A lot has been said and debated about things to do in Muharram. The month, first in the Hijri calendar is considered sacred by Muslims because of Allay says,
“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred, (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein.”
– [Soorat at-Tawbah 9:36]
A popular scholar of Islam says that Allah has chosen elites. He chose Messengers from among mankind. Then He chose Dhikr (His remembrance) from speech. He also chose mosques from places on earth, and the 4 sacred months from among the months. Muharram lies at the heart of these sacred months. This is because of the victory of Musa (peace be upon him) over Firaun. So as Muslims, we venerate this month.
3 things to do in Muharram
Avoid sinning as much as possible.
Allah tells us in the Qur’an:
“so wrong not yourselves therein”
[Soorat at-Tawbah 9:36]
This verse refers to the four sacred months, because doing so is a greater sin than at other times. So refrain from indulging in bad habits and spend more time closer to your Creator.
Offer voluntary fasts.
Abu Hurayrah (r.a) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The best fast after Ramadan is in the month of Allah Muharram.”
Narrated by Muslim (1982).
Although the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not fast for the entire month of Muharram, this hadith suggests that we fast as many days as possible.
Fast on the day of Ashoora
The Prophet (peace be upon him) says:
“Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.”
Narrated by Muslim, 1162.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to be very keen to make sure he fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ because of its great status. Ibn ‘Abbaas (r.a) said: I never saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of ‘Ashoora’, and this month – meaning Ramadan.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867.
In another instance, the Prophet (peace be upon him) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on ‘Ashoora’. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy. And Moosa fasted on this day.”
He said, “We are closer to Moosa than you.” So he fasted on this day.
Also Read: What are the best times for making Dua?
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