*Introduction:*

Muharram is the *first month* of the Islamic calendar and one of the *four sacred months* (أشهر حرم) in which good deeds carry greater reward and sins are considered more serious.

Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an:

> *إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَاتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌۚ*

> “Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve \[in a year], in the register of Allah, from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.”

> — *Surah At-Tawbah (9:36)*

The four sacred months are *Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab*.

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### *1. Muharram – “The Month of Allah”:*

The Prophet ﷺ referred to Muharram as *”Shahrullāh” – the Month of Allah*, indicating its special status.

> *أَفْضَلُ الصِّيَامِ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ، صِيَامُ شَهْرِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمُحَرَّمِ*

> “The best of fasting after the month of Ramadan is in the Month of Allah – al-Muharram.”

> — *Sahih Muslim: 1163*

This shows that fasting in this month brings immense spiritual benefit, second only to Ramadan.

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### *2. The Fast of Ashura (10th of Muharram):*

Fasting on *‘Ashura* (10th of Muharram) has great merit.

> *صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ، أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ ٱلسَّنَةَ ٱلَّتِي قَبْلَهُ*

> “Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope from Allah, expiates for the sins of the previous year.”

> — *Sahih Muslim: 1162*

Just *one day of fasting* can bring forgiveness for *a whole year of minor sins*.

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### *3. Ashura – The Day Allah Saved Musa (AS):*

When the Prophet ﷺ migrated to Madinah, he saw the Jews fasting on the 10th of Muharram. Upon inquiry, they said it was the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) from Pharaoh.

> *نَحْنُ نَصُومُهُ تَعْظِيمًا لَهُ*

> “We fast this day in honor of it.”

The Prophet ﷺ replied:

> *نَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِمُوسَىٰ مِنْكُمْ، فَصَامَهُ رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ ﷺ وَأَمَرَ بِصِيَامِهِ*

> “We have more right to Musa than you.” So the Messenger of Allah ﷺ fasted on that day and ordered Muslims to fast as well.

> — *Sahih al-Bukhari: 2004*

This shows the *continuity of prophetic tradition* and our connection with previous prophets.

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*4. Fasting Two Days – 9th and 10th:*

The Prophet ﷺ intended to *add the 9th day* of Muharram to distinguish Muslims from others.

> لَئِنْ بَقِيتُ إِلَىٰ قَابِلٍ، لَأَصُومَنَّ ٱلتَّاسِعَ*

> “If I live until next year, I will certainly fast the 9th (of Muharram).”

> — *Sahih Muslim: 1134

Therefore, the Sunnah is to fast either:

9th and 10th*,

*Spiritual Lessons from the Fasts of Muharram:*

1. *Taqwa and Discipline*: Fasting purifies the soul and increases God-consciousness.

2. *Commemoration of Divine Help*: Reflect on Allah’s rescue of Musa (AS) and his people.

3. *Gratitude*: Fasting is a way to thank Allah for His past blessings.

4. *Imam Hussain (RA): Although not directly linked to the fast, **his stand for truth and justice at Karbala* inspires Muslims to uphold righteousness.

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*What Should a Muslim Do in Muharram?*

* *Fast* on the 9th and 10th following the Sunnah.

* *Avoid innovations (Bid‘ah)* and mournful rituals not supported by authentic Islamic sources.

* *Increase good deeds*: fasting, prayer, charity, Qur’an recitation, repentance.

* *Reflect on sacrifice and justice*, especially the legacy of Hussain (RA) and the spirit of Karbala.

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*Conclusion:*

The fasts of Muharram, especially on *Ashura, are not just acts of worship – they are lessons in **faith, perseverance, gratitude, and truth*. They connect us with the legacy of the prophets, the struggle for justice, and the path of spiritual growth.

Let us use this sacred month to *renew our connection with Allah*, seek forgiveness, and walk the path of righteousness.