affect the significance of Muharram.
Muharram also marks the start of the Islamic New Year. Muslims do not have any special practices to follow during New Year but instead are expected to observe this time as a chance to reflect about their lives.
Why Is Muharram One Of The Four Sacred Months?
The primary reason Muharram is sacred is because Allah Himself chose it as one of the four sacred months. These months are Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. Their sacred status is established in the Quran, emphasizing that they hold a unique place in the Islamic faith.
Allah says:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve… of these, four are sacred.” (Quran 9:36)
Islamic scholars impart the notion that it is necessary for people to be more particular about their activities during the sacred months. Good deeds will be equally rewarded accordingly, while bad deeds become extremely sinful in such honored months.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also called Muharram, “the month of Allah,” which signifies the importance of this month. This peculiar phrase indicates for Muslims that Muharram should not just be considered as any other month of the year but a month in which they should show extra fervor and good behavior.
Sacred months are also known to foster peace, justice, and respect everywhere. The fact is that there were no wars during such sacred months and this situation allowed people to travel safely and worship peacefully. Even though the laws of warfare evolved regarding the sacred months, it is very clear that sacred months have a spiritual significance whereby people should follow their prayers and be of good character.
What Does The Quran Say About Muharram?
Although the Quran does not mention Muharram by name, it clearly establishes the importance of the four sacred months and instructs believers to honor them. In Surah At-Tawbah (9:36), Allah reminds humanity that the calendar was determined by Him from the day He created the heavens and the earth, demonstrating that the sacred months are part of His divine wisdom.
This verse also contains a powerful instruction:
“…So do not wrong yourselves during them…” (Quran 9:36)
Scholars explain that this means Muslims should avoid sins at all times, but they should be even more careful during the sacred months because of their special status. Likewise, righteous deeds become even more valuable when performed during these blessed periods.
Thus it can be said that Muharram is among the best seasons of authentic repentance, prayers, charity, fasting, and remembering Allah. If Muslims view Muharram as just the start to another year in the calendar, it can be better to approach it as the moment in time to regain faith and strengthen links with their Creator.
When believers understand the basis for the legitimate status of Muharram, they realize that the month is not celebrated socially or historically. Most importantly, the main point that we should have in mind is that Muharram is the month of worship everything is made due to what Allah said making it an eternal occasion for personal development.
How Should Muslims Honor the Sacred Month of Muharram?
Knowing about the significance of Muharram leads us to ask another question about the best practices Muslims can apply during it. We should mention that it is always essential to consult the Quran and the Sunnah instead of cultural practices.
In addition, practicing worship and devotion is one of the best ways of cherishing Muharram. Although Muslims should observe the five daily prayers on time, they have a good chance to intensify worship on Muharram. There are many ways to practice devotion as there is a possibility of fasting, reading the Quran, making dhikr, and praying on this holy day. Muharram is also known as the month of repentance. Every Muslim has the chance to start all over again and improve one’s personality.
Moreover, another way to celebrate Muharram is to focus on acts of kindness and charity. By lending a hand to those in need, helping out your loved ones, keeping family ties strong, and treating others with empathy and understanding, one can stay in line with the principles of Islam and thank Allah for all His blessings. It might seem easy, but actually, it has the power to influence not only individuals but also the society.
Additionally, instead of acting like Muharram is only a religious month, one should consider using it as a chance to form habits that can be carried into the future. The simplest and silliest acts of worship done sincerely will gain Allah´s pleasure.
Lessons Muslims Can Learn From Muharram
The holy month of Muharram imparts important lessons that will be remembered forever just like Muharram teaches us the most significant lesson of obedience to Allah, as success lies in obeying Allah. As with the arrival of an Islamic year, it becomes very clear that time is one of the most precious gifts of life and the new year reminds people that they will be in the presence of their God after a certain passage of time; hence individuals need to spend their time in a positive manner whereby worship and good deeds will be prioritized.
The holy month of Muharram teaches the importance of being grateful to Allah. The example of the Prophet Musa (Peace be upon Him) and the incident that took place on the day of Ashura reminds us that Almighty Allah will always help those who trust Him. People are encouraged to stay calm in the face of any crisis and continue praying to Allah.
Another essential lesson is the significance of consistency when it comes to worship. Islam does not endorse “showing off” in worship through observations on certain occasions while neglecting it for the rest of the year. Instead of that, Muharram should be treated as a motivating milestone for Muslims to begin doing good deeds which they become used to after the month is over. The daily recitation of one page from the Quran, the regular remembrance of Allah’s attributes, voluntary fasting on weekends or some charity work may look small.
Conclusion
There is significance in Muharram because Allah has chosen it as one of the sacred months, making it different from all the other months. Muharram has virtue as stated in the Holy Quran as well as in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and its importance has been further emphasized through the significance of the Day of Ashura. Muharram is not merely the first month in the Islamic calendar; it is an opportunity for the Muslims both for renewal in faith and to get forgiveness from Allah.
The knowledge of what stands Muharram above the rest of the months is essential in realizing its blessings beyond the historical happenings and traditions associated with the month. It is very important to observe the month by performing prayers, fasting, reading of Quran, giving charity, repenting genuinely and leading a good life.