The first month of the Hijri calendar, Muharram, also referred to as Muharram-ul-Haram, marks the beginning of the Islamic year. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) referred to it as “the Sacred Month of Allah” and it is the only month to which Allah’s name has been attached, making it a very blessed month.
The word “Muharram” literally translates to “forbidden,” signifying how sacred it is and how certain actions become prohibited because they would compromise its sanctity. The word Al-Masjid Al-Haram, the name of Allah’s House (Al-Masjid Al-Haram), and the month of Muharram share a common Arabic root. Both are holy places where every action, whether good or bad, weighs heavier on the scales.
We’ve put together a short list of simple methods to benefit from Muharram:
Seek Forgiveness:
Muharram is a month when sins are heavier, so you should seek forgiveness as often as you can during this time. You can also seek forgiveness for your sins by providing others with water, which is a wonderful Sadaqah Jariyah.
Offer voluntary fasts:
Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA)
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“The best fast after the month of Ramadan is fasting in the month of Allah, al-Muharram.”
Fasting on the Day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year as the Prophet said, “Fasting on the Day of Ashura (is of great merits), I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year” (Muslim)
Give regular Sadqah:
The Islamic New Year begins with Muharram, making it the ideal time to make resolutions and create healthy routines that will pay off all year long.
Avoid sinning:
Allah tells us in the Qur’an:
“so wrong not yourselves therein”
[Soorat at-Tawbah 9:36]
The four sacred months (Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Qa’da, Dhul Hijjah) are mentioned in this verse. Muslims are encouraged to refrain from sins and increase their good deeds during the sacred months.
Read more Quran:
The best method to be closer to Allah during this month is to recite the Quran. Setting aside just 10-15 minutes per day for it is the best strategy.
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