In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

Some benefits/interesting points regarding Muharram

Collected by Trying To Follow The Salaf

We’ve done some research and collected interesting benefits and points regarding this sacred month. Take some time out to learn about our history. If there are any mistakes then please contact us as soon as possible. Jazaakumullah khayran, may Allah accept this deed.

1.It is the first month of the Hijri calendar. The companions chose this to be the first month of the year in the time of ‘Umar’s caliphate. [Fathul Baari and mentioned by Shaykh Fawzaan in his Khutba “Fadl Shahr Muharram”]

2.The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) described it as being “Allah’s month”.  [Muslim from the hadith of Abu Hurayrah]

3.It is called “Allah’s month” to show its nobility and virtue, because Allah does not attach anything to Him except to highlight its virtue. Just as He said “The she-camel of Allah”, and “Allah’s House (Ka’bah)”

4.It is one of the four prohibited months in the year:

إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْراً فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ

“Verily, the number of months with Allah are twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred…” [Tawbah: 36]

*These four months are: Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab.

5.Muharram means “forbidden, sacred and worthy of reverence”. It is also called al-Asam because of the emphasis of its sacredness. [Lataa’if: 83]

Hasan al-Basree said,

إنَّ الله افتتح السنة بشهر حرام، وختمها بشهر حرام، فليس شهر في السنة بعد شهر رمضان أعظم عند الله من المحرَّم

“Indeed Allah opened the year with a prohibited month (Muharram), and ended it with a prohibited month (Dhul Hijjah). There is no month in the year, after Ramadan, greater with Allah than Muharram.”

6.Allah prohibited oppression in these months. He said (the verse in point #4),

فَلَا تَظۡلِمُواْ فِيہِنَّ أَنفُسَڪُمۡ‌ۚ

“…So wrong not yourselves therein…”

This shows the emphasis on sins in these months more than any other month. Therefore, the punishment for these sins will be greater as well.

Qataada said,

الظلم في الأشهر الحرم أعظم خطيئة ووزرًا من الظلم فيما سواها، وإن كان الظلم على كل حال عظيمًا، ولكن الله يعظم من أمره ما يشاء

“Injustice during the Sacred Months is worse and graver than injustice in other months. Verily, injustice is always wrong, but Allah makes things graver than others as He will.” [Ibn Kathir]

7.Glorify the first ten days of this month. Abu ‘Uthman An-Nahdi said:

كانوا يعظمون ثلاث عشرات: العشر الأخيرة من رمضان، والأول من ذي الحجة، والأول من محرم

They (the forefathers) were glorifying three tens (days): the last ten days of Ramadan, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and the first ten days of Muharram. [Lataa’if: 84]

8.It is recommended to fast as many days as possible in this month.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,

“The best month for observing fasting after Ramadan is Muharram” [Muslim]

9.Highly recommended to fast the 10th day ‘Aashooraa, because the Prophet said,

“I believe that Allah will forgive the sins of the past year in return of the fast of ‘Aashooraa” [Muslim and narrated by Abu Qataada]

10.It is highly recommended to fast the 9th or 11th along with the 10th in order to be different from the Yahood. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,

“If I live till the next (year), I would definitely observe fast on the 9th…” [Muslim and narrated by ibn ‘Abbas]

11.In this month Allah granted victory to Prophet Musaa (peace be upon him) and his nation over Pharaoh.

12.The Prophet’s grandson, Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him), was martyred on the 10th day on the plain of Karbala.

13.The story of the Elephant and the defeat of Abraha took place during this month. [Sealed Nectar]