Significance of Muharram as defined by Quran and Hadees

The month of Muharram holds a lot of importance and significance in Islam, which is proved by the verses of the Quran. It is recommended for the Muslims to have at least the basic knowledge about the importance of the month of Muharram. Muharram is the month of the Karbala incident; however, it is extremely important for other reasons too.

First month of the Islamic Year

The Quran declared Muharram as the first month of the Islamic calendar. It means that the first of Muharram is the first day of the Islamic year. It is a good time for the Muslims to set their New Year’s resolutions. It is not an Islamic ritual or not proved by the Sunnah, but only a suggestion. It is extremely beneficial to stick to the Quran and the Hadees for the guidance.

One of the four sacred months for Muslims according to the Quran

The divine Quran declared Muharram as the sacred month. The following is a verse from the Quran.

'The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year) - So ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred: That is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves therein.' (Surah Taubah. Al-Quran)

Fasting in Muharram

As narrated by Ibn Abbas (r.a) that when the holy prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) came to Medina he observed that the Jews used to fast on the 10th of Muharram. He asked them the reason of their fast. The Jews told that on 10th Moharram Allah saved Moses from the tyrant king drowned the king and his army in the water. The Jews also told that Moses used to fast on 10th of Muharram as a token of being thankful to Allah.

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, 'We are more worthy of Moosa (AS) and nearer to him than you.' Thereafter, he fasted on this day and ordered the companions to fast on this day. (Muslim, Vol. 1)

However later prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, “Observe the fast of Aashura and oppose (the way of) the Jews. Fast a day before it (also) or a day after it.' (Baqihi)