Explore the virtues of Muharram al-Haram, the significance of Ashura, and the major historical events of the Islamic calendar’s first month. Learn about the profound spiritual importance of Muharram in Islam.
Introduction to Muharram al-Haram
Muharram al-Haram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, carries immense spiritual significance and is marked by numerous events in Islamic history. The Qur’an and Hadith highlight the virtues of Muharram, especially the day of Ashura.
More than just the start of a new Islamic year, Muharram serves as a time for reflection, remembrance, and renewal. It commemorates the tragedy of Karbala and other sacred moments that provide enduring lessons for the Muslim Ummah.
Virtues of Muharram
The sacredness of Muharram is mentioned explicitly in the Qur’an and Hadith:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months… Of these, four are sacred.”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 36)
“The best fasts after Ramadan are in the month of Allah, Muharram.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1163)
“Fasting on the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the past year.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1162)
These narrations underline the spiritual value of fasting during Muharram, particularly on the day of Ashura.
Recommended Practices in Muharram
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Fasting on Ashura (10th Muharram) is highly meritorious.
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It is preferable to fast on the 9th or 11th along with the 10th to distinguish Islamic practice from that of other religious communities.
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1162)
These acts are a way to earn spiritual rewards and connect with the profound meaning of this month.
Customs and Rituals Related to Muharram
Unfortunately, some cultural practices associated with Muharram—such as self-flagellation, injuring oneself, and excessive lamentation—have no basis in Islamic Shariah. These acts are impermissible and go against the teachings of patience and dignity that Islam advocates during grief.
Islam encourages reflection, remembrance, and peaceful commemoration, not self-inflicted harm.
Major Historical Events in Muharram
Muharram al-Haram is filled with precious moments in Islamic history that offer spiritual insight and moral guidance. Below is a chronological listing of important events:
1st Muharram
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Start of Islamic Year 1447 AH
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Prophet Idris (علیہ السلام) raised to the heavens
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Prophet Muhammad ﷺ led a campaign against the Najd tribes
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Conquest of Egypt under Amr ibn al-As (رضی اللہ عنہ)
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Martyrdom of Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضی اللہ عنہ)
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Beginning of Caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan (رضی اللہ عنہ)
2nd Muharram
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Arrival of Imam Hussain (رضی اللہ عنہ) in Karbala
3rd Muharram
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Rescue of Prophet Yusuf (علیہ السلام) from the well
4th Muharram
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First day of Uthman ibn Affan’s Caliphate (24 AH)
7th Muharram
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Allah spoke to Prophet Musa (علیہ السلام) at Mount Sinai
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Battle of Khaybar
9th Muharram
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Prophet Yunus (علیہ السلام) was freed from the belly of the fish
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Births of Musa, Yahya, and Maryam (علیہم السلام)
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Births of Umar bin Abdul Aziz, Hisham bin Urwah, Qatadah
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Birth of Mahmood of Ghazni
10th Muharram – Day of Ashura
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Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (رضی اللہ عنہ)
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Tragedy of Karbala
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Drowning of Pharaoh and salvation of Prophet Musa (علیہ السلام)
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Tearing of the boycott document in Sha’b Abi Talib
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Hulagu Khan’s conquest of Baghdad
11th Muharram
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Death of Imam Tirmidhi (رحمہ اللہ)
15th Muharram
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Conquest of Khaybar by Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضی اللہ عنہ)
16th Muharram
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Qiblah changed from Bayt al-Maqdis to the Kaabah
17th Muharram
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Foundation of Kufa by Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (رضی اللہ عنہ)
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Ababil birds defeated Abraha’s army
18th Muharram
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The Plague of Amwas
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Birth of Imam al-Haramayn al-Juwayni (رحمہ اللہ)
20th Muharram
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Marriage of Fatimah (رضی اللہ عنہا) to Ali (رضی اللہ عنہ)
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Second Islamic Summit Conference in Lahore
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Death of Grand Mufti Ibn Baz (رحمہ اللہ)
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Establishment of the Ottoman Empire
21st Muharram
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Death of Imam Abu Nu’aym al-Isfahani (رحمہ اللہ)
22nd Muharram
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Death of Sa’ad al-Din al-Hanafi (رحمہ اللہ)
23rd Muharram
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Passing of Qur’an commentator al-Tha’labi (رحمہ اللہ)
24th Muharram
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Killing of Abbasid Caliph Muhammad al-Amin
25th Muharram
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Death of Imam Zain ul Abidin (رحمہ اللہ)
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Death of historian Qazi Mohsin al-Tanukhi (رحمہ اللہ)
27th Muharram
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Syrian forces entered Makkah
Reflections on Muharram al-Haram
Muharram reminds us that the path of truth and righteousness requires courage and sacrifice. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (رضی اللہ عنہ) is a timeless symbol of resistance against tyranny and a call for justice. It emphasises that falsehood may seem powerful, but truth always prevails.
Let us reflect on the history, engage in recommended practices, and seek to emulate the steadfastness of those who stood for truth.
May Allah grant us the ability to understand and embrace the virtues of Muharram al-Haram and allow us to draw strength from its history and spiritual lessons. Ameen.
Islam and the Enlightened Thought of Moderation
Journalist