Muharrem and the Hijra: A Time for Reflection
This article explores the profound significance of Muharram, marking the Islamic New Year. Understanding Muharram and the Hijra is crucial for Muslims seeking spiritual growth and a deeper connection to their faith. The focus keyphrase Muharrem and the Hijra holds deep meaning within Islamic tradition.
The Islamic New Year
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. We pray that this year, 1448 AH, brings blessings, abundance, and mercy to the Muslim community.
The Spiritual Treasures of the First Ten Days of Muharrem
The first ten days of Muharram are a treasure trove of spiritual significance. The Quran (Surah Al-Fajr) states:
“By time [passing]! (Al-Fajr, 2)”
Ibn Abbas (RA) clarifies that these ten nights refer to the first ten days of Muharram. To fully benefit from these days, let’s strive to dedicate our early mornings to Tahajjud prayers and our afternoons to fasting – as much as we are able.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The most virtuous fast after the month of Ramadan is the fast observed in the month of Allah’s month, Muharram.” (Muslim, Siyam 202, 203; Nasa’i, Qiyamul-Layl, 6)
Similarly, he said:
“If I were to order people to fast in any other month besides Ramadan, it would be in Muharram. For it is a month that Allah has blessed; there is a day within it where He accepted the repentance of a nation and may accept the supplications of others.” (Tirmidhi, Sawm, 40/741)
The day referred to in this hadith is the tenth day of Muharram (Ashura). However, the Prophet (PBUH) advised fasting a day before or after it to avoid resembling Jewish customs. Fasting on the 10th of Muharrem remains a Sunnah practice since the obligation of Ramadan fasting.
May Allah grant us the ability to observe and cherish the month of Muharram, especially its first ten nights.
The Hijra and the Islamic Calendar
It’s important to remember that the Islamic calendar began with the Hijra – the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration from Mecca to Medina. Reflecting on this pivotal event is essential, especially during these blessed times.
The Era of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah)
Consider the era of ignorance:
- A time of spiritual decline
- Hearts turned desolate
- Compassion dried up from souls
- Conscience darkened by injustice
- Humanity surrendered to Satan
- A period where humanity plummeted into the depths
Any era distanced from Allah and His Messenger is a time of ignorance. Every century lacking divine and prophetic guidance has its own share of brutality.
Changing times, locations, or lifestyles doesn’t alter human nature. What difference exists between modern individuals focused on pleasure and speed and the pre-Islamic people?
Just as the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) were students in his teachings, we are followers of the same verses that they received fourteen centuries ago.
Our duty is to nurture our children with Islamic character and values, just as the companions did.
The Hijra: A Journey Towards a Virtuous Society
Allah says in His verse:
“O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah properly and fear Him alone, and set right your affairs [correct your wrongdoings]…” (Al-Maidah, 105)
Remember that the Hijra is a journey towards an era of blessedness – a society built on virtue.
Just as the companions migrated for the sake of their faith, we must strive to abandon evil, embrace righteousness, and migrate from this world to the Hereafter with a sense of purpose.
The most important Hijra today is migrating towards Allah’s pleasure, love, and friendship. It’s about abandoning sins and embracing righteous deeds.
We must especially escape the ignorance of modern times and migrate toward the virtuous life exemplified by the Prophet (PBUH) and his esteemed companions.
Reflections on the Tenth of Muharrem (Ashura)
The tenth of Muharrem (Ashura) is a day filled with significant events. On this day:
- Prophet Adam’s repentance was accepted
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s past and future sins were forgiven
Therefore, it’s a day for sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness.
- Noah’s Ark found safety from the flood.
This is a day to reflect on Noah’s (AS) 950 years of preaching with patience and perseverance.
- Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was saved from the fire of Prophet Nemrut.
This is a day to examine our own resilience in facing divine tests.
- Prophet Musa (AS) escaped Pharaoh’s oppression, and Prophet Yusuf (AS) was released from prison.
This signifies that great blessings follow great trials.
- Prophet Ayyub (AS) was relieved of his illness and affliction.
This is a day for self-reflection on patience, acceptance, and gratitude in the face of adversity.
- It marks the tragic martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) beloved grandson, Hussein (RA), a horrific injustice in Islamic history.
This is a day of mourning for the entire Muslim community, regardless of sect. The Prophet’s teachings emphasize brotherhood and unity; disagreements should not disrespect this sacred day.
Let us strive for unity and togetherness, guided by the principle: “The believers are but brothers…” (Al-Hujurat, 10).
The Blessing of Generosity on Ashura
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Whoever provides abundantly for his family on the day of ‘Ashura, Allah will provide abundantly for him throughout the year.” (Tabarani, Awsat, IX, 121, Kabir, X, 77; Bayhaki, Shu’ab, III, 366)
Jabir (RA) confirms this tradition. Ibn Uyayna stated that he had tested it for fifty or sixty years.
May Allah grant those who are generous to their families such blessings. May He also bestow His generosity upon the needy and vulnerable.
Allah has gifted us with two calendars: lunar (Islamic) and solar, to measure time. The Islamic year consists of 354 days, 8 hours, and 48 minutes, while the solar year is 365 days, 5 hours, and 48 minutes. This difference is reflected in Surah Al-Kahf (verse 25).
May Allah grant us the ability to enter each new year with sincere repentance and forgiveness.