The Month of Muharram: Supplications and the Fast of Allah
The month of Muharram is a highly esteemed month, described by the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) as ‘the month of Allah’. (Muslim, Siyam 202; Abu Dawud, Sawm 55; Tirmidhi, Sawm 40). This expression points to the virtues of Muharram and its divine grace and blessing.
Practices Related to Muharram & Virtues of Ashura
Fasting in the Month of Muharram
The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“After the fasts of Ramadan, the most virtuous fast is that of Allah’s month, Muharram.” (Muslim, Siyam 202, 203; Nasa’i, Qiyam al-Layl, 6)
The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) fasted on the 9th and/or 10th, or the 10th and 11th days of Muharram. (Bukhari, Sawm 47, 69, Anbiya 24; Muslim, Siyam, 113-133; Tirmidhi, Sawm, 48; Ahmad, I, 241).
Supplications for the First Day of the Year
Supplications to Be Recited in the First Ten Days of Muharram
Supplications and Acts of Worship to Be Performed on the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram)
1. Making Supplication (Dua)
2. Providing for the Family
“Whoever provides abundantly for his family on the Day of Ashura, Allah will increase his provision throughout the year.” (Tabarani, Awsat, IX, Kabir, X, 77; Bayhaqi, Shu’ab, III, 366)
Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) transmitted this narration and said:
“We tried this and found great abundance.” Ibn Uyaynah also said:
“We tested this for fifty, sixty years.”
3. The Fast of Ashura
The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Fast on the Day of Ashura; but to avoid imitating the Jews, fast a day before or after it!” (Ahmad, I, 241; Bazzar, no. 1052; Haythami, III, 188)
4. Six Virtuous Practices to Perform on the Day of Ashura
- Perform ritual bathing (ghusl)!
- Fast!
- Provide food for breaking the fast (iftar)!
- Give sadaqa (charity) and make vows!
- Bring 10 essential items to your home!
- Greet at least 10 people!
Reflections on Ashura
The 10th day of Muharram (Ashura) is a day filled with significant events:
- It is the day when the repentance (tawba) of Prophet Adam was accepted. For this reason, it is a day of repentance.
- It is the day when Prophet Nuh and his family were saved from the flood. This is an opportunity to reflect on the sabr (patient endurance) and perseverance of Prophet Nuh in his 950-year mission.
- It is the day when Prophet Ibrahim was saved from the fire of Nimrod. This reminds us to endure hardships with iman (faith).
- It is the day when Prophet Musa and Prophet Yusuf were saved from the oppression and imprisonment of Pharaoh. It is a reminder that great blessings often come after hardships.
- It is the day when Prophet Ayyub was delivered from his illness and afflictions. This is a time for sabr (patient endurance), acceptance, and shukr (gratitude) in the face of trials.
Additionally, it is the day when Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him) was martyred in a painful manner. This event deeply affected the Muslim community. It occurred at a time when there were no divisions among Muslims of different views. For this reason, today is regarded as a day of unity and brotherhood: “The believers are but brothers…” (al-Hujurat, 10).