Muharram, the first month of the Islãmic calendar holds a marked importance for Muslims, not for its position at the beginning of the Year or for events, births and deaths which have coincided with the month in the past, but for the promise of virtues and rewards for certain actions carried out on certain days of this month.

Naturally it also brings to mind events which have coincided with the month in the past; however it would be irrational to assume that these events had anything to do with the importance of this month.

Fasting on the 10th of Muharram

The 10th of Muharram is the prime reason for the importance of this month. It is also referred to as the day of Ãshoorã. There is great reward promised for the person fasting on this day. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam states:

‘After the fasts of Ramadhãn, the most blessed fast is that of 10th Muharram.’ (Muslim)

‘When the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam entered Madeenah He found that the resident Jews were fasting on the 10th day of Muharram, He sallallahu alayhi wasallam asked the reason for their fasting to which the Jews replied: “This is a very sacred day for us. On this day Allah Ta'ala gave the nation of Moosa alayhis salãm freedom from Firawn (Pharaoh) and his tyranny, hence Moosa alayhi salãm fasted on this day as a means of showing gratitude to Allah Ta'ala, therefore we also fast on this day.” The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam commented: ‘we are closer to Moosa alayhis salãm (in following the true religion) than you are.’ Thereafter the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam fasted on this day and He commanded his companions to do likewise.’ (Bukhari, Muslim)

‘I have strong hope that whoever fasts on the 10th of Muharram, Allah Ta'ala will forgive all his minor sins of the past year.’ (Muslim)

However, in another narration we find that when the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam fasted on the 10th of Muharram, the Sahãbah radhiallahu anhum asked,

‘This is a day which the Jews and the Christians hold sacred, should we also?’ The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam replied: ‘if I remain alive next year then (along with the fast of the 10th) I will also observe the fast of the 9th. (Muslim)

The fast of 10th Muharram is regarded as Mustahab (preferable), however if a person does wish to fast on this day he should also fast on the 9th or the 11th.

Spending Generously

It is also regarded as mubãh (permissible) on this day to spend generously on one’s family. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam states:

‘Whoever spends generously upon his family on this day (10th Muharram) Allah Ta'ala grants him barakah in his sustenance for the rest of the year.’ (Bayhaqi)

Abstaining from futility

Besides the two special acts of worship mentioned above, all other traditions and special acts reserved for this day are futile and baseless. It is compulsory that a person ensures that he does not have any involvement in these pointless and vain acts.

May Allah grant us all the ability to value each and every moment of our lives. Ameen.