Muharram

Ahmed Ali *

What is Muharram?

New Year is the time at which a new calendar year begins and the calendar's year count is incremented. In many cultures, the event is celebrated in some manner. The New Year of the Gregorian calendar, today in worldwide use, falls on 1 January (New Year's Day), likewise Muharram is the first Islamic month.

The meaning of Muharram:

The literal meaning of word "Muharram" is forbidden. It was forbidden to wage war and fight during this month. Muharram is so called because it is sacred and as an affirmation of its sanctity.

The virtues of Muharram and Ashura:

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. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous (who fear Him). [Al-Qur'an 9:36]

The sanctified months are Zulqadah, Zulhijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said "The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram. The tenth day of Muharram is known as Ashura. It is well-known because of historical significance and mourning for the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at the Battle of Karbala. To fast on this day is encouraged in the hope of earning the reward.

The misconception about Muharram and Ashura:

o Many Muslims observe some customs of the day of Ashura expressing remorse and, mourning in commemorating Hussein(RA).They strike their cheeks, hit their heads,and slash their backs until they bleed.

Nothing in Islam prohibits sadness o for the death of dear people; it is an inmate natural feeling. However one should demonstrate such sad sadness without violating the rules of Islam. striking their cheeks, hitting the head are all forbidden act. He is harming himself and in Islam one is not even allowed to expose himself to harm or ruin.

o Many Muslims in our society do not hold wedding ceremonies or other celebrations during Muharram as it is not allowed.

Islam urges Muslims to marry as soon as possible and as long as they are financially and physically capable. Marriage in Islam is both religious ordinance as well as Prophetic Sunnah.what has been circulated regarding marriage in the month of Muharram is baseless claim that has no any Islamic backing. The day of Ashuara (10th day Muharram) certainly a sad day in the history of islam.

It is important to remember those tragic events. There is nothing wrong in holding wedding ceremonies or any other celebrations during this month. All days belong to Allah and Muslims should not take any superstitions from any month or days.

These customs are done to mourne Hadhrat Hussain (RA) have no Islamic basis, nor in any jurisprudence itself.

Let us remember the great sacrifice of Hadhrat Husain (RA) for the cause of truth and justice. We should learn the lesson of courage, patience and preservance from the episode of Karbala by observing this day according to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and refrain from all innovations which deprive us Allah.

May Allah guide us upon the straight path and save us from every act which brings His displeasure. Ameen.