Al Khalid

The Significance of Muharram

According to the Islamic calendar of 12 months, Muharram is the beginning of the first month of the Islamic year also marking the Islamic New Year. We Muslims believe, it is one of the first four sacred months in Islam. The Islamic New Year is welcomed in with the sighting of the new moon. Our belief as Muslims is that Allah created the heavens and the earth on the very first day of Muharram. Amongst all the four months Zil Qadah, Zil Hijjah and Rajab, Muharram considered as the most significant and blessed month.

Since these are the holiest months, all deeds and acts of service performed during these months are far greater than in the other months. Prophet Muhammad had stated that, observing fasts during the month of Muharram is the best other than fasts in Ramadan. It is fondly known as Allah’s month of Muharram. Thus, Muharram has great religious significance for us Muslims. Especially, the tenth day of Muharram which is known as the day of Aashooraa. On this day a number of Muslims make it a point to maintain a fast. Also we remember the killing of Hazrat Imam Husain Ali, grandson of Prophet Muhammad at the battle of Karbala. In respect we must fast and pray for the same as recommended by Prophet Muhammad.

However, different sects of Muslims have known different methods of observing these rituals. Each sect has unique ritualistic ways of recognizing the importance of this particular month. Just as long as people understand the sanctity of this day and month, the manner is not so compulsory. We as Muslims are expected to understand the motive for which Hazrat Imam Husain Ali was ready to give up his life. The desire to establish a just society and true democracy in the Arab world based on the principle narrated in the Quran.