As the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah comes to a close, we anticipate the arrival of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar and, like it’s predecessor, one of the four sacred months selected by Allah. The significance of these months is highlighted in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them…”
Qur’an, 9:36
In a hadith recorded by Imam Al-Bukhari, the four sacred months are named explicitly by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
“Time has come back to its original state which it had when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth; the year is twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them are in succession; Dhul-Qa’da, Dhul-Hijjah and Al-Muharram, and (the fourth being) Rajab Mudar (named after the tribe of Mudar as they used to respect this month) which stands between Jumad (ath-thani) and Sha’ban.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 4662
The Sacredness of Muharram
The specific mention of these four months does not diminish the sanctity of other months, as the month of Ramadan is unanimously considered the most sacred month in the year. However, these four months were specifically termed sacred because even the Pagans of Makkah observed their sanctity, following the tradition of their forefather Ibrahim. Despite their frequent tribal conflicts, they deemed it unlawful to engage in battles during these months. The sacredness of these four months was established right from the day Allah created the universe.
Virtues of Muharram
Muharram: The Month of Allah
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) described Muharram as the “Month of Allah” (Sahih Muslim 1163a). This exclusive attribution underscores the virtue and honour of this month. Ibn Rajab explained, “Such an attribution is only made by Allah to the elite of His creation, such as the attribution of the Prophets to Himself as His slaves, and the attribution of the House (Kaʿbah) and the Camel to Himself.”
The Best Month for Fasting After Ramadan
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “The best fasting after Ramadan is the sacred month of Allah (Muharram)” (Muslim 1163b). Ibn Rajab noted that this hadith clarifies that the most virtuous optional fasts after Ramadan are the fasts of Muharram. Given that Allah attributed fasting, amongst all acts of worship, to Himself, saying, “It is Mine, and I Myself will give reward for it,” (Sahih Bukhari 5927) it is fitting that this month, which is also ascribed to Allah, be chosen for this particular form of worship.
The Day of Ashura
Muharram contains within it the significant Day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it” (Muslim 1162b).
Conclusion
Believers are encouraged to perform good deeds, increase acts of worship, and give charity during Muharram. As Hasan al-Basri (rahimahullah) stated:
“Allah initiated the year with a sacred month (Muharram) and ended it with a sacred month (Dhul Hijjah). There is no month after the month of Ramadan greater to Allah than Muharram.”
Imam Ibn Kathir’s Tafsir includes an insightful excerpt:
“Allah has chosen the chosen ones from His creation; He chose messengers from the angels and Messengers (prophets) from mankind; and He chose Dhikr (words of remembrance) from the many words; and He chose from the surface of the earth places to make worship (mosques); and He chose Ramadan and the Sacred Months from the months (of the year); and He chose Friday from amongst the days (of the week) and the Night of Power from all the nights (of the year). So glorify what Allah has glorified, because glorifying that which Allah has glorified are amongst the matters of the learned and those of intellect.”
Muharram is a time for reflection, devotion, and seeking closeness to Allah. As we embrace this sacred month, may we strive to honour its sanctity and maximise our good deeds, fasting, and charity.
