مُحَرَّمْ 
Muharram is a very significant month in the life of a Muslim. It marks the beginning of a new year and reminds us of the historical journey of the blessed Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) from Makkah to Madina, which is known as the Hijrah or migration. However, the true merit is in the month itself.
From the beginning of creation, Allah Ta’ala has attached special virtue to certain times and places. These times and places therefore possess special virtue within themselves and not because of their relationship with something else.
Is Laylatul Qadr the same as every night of the year? Of course not!
Does Laylatul Qadr receive its special virtue because of the Ibaadah (worship) carried out on this night? Certainly not!
It is because of the special virtue within this night, that Ibaadah carried out on this night is meritorious.
From among the days, Allah Ta’ala has given special virtue to the days of Ramadan and the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. From among the nights, special virtue has been given to the night of Qadr (Power) and the night of Baraa’ah (1 5th night of Shabaan); from among the days of the week, He has selected the day of Friday. Makkah Mukarrama and Medinah Munawwara enjoy special virtue above other places on earth. The same applies for other times and places. One should therefore attach value to those things to which Allah has given value to.
Of the twelve months of the Islamic calendar, four months are regarded as sacred months. Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qa’da and Dhul Hijjah, the Holy Quran says,
“The number of the months according to Allah is twelve months (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day in which He created heavens and the earth. Among these (twelve months) there are four sanctified.” (9:36)
The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months because Allah himself has mentioned it in the Quraan.
Because of their special significance, the rewards for good deeds are increased during these months. At the same time, one should take care to abstain from sins during these months because their consequences are also significantly worse. Hadhrat Qataadah (رحمه الله) says, “The sin for an injustice during these months is greater than the same sin during other months. It is therefore necessary that Muslims exert themselves to carry out good deeds during the months of Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qa’da and Dhul Hijjah.
Imaam Jasaas Raazi (رحمه الله) writes in his book “Ahkaamul Qur’aan” that the specialty of these months is that whoever engages in Ibaadah will be inspired to engage in Ibaadah during the remaining months of the year as well. Similarly, the person who makes an effort to abstain from sin during these months will find it easy to abstain from sin during the other months of the year. Therefore, failure to derive benefit from these months is a great loss indeed.
FASTING DURING THE MONTH OF MUHARRAM
Another virtue of Muharram is that the fasts during this month are second in excellence only to the fasts of Ramadan. Although every day and every month belongs to Allah, Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has mentioned that Muharram is Allah’s month. By saying this, Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) intended to emphasize the added auspiciousness of this month.
Hadhrat Abu Hurayra رضي الله عنه reports that Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said “After the fasts of Ramadan, the best fasts are those observed during Allah’s month of Muharram.” (Tirmidhi 740)
Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه narrates that he was once sitting with Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) when a person asked, “O Rasulullaah, besides the month of Ramadan, in which month would you advise me to fast?” Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) replied, “If you wish to fast in any month after Ramadan, then fast in the month of Muharram because this is Allah’s month.” (Tirmidhi 741)
Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet, the one who fasts in these days out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are the ones entitled to the most reward among the Nafl fasts, i.e. among the fasts one observes out of his own choice, without it being obligatory on him.
FAST OF THE DAY OF AASHURA
Although the month of Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named Aashurah.
Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to fast on this day and commanded the Sahabah to fast also. The fast of this day was initially Waajib (compulsory), but the compulsion was waived when the fasts of Ramadan were made Fardh. The Muslims then had a choice to either fast on this day or not to fast.
Hadhrat Aa’isha رضي الله عنها mentions: “That the Quraysh used to fast on the day of Aashura during the period of ignorance. Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) also observed this fast. When Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) migrated to Medina, he continued observing this fast and also instructed the Muslims to do so. However, when the fasts of Ramadan were made compulsory, the instruction to fast on the day of Aashura was repealed. Thereafter, whoever wished to fast, fasted and whoever did not wish to fast did not fast.”(Bukhari 2002)
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas narrates that Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) fasted on the day of Aashura and instructed the Muslims to fast as well. When the Muslims told Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) that the Jews and the Christians revere this day, he replied, “If I am alive next year, Insha Allaah I shall fast on the ninth as well.” However, Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) passed away before the next year.” (Muslim 2667)
It is therefore necessary for Muslims to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or on the 10th and 11th, because certain narrations mention that one should fast a day before Aashura and a day after.
It is best for a Muslim to fast on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram (three days). However, to fast only the 10th is Makrooh Tanzihi (i.e. an act disliked by the Shari’ah).
The history of this fast stems from the time of Hadhrat Moosa عليه السلام. Because it was on the day of Aashura that Hadhrat Moosa عليه السلام and the Bani Israa’eel were saved from Fir’oun. Hadhrat Moosa عليه السلام fasted on this day to express his gratitude to Allah. The Bani Israa’eel also did the same and this day was always regarded as a day of fasting among the Bani Israa’eel. Emulating this practice of the Jews, the Quraysh also fasted on this day. Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) also kept this fast (in Makkah). When Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) arrived in Medina, he asked the Jews why they observed this fast. They informed him that they fasted because it was on this day that Allah delivered them from the tyranny of Fir’oun. Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said to them that the Muslims are closer to Hadhrat Moosa than they are. Therefore, Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) fasted on this day and instructed the Muslims to do so as well.
The above discussion makes it clear that the Shari’ah dislikes that the lbaadah of Muslims should resemble the Ibaadah of the Jews and Christians. This is the reason why fasting only on the 10th is Makrooh. Although Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) fasted only on the 10th, he had intended to oppose the ways of the Jews. There should therefore be some sort of opposing (their practice), whether it be by fasting a day before or after.
VIRTUES OF FASTING ON THIS DAY
Hadhrat Abu Qataadah رضي الله عنه narrated that Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “I have strong hope that Allah will forgive the previous year’s sins for fasting on the day of Aashura.” (Tirmidhi 752)
The sins referred to here are minor sins. Taubah (repentance) is required to secure forgiveness for major sins.
SPENDING FREELY ON ONES FAMILY
A hadith is narrated by Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas’ood رضي الله عنه, who mentions that Rasulullaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
“Allah will grant prosperity throughout the year to the person who spends freely on his family on the day of Aashura.”
Allaama Sakhaawi (رحمه الله) has approved of this hadith in his book “المقاصد الحسنة”.
Therefore it would be commendable to spend freely on one’s family during the day of Aashura.
May Allah make us observe this great Month according to the ways of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and the Sahabah رضي الله عنهم. Aameen.
(Muharram and Aashoora by the Faqeeh & Muhaddith Maulana Fadhlur Rahman A’zami حفظه الله)
