Muharram & the Day of Ashura

The Sacred Month — Its Virtues, Its Blessings, and the Sunnah Way to Observe It

"Lo! The number of months with Allah is twelve months by Allah's ordinance on the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred—that is the right religion. So wrong not to see yourselves in them."

— Surah At-Tawbah 9:36

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. The Prophet ﷺ explained their specification clearly: "The year consists of twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them occur consecutively—Dhul Qa'dah, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram—the fourth being Rajab of Mudar." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

As we begin a new Islamic year, Muharram offers us a beautiful opportunity to start afresh—with renewed intentions, increased worship, and a return to the pure teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.

⭐ The Virtues of Muharram

Among the four sacred months, Muharram carries specific blessings highlighted by the Prophet ﷺ himself:

🌟 The Day of Ashura — 10th Muharram

The tenth day of Muharram is known as Ashura — one of the most important and blessed days of the Islamic calendar. Before the fasting of Ramadan was made obligatory, some scholars say the fast of Ashura was compulsory upon the Ummah. After Ramadan's fast became obligatory, Ashura's fast became optional—yet the Prophet ﷺ continued to fast it himself and encouraged his companions to do the same.

Ibn Abbas (RA) said, "I did not see Rasulullah ﷺ anxiously await the fast of any day, which he gave preference to over other days, but this day—the day of Ashura." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah and found the Jewish community fasting on this day, he asked its significance. They explained, "On this day Allah saved Musa (AS) and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his nation. Musa fasted on this day in thanksgiving, and so do we." The Prophet ﷺ replied: "We are more worthy of Musa and nearer to him than you," and from then on, he fasted this day and instructed the companions (RA) to do the same. (Sahih Muslim)

✅ Recommended Deeds on the Day of Ashura

1. Fast on the 9th and 10th, or 10th and 11th of Muharram. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged adding an extra day to distinguish Muslim practice from that of the Jews and Christians, who fasted only on the 10th. He said, "Should I live until the coming year, I will definitely fast on the ninth also." (Sahih Muslim) He also said, "Observe the fast of Ashura and oppose the Jews. Fast a day before it or a day after." (Al-Bayhaqi) To fast only on the 10th alone is considered makruh tanzihi (a mildly discouraged practice) according to Allama Ibn Abidin Shami (RA).

2. Be generous to your family. Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said, "One who generously spends on his family on the day of Ashura, Allah will increase his provision for the whole year." (Al-Bayhaqi) While scholars note this hadith is not the strongest in authenticity, respected scholars of hadith such as Al-Bayhaqi and Ibn Hibban have accepted it as reliable.

⚠️ Acts to Refrain From

Mourning rituals: While the martyrdom of Husayn (RA) at Karbala was indeed a great tragedy in Islamic history, Islam is not a religion of perpetual mourning. The Prophet ﷺ cursed excessive mourners and those who listen to them (Abu Dawud). Islamic history is filled with the sacrifices of martyrs—if every martyrdom became an annual day of mourning, every day of the year would be one. Attributing the significance of Ashura specifically to this event, and the customs of lamenting that have developed around it, have no basis in the Sunnah.

Baseless claims about Ashura—such as it being the day Adam (AS) was created, the day Ibrahim (AS) was born, the day Qiyamah will occur, or that bathing on this day prevents illness—have no authentic basis.

Treating it as an Eid: Some communities mark the 10th of Muharram with celebration—applying surmah, wearing new clothes, lavish spending, and special meals—believing these to be Sunnah. No authentic narration supports this practice.

Avoiding marriage in Muharram: The belief that Muharram is an "unlucky" month and that marriages should be avoided during it is contrary to the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ and has no basis in Islam.

Let us observe this great day according to the way of Rasulullah ﷺ and the Sahabah (RA) and refrain from all innovations that deprive us of Allah's blessings. May Allah guide us all upon the Straight Path and save us from every act that brings His displeasure.

آمين — Ameen