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Muharram
Muharram is the month with which the
Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah calendar. It is one of
the four sanctified months about which the Holy Qur'an
says:
"The number of the months according to
Allah is twelve months (mentioned) in the Book of Allah
on the day in which He created heavens and the earth.
Among these (twelve months) there are four
sanctified".
These four months, according to the
authentic traditions are the months of Zulqa'dah,
Zulhijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of
the Holy Qur'an are unanimous on this point, because the
Holy Prophet (SAW) in his sermon on the occasion of his
last Hajj, has declared:
"One year consists of twelve months, of
which four are sanctified months, three of them are in
sequence; Zulqa'dah, Zulhijjah Muharram, and the fourth
is Rajab."
The specific mention of these four months
does not mean that any other month has no sanctity,
because the month of Ramadan is admittedly the most
sanctified month in the year. But these four months were
specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple
reason that their sanctity was accepted even by the
pagans of Makkah.
In fact, every month, out of the twelve, is
originally equal to the other, and there is no inherent
sanctity which may be attributed to one of them in
comparison to other months. When Allah Almighty chooses a
particular time for His special blessings, then it
acquires sanctity out of His grace.
Thus, the santity of these four months was
recognized right from the days of Sayyidna Ibrahim (AS).
Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to
Sayyidna Ibrahim (AS) they observed the sanctity of these
four months and despite their frequent tribal battles,
they held it unlawful to fight in these
months.
In the Shari'ah of our Holy Prophet (SAW)
the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy
Qur'an referred to them as the "sanctified
months".
The month of Muharram has certain other
characteristics peculiar to it which are specified
below.
1. Fasting during the month...
The Holy Prophet (SAW), has said: "The best
fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month
of Muharram."
Although the fasts of the month of Muharram
are not obligatory, yet, the one who fasts in these days
out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great
reward by Allah Almighty. The Hadith cited above
signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are
most rewardable ones among the Nafl fasts i.e. the fasts
one observes out of his own choice without being
obligatory on him.
The Hadith does not mean that the award
promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by
fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast
during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail
of this opportunity as much as he can.
2. The day of 'Ashurah'...
Although the month of Muharram is a
sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of
Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day
is named 'Ashurah'.
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