As the sacred month of Muharram is upon us, let’s make the most of this special time and start off the new Hijri (Islamic) year right insha’Allah. We have listed below some of the many benefits and blessings of the month of Muharram and the Day of Ashura for you, as well as some of the best deeds we can try to accomplish during this month insha’Allah!

What is Muharram?

The month of Muharram is an important month in Islam. Not only is it the very first month of the Hijri (or Islamic) calendar, it is also the only month to be called “the month of Allah” as emphasized in a hadith reported by Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه who narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is Allah’s month Al-Muharram.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 740)

Muharram is also a special month because it features the Day of Ashura, the first spiritual festival of the Islamic calendar, which is celebrated in a variety of ways around the Muslim world. The Day of Ashura marks the day when Prophet Nuh عليه السلام left the Ark as well as the day when Prophet Musa عليه السلام was saved by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى by parting the Red Sea and drowning the Pharaoh and his army behind him.

Last but not least, Muharram is among the four sacred months in Islam – the other three being Rajab, Dhul Qa’dah and Dhul Hijjah. The name itself carries the meaning of sanctity. Learn more about the meaning of this name here!

Abu Bakrah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet bﷺ said: “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab mudar which comes between Jumaada and Sha’baan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3197)

In His Holy Book, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى also refers to Muharram: “Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein…” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)

What can we do during this special month? Read on to find out!

What Are The Best Deeds We Can Do In Muharram?

While the Quran and Sunnah do not emphasize specific deeds that are unique to the month of Muharram, as we approach this blessed month, we should prepare ourselves to do the best we can. Remember that blessings are multiplied during the four sacred months, but sins are also amplified. Here are some suggestions of good deeds you can do during Muharram insha’Allah:

1. Fasting

Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophetﷺ said: “The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah’s month of Muharram.” (Muslim)

There is a special emphasis put on fasting on the Day of Ashura, which used to be a day of obligatory fasting for Muslims until the fasting of Ramadan was prescribed during the second year after the Hijrah to Madinah. Fasting on the Day of Ashura then became optional.

When the Prophet ﷺ arrived at Medina, the Jews were observing the fast on ‘Ashura’ (10th of Muharram) and they said, “This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh,” On that, the Prophet ﷺ said to his companions, “You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses’ victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 4680)

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year.” (Muslim, Riyad as-Salihin 1252)

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “If I live until next year, I will fast the ninth day (of Muharram) too.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1736)

The Day of Ashura is expected to fall on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 insha’Allah. Make sure to check and follow the Islamic calendar of your local community.

2. Educating Yourself On The Month

Entering the new Islamic year by learning about the blessings, virtues and benefits of the sacred month of Muharram is a great way to use your time during this special time. Educate yourself and your family about the significance of this month and the reasons behind its benefits. Read texts, listen to podcasts or watch lectures that are relevant to this holy month.

Also make sure to learn about Prophet Musa عليه السلام and his story, especially how Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى saved him and his people from the Pharaoh and his army.

3. Increasing in other good deeds

You cannot go wrong when it comes to doing good deeds, so whatever you are able to do during this sacred month of Muharram will benefit you in this life and the next insha’Allah! Here are some more ideas for you:

• Make sure to pray your five daily prayers on time
• Offer extra prayers, especially the voluntary night prayers
• Read, recite or listen to the Quran
• Ponder upon the meaning of the Quran
• Give charity
• Spend time with your family and offer your help
• Volunteer your time to help those in need or support worthy causes
• Make dua’
• Ask for Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى forgiveness and repent with a sincere heart and intention
• Express and show gratitude and thankfulness to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى through dhikr

May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى accept all our good deeds, forgive our sins and allow us to grow closer to Him, ameen!