The Importance of Muharram Month and Ashura Day
We praise the Lord who has enabled us to reach the Hijri year 1444. May Allah grant that the new year be a means of blessings for the Muslim Ummah.
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is a time filled with mercy, abundance, and virtues due to it being one of Allah’s haram (sacred) months. The most important day of this month is Ashura (10th of Muharram).
The Virtue of the Nights of Muharram Month
We better understand the importance of Ashura Day through the verse “I swear by the ten nights.” (Al-Fajr, 2) in Surah Al-Fajr. According to commentaries, these ten nights encompass the days from the first day of Muharram until Ashura. Allah has taken an oath regarding these nights, emphasizing their sanctity and blessings.
Important Events that Occurred on Ashura Day
The 10th of Muharram (Ashura) is a special day when significant events took place:
- It is the day Prophet Adam’s (a.s.) repentance was accepted, making it an ideal time for repentance and seeking forgiveness (Istighfar).
- It is the day Prophet Noah (a.s.) was saved from the flood and his ship reached safe harbor; a chance to reflect on patience and perseverance.
- It is the day Prophet Abraham (a.s.) was rescued from the fire by Allah’s grace, preparing us for trials and tribulations.
- It is the day Prophet Moses (a.s.) was saved from Pharaoh’s oppression; reminding us that great blessings can follow hardships.
- It is the day Prophet Job (a.s.) emerged unscathed from illness and adversity, enabling us to renew our feelings of patience, acceptance (Rida), and gratitude in the face of divine trials.
Virtues of Ashura Day
Ashura Day is a day when supplications are accepted and filled with virtues. A story illustrating the importance of this day is as follows: In Basra, a wealthy man used to spend every Ashura night reciting the Quran, engaging in acts of worship (Ihya), and helping the poor and orphans. His prayers were answered and his neighbor’s daughter, who could not walk, was healed. This event demonstrates the blessings and grace of Allah on Ashura Day.
Worship to be Performed on Ashura Day
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Whoever fasts on the day of Ashura, Allah Most High grants him the reward of a thousand martyrs. For the one who fasts on the day of Ashura, the inhabitants of seven heavens write [reward]. Whoever provides an Iftar meal on the day of Ashura, it is recorded for him as if he has provided Iftar for and satisfied the bellies of the entire Muslim Ummah. Whoever strokes the head of an orphan on the day of Ashura, Allah increases his degree in Paradise by the number of hairs [on] that orphan’s head.” (Gunye, 2/53)
Hazrat Ali said that when asked which month to fast after Ramadan, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) recommended Muharram. Because it is a special time when a servant’s repentance was accepted in the past and the sins of future generations are forgiven.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advised fasting on either the day before or after Ashura to avoid resembling the Jews in their observance.
Our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also provided important information about Ashura Day in other hadiths. It is important to bring blessed food into homes, help those in need, and maintain good relations with neighbors on this day.
Supplications to be Made on Ashura Day
It is recommended to recite the following supplications on this special day:
- Reciting “Hasbünallâhi ve ni’me’l-vekîl, ni’me’l-mevlâ ve ni’me’n-nasîr. Ğufrâneke Rabbenâ ve ileyke’l-masîr.” 70 times
- Reciting “Lâ ilâhe illâ ente sübhâneke innî küntü mine’z-zâlimîn” 313 times
- Seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) abundantly
- Sending blessings to ten believers
May our Lord accept our supplications on the merit of Ashura Day and include us among those servants who seize opportunities to draw closer to Him. Amen!