Origins and Beliefs
Narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah (RA): “A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: ‘Which fasting is better after the month of Ramadan?’ He said: ‘The month of Allah which is called Muḥarram.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Muḥarram (Arabic: ٱلْمُحَرَّم) is the first month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. It is a month distinguished not only by its position in the calendar, but also by its profound spiritual status.
Etymology of Muḥarram
The Arabic root letters of Muḥarram are ḥ–r–m (ح ر م), from which the word ḥarām is derived. Understanding this root helps clarify the origins and beliefs associated with this sacred month.
The term ḥarām linguistically conveys several meanings, including forbidden, prohibited, taboo, holy, sacred, and sacrosanct. In the context of Muḥarram, the meanings of “forbidden” and “sacred” are especially significant.
The Prophet ﷺ referred to Muḥarram as “the month of Allah,” a distinction not given to any other month of the Hijri calendar. This attribution alone signals its sanctity. Sacredness implies being set apart and deserving of reverence, and in Islamic understanding, when something is sacred, actions that may otherwise be permissible become prohibited in order to preserve that sanctity.
An example of this can be seen in Masjid al-Haram. Its name is derived from the same root, and its sanctity demands a heightened level of respect and restraint. Similarly, Muḥarram is a sacred time in which deeds carry greater weight, whether good or bad.
Note: Muḥarram is one of four sacred months. The others are Rajab, Dhul-Qa‘dah, and Dhul-Hijjah.
Why Is Muḥarram Sacred?
The sanctity of Muḥarram is rooted in divine decree. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” (Qur’an 9:36)
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah has chosen the elite from His creation: messengers from among people and angels, remembrance from among speech, mosques from among places, Ramadan and the four sacred months from among time, Friday from among days, and Laylatul Qadr from among nights. Those with understanding honour what Allah has honoured.
Muḥarram, therefore, is sacred simply because Allah has declared it so.
What Is Forbidden in Muḥarram?
Muḥarram is called one of the ḥurum months due to certain prohibitions and heightened spiritual accountability.
Historically, fighting and bloodshed were prohibited during these months to ensure safety for pilgrims. While warfare is now prohibited altogether in Islamic law except under strict conditions, the original ruling highlights the emphasis on peace and sanctity.
Additionally, acts of worship performed during Muḥarram are more rewarding, while sins committed carry greater weight. Mufti Muhammad Shafi explains that all previous divine laws agreed that righteous deeds during these months are multiplied in reward, and wrongdoing is more severe in consequence.
Muḥarram and Historical Significance
Muḥarram also holds historical importance due to the martyrdom of Hadhrat Husayn (RA), the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, who was killed during the Battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muḥarram (Ashura). This event is particularly commemorated by Shia Muslims. Its broader Islamic significance and correct observance are discussed separately.
Welcoming the New Islamic Year
Hadhrat ‘Abdullah ibn Hisham (RA) reports that the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ would recite the following supplication at the arrival of a new year or month:
Allahumma adkhilhu ‘alayna bil-amni wal-īmān, was-salāmati wal-islām, wa riḍwānin minal-Raḥmān, wa jiwarin minash-shayṭān.
“O Allah, let this (year or month) come upon us with peace, faith, safety, Islam, Your pleasure, and protection from Shayṭān.”
This supplication serves as a spiritual foundation for setting intentions, much like resolutions made at the start of the Gregorian year. It reminds us that success, contentment, and guidance come only from Allah.
Intentions for the New Year
With the arrival of Muḥarram and the Islamic New Year, believers are encouraged to reflect and set meaningful intentions. Whether it is improving one’s relationship with the Qur’an, prioritising health in line with the Sunnah, or striving for greater presence in prayer, intention is the starting point of transformation.
May Allah make the coming year abundant in faith, mercy, health, wisdom, and goodness, and allow us to honour Muḥarram in the manner it deserves.
Ameen.
– /wp:paragraph –>May Allah S truly make the coming year a prosperous one in all senses of the word; in faith, love, kindness, health, happiness, sustenance and wisdom.
Ameen.
