The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram; and Rajab, which comes between Jumaada and Shabaan.’ (Bukhari)

In fact, Muharram is known as the best of the four best months of the year (Rajab, Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram). These four months are the most important to Muslims after Ramadan. While many of us understand and fulfil the rights of Ramadan, we miss out if we don’t make the most of the other scared months as well. We’ve put together a list of easy tips to incorporate into your days, to help you make the most of this blessed month.

Understand Muharram

The word ‘Muharram’ translates as ‘forbidden’ as it is so sacred that certain acts are forbidden in this month, specifically bloodshed and waging war. It is derived from the same Arabic root word, haram as is the name of Masjidul Haram. Both these places/times are sacred, so every deed – good and bad – carries more weight (are heavier on the scales) in Muharram, just as they do in Masjidul Haram. 

Because our good deeds count for more, it’s an opportunity to earn abundant rewards in this time. With the right intention, every action can be an opportunity for reward. 

Embrace the Prophet’s (PBUH) Sunnah

Practise the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in daily acts: sit when drinking, wash hands before eating, greet people with salaam and make dua for them. Or, the simplest Sunnah act of all – to smile at everyone we meet.

‘Every good deed is charity. Verily, it is a good deed to meet your brother with a cheerful face.’ (Tirmidhi)

Make abundant isthigfaar 

This is a time for repentance. Since our sins are heavier in Muharram, we should ask for forgiveness as often as possible.

‘And seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to him, and He will let you enjoy a good provision.’ (Quran 11: 3)

Increase Dhikr throughout your day 

Recite lots of Dhikr, as you’re carrying on with your day. Many short but powerful supplications can earn us rewards, such as: Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Laa ilaha Illala and Allahuakbar. When Prophet Musa (AS) met Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the Night of Ascension (Mi’raj), this is what he said to him:

‘O Muhammad, convey my greetings to your Ummah, and tell them that Jannah has a vast plain of pure soil and sweet water. It is a plain levelled land. The plants grow there by uttering, “Subhan-Allah,  Al-hamdu lillah, La ilaha illallah  and Allahu Akbar (Allah is free from imperfection; praise be to Allah; there is no true God except Allah; and Allah is Greatest).”’ (Tirmidhi)

Engage more with the Qur’an

If we don’t read Qur’an every day, let’s make an intention to start – even for 10 minutes. If we do read, let’s introduce the habit of Tafseer – studying and contemplating the meaning of Allah’s (SWT) words. They are His words to us, so we have a duty to try and understand them. How about reading and discussing some verses from important Surahs with the family before dinner? The Prophet (PBUH) has said:

‘The best among you are those that read the Quran and teach it.’ (Bukhari)

Fast

The Prophet (PBUH) would fast more in Muharram than in any other month, except Ramadan.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘The best fasting after Ramadan is in the month of Muharram.’ (Muslim)

Fasting on the day of Ashura (the 10^th of Muharram) and the day before or after it is also highly recommended. It was also on Ashura that the people of Musa (AS) were delivered from oppression in Egypt. Thereafter, Musa (AS) would fast on Ashura to remember this event and show his gratitude to Allah (SWT). And Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) followed this practice too. 

So, by fasting on the 10^th of Muharram (plus one day before or after), we are following the Sunnah of two of our Prophets while earning rewards and washing away our sins. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, 

‘Fasting on the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year.’(Muslim)

Give Sadaqah

The start of a new year is a time to establish good habits so make an intention to give charity and earn the rewards throughout the year. Furthermore, giving charity on the day of Ashura is equal to giving charity for the entire year. Abdullah bin Amr bin al-As (RA) said, 

‘Whoever fasts Ashura it is as if he fasted the entire year and whoever gives charity on this day, it is like the charity of an entire year.’ (Lata’if al-Ma’arif, by Ibn Rajab)

Can you support us?

Let the Sadaqah you give count! Your Sadaqah can make a huge difference to people in Afghanistan; people who are suffering the worst humanitarian crisis of our time. 

Unfortunately, Afghan children under 5 years of age have one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world. This has a devastating impact on the growth and development of the children – physically, mentally and even emotionally.

To address this crisis, Aryana Aid is assisting people with food parcels. These food parcels are a lifeline to people who are even more disadvantaged like orphans, widows, and the elderly. Read more about our Food Parcels project to see how you can support Afghans in desperate need this Muharram.