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As I drove through Bradford city centre one Thursday evening, the signs of the so called festive season were apparent and evident far all to see.  With the snow slowly trickling down and shoppers running from shop to shop looking for the best gifts. However, it was the lights above reminding passersby of the New Yea which struck a note in my mind of why the New Year is important to me. It’s not the Georgian date which I’m really lucking forward to but it’s the first month of the Islamic year 1431 which really holds benefit to me.

The month of Muharam is the first month in the Islamic calendar and it with it carries enormous historic significance. Its holiness is highlighted in the Quran and is one of the months which the Prophet (saw) encouraged us to perform special acts of worship such as fasts.

The Prophet (saw) mentioned: “The best fasts after the month of Ramadha n is the month of Muharrmam.”

“The one that keeps a fast in the month of Muharram will receive the reward of thirty fasts”

Amongst this holy month, the most holy day is the 10^th which is known as the day of Ashoorah. It was an established sunnah of the Prophet (saw) to fast on the day Ashoorah.  He mentioned regarding this fast that:  "This fast is a compensation for the (minor) sins of the past year."

According to the Holy companion, Ibn Abbas Radhiallaho Anhu, when the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam migrated to Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10^th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa Alayhis Salaam and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously, and the Pharaoh was drowned in its water. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam said, “We are more closely related to Musa than you.” So the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Ashura. (Abu Dawood)

It is advised in other narrations that Muslims should either fast a day before or after the day of Ashoorah so to distinguish between the Jews who also fast on this day.

Another act which is encouraged on the day of Ashoorah is spending on one’s family. The prophet (saw) said "One who generously spends on his family on the day of Aashora, Allah will increase (his provision) for the whole year." (Baihaqi)

May Allah give us the opportunity to celebrate this month of Muharram in the fashion of the Prophet and his pious companions. Ameen.

Teacher at MMTQ