Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training – Alhamdulillah, we have once again reached the blessed month of Muharram. As Muslims, it is important for us to understand and remember the significance of Muharram. Here are some key points:
1. Muharram is Allah’s Month
Allah has attributed the month of Muharram to Himself, highlighting its significance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The best fast after Ramadan is in Allah’s month of Muharram.” (HR. Muslim)
2. Allah Honored Muharram in the Quran
Allah says in the Quran:
“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.” (QS. At-Taubah: 36)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the sanctity of Muharram in his hadith. From Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Time has turned to its original state which it had when Allah created the heavens and the earth. The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months, Dhu al-Qa’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumada and Sha’ban.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)
Many scholars affirm that Muharram is the most virtuous of the sacred months.
3. Greater Prohibition of Injustice During Sacred Months
Allah says:
“So do not wrong yourselves during them.” (QS. At-Taubah: 36)
Shaykh as-Sa’di commented on this verse, suggesting that it either refers to all twelve months or specifically to the four sacred months, highlighting a stronger prohibition of injustice during these sacred months.
4. Prohibition of Fighting
Some scholars state that Muharram is named so because fighting is prohibited during this month.
5. Recommended Fasting During Muharram
The virtue of fasting in this mont is mentioned in a narration from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The best fast after Ramadan is in Allah’s month of Muharram.” (HR. Muslim)
Scholars differ on whether fasting is recommended for the entire month or most of it. The apparent meaning of the hadith suggests fasting throughout the month, but some scholars interpret it as fasting most of the days in Muharram.
6. The Most Virtuous Fast in Muharram: Ashura on the 10th
Fasting on Ashura, the 10th of this month, has the virtue of expiating the sins of the previous year. When asked about the fast of Ashura, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“It expiates the sins of the previous year.” (HR. Muslim)
This virtue is obtained by fasting just one day on the 10th of Muharram, and it is not considered makruh (disliked) to fast only on this day.
7. The Wisdom Behind Fasting Ashura
In a hadith from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), when the Prophet (peace be upon him) arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on Ashura. They said:
“This is a special day; it is the day when Allah saved Moses and drowned Pharaoh and his army. So Moses fasted on this day as a sign of gratitude to Allah.” When the Prophet (peace be upon him) heard this, he said:
“We are closer to Moses than you.”
He then fasted on that day and commanded the Companions to fast as well. (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)
8. Recommended to Fast on the 9th of Muharram to Differ from the People of the Book
From Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), when the Prophet (peace be upon him) observed the fast of Ashura and instructed the Companions to do so, some of them reported:
“O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that the Jews and Christians venerate.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied:
“If I live until next year, I will fast on the 9th (of Muharram).”
Ibn Abbas said: “However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away before the next Muharram.” (HR. Muslim)
These are some important aspects of the month of Muharram. May it be beneficial for us. Wallahu a’lam.
Source:
- https://pesantrenalirsyad.org/beberapa-hal-yang-perlu-kita-ketahui-seputar-bulan-muharram/\
- https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/beautiful-white-mosque-blue-sky-khasab-oman_15914849.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=6&uuid=1e465770-2da2-4efb-a86e-6572d508b172
