Meaning of Muharram: Inviolable.
Muharram is the first of 12 months in the Islamic calendar and marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. The word ‘Muharram’ derives from the Arabic word ‘haram’, meaning forbidden. This reflects the fact that it is forbidden to fight during this sacred month, which allows Muslims to go to Hajj without being attacked.
Muharram is expected to begin on 19 July 2023. This date may slightly change depending on the sighting of the moon.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months, the others being Rajab, Dhul Qa’dah, and Dhul Hijjah. During these months, rewards are multiplied, but so are punishments for sins, which is why it is so important to stop sinning and instead increase worship.
Muharram is particularly important, as it can be a means of starting up good habits for the rest of the year to come.
In addition, the Day of Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, which is the day on which many miracles and events occurred. Ashura means ‘the tenth’, and on this day, Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), was martyred by Yazid, the corrupt ruler, for refusing to pledge allegiance to him. Also, on this day, Allah (SWT) saved Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers from Pharoah by splitting the Red Sea. Other miracles on this day include Prophet Yunus (AS) getting out of the whale that he was stuck in, Prophet Yusuf (AS) getting out of the well that he was thrown into, and Prophet Isa (AS) being born.
Fasting on the Day of Ashura is highly recommended. It is best to fast on this day, as well as either the day before or the day after, to differentiate from the Jewish practice of fasting only on the 10th but fasting just on this day is also allowed.
Fasting during Muharram can be highly rewarded and a good way to start increasing acts of worship to continue throughout the year.
This Muharram, try to increase acts of worship like helping neighbours, feeding the poor, smiling, and giving charity to reap the rewards of this sacred month.
Donate to Muslim Aid this Muharram to start the Islamic New Year with a good deed. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Make the most of this sacred month by donating to our appeals, which will support the vulnerable and needy across the world in places like Yemen, Gaza, Somalia, and Afghanistan.
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