Introduction
Imam Hasan al-Basri (RH) said: ‘Allah initiated the year with a sacred month (Muharram) and ended it with a sacred month (Zul Hijjah). There is no month after the month of Ramadan greater to Allah than Muharram.’
As Muslims, we celebrate success and blessings by attributing them to Allah SWT, by expressing our gratitude to Him through Zikr (remembrance); proclaiming His greatness (Takbir) by praising and thanking Him (Tahmid) and by performing other ibaadat (acts of worship) such as fasting. One of the signs that indicates the acceptance of our ibadah is that doing it leads us to perform another act of ibadah. Therefore, after fasting, sacrificing, performing Hajj, making lots of du’a (prayers) and Zikr in the month of Zul Hijjah, we are offered with another opportunity to gain more rewards in the month of Allah, Muharram, while we commemorate the success of our previous prophets .
Muharram: The Month of Allah (شهر الله)
Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months in Islam along with Zul Qaʿdah, Zul Hijjah, and Rajab. In these months, deeds are magnified and amplified. Rewards for good deeds are greater and sins are more serious in the eyes of Allah SWT.
Imam Hasan al-Basri (RH) said, “The most virtuous of the sacred months is the ‘Month of Allah’, Muharram.” The word ‘Muharram’ itself means ‘the honored and sacred one’. It is the only month attributed to the name of Allah.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The best month for observing Saum (fasting) after Ramadan is the month of Allah, Muharram, and the best Solah after the prescribed Solah is Solah at night.” (Muslim)
Ibn Rajab (RH) said: “The above Hadith makes it clear that the most virtuous optional fasts after Ramadan are the fasts of Muharram. And given that Allah attributed fasting, amongst all acts of worship, to Himself (saying, “It is Mine, and I Myself will give reward for it.”) it was suitable that this month, which is also ascribed to Allah, be selected for this particular form of worship.”
Day of Ashura’
Besides being the only month attributed to the name of Allah, the significant day of Ashura’ also lies in this month, which is one of the reasons that makes it the most virtuous of the sacred months.
Ashura’ comes from the word ‘Asharah in Arabic, which means “ten”. The tenth day of Muharram is so significant in the history of our previous prophets (peace be upon them).
“During the pre-lslamic Era of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah), the Quraysh used to observe fasting on the day of Ashura’, and the Prophet ﷺ himself used to observe fasting on it, too. But when he came to Madinah, he (continued) fasting on the day and ordered the Muslims to fast it, too. When (the command of fasting) Ramadan was revealed, fasting in Ramadan became an obligation, and fasting on Ashura’ was made voluntary. Whoever wished to fast it did so, and whoever did not wish to fast on it, did not fast.” (Bukhari)
This tells us that fasting on this day was a remnant from the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim AS that the Quraysh pre-Islamic era observed.
Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that: “When the Prophet ﷺ arrived at Madinah, the Jews were observing the fast of Ashura’ and they said: ‘This is the day when Musa became victorious over Fir’aun.’ On that, the Prophet ﷺ said to his companions, ‘You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Musa’s victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.’” (Bukhari)
In commemorating the month of Muharram, we usually reflect upon the story of Rasulullah’s ﷺ Hijrah (migration from Mecca to Medina), since the Islamic calendar was initiated and backdated to the year of Hijrah to mark the beginning of the new Islamic era. We seldom relate Muharram to the story of Prophet Musa (AS) . Hence, let us begin the year by also revisiting the history of one of the Ulul Azmi (owners of great determination) Prophet Musa (AS), and ponder upon some of the significant lessons that can be derived from his journey as a messenger.
Lessons from the Story of Prophet Musa’s (AS)
- Despite knowing that Fir’aun will never worship Allah (SWT), Allah still sent Prophet Musa (AS) to him. What we can learn here is the importance of giving our best and leaving the outcome to Allah (SWT). We will be accountable for our actions and efforts. Even though results and outcomes are important, as they help us to re-strategise, Allah (SWT) will judge us based on the effort that we put in, in order to achieve a particular outcome. So let’s do our part in enjoining good and forbidding evil. Do our best and leave the rest to Him!
- Prophet Musa (AS) was instructed to invite Fir’aun, a tyrant and an oppressor, to Islam in the best possible way. He was the worst human who lived on Earth and yet, Allah SWT commanded Prophet Musa (AS) to speak nicely to him. “Go, both of you, to Fir’aun. Indeed, he has transgressed. And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [Allah].” (Taha: 43-44)
It is easy to speak kindly to those who are kind to us, but to maintain respect with those who are hostile is the true manifestation and reflection of our true character and sincerity. Islam teaches us to speak respectfully to everyone for the sake of Allah SWT, even when we are being disrespected.
- Being saved and not killed by Fir’aun, and being brought up in Fir’aun’s palace did not prevent Prophet Musa (AS) from telling him the truth and going against him. Truth has to be conveyed. We will be accountable for hiding the truth despite having the ability to share it. We should not hide the truth because we feel indebted or do it out of fear or respect. Truth has to be communicated, and of course, in a respectful manner.
- It is normal to feel afraid at times. It’s human to have fears and worries. Even our prophets were scared and worried. They said, “Our Lord, indeed we are afraid that he will hasten [punishment] against us or that he will transgress.” [Allah] said, “Fear not. Indeed, I am with you both; I hear and I see. (Taha: 45-46)
So when we feel worried or anxious, turn to Allah (SWT), seek His guidance and help, and ask Him to grant us courage in doing what’s best. Without His help, we won’t accomplish anything, but with His help, nothing is impossible. Therefore, let us convert all our worries and fears into du’a.
- Having a speech impediment did not stop Prophet Musa (AS) from doing what he was supposed to do. He acknowledged his weakness to Allah (SWT) and asked for help and Allah (SWT) granted his du’a by sending Prophet Harun (AS), who was more eloquent, to accompany him. Instead of rejecting the task because he did not possess the necessary skills or strength, He asked for help. [Musa] said: “My Lord, expand for me my chest [with assurance]. And ease for me my task. And untie the knot from my tongue. That they may understand my speech. And appoint for me a minister from my family – Harun, my brother. Increase through him my strength. And let him share my task. That we may exalt You much. And remember You much. Indeed, You are of us ever Seeing.” [Allah] said, “You have been granted your request, O Musa. (Taha: 25-36)
- This teaches us that as Muslims, we should not reject a particular task or avoid taking action because we feel inadequate about our capabilities or want to remain humble. It’s a wrong understanding of the concept of Tawadu’ (Humility) which Islam promotes. The feeling of ‘I am not good enough’ can be the whispers of Shaytan, if it prevents us from doing good and if it doesn’t make us work on our shortcomings.
- Shaytan will always try their best to stop us from doing good. Instead, that inadequacy we have should humble us and help us seek necessary help to equip ourselves with what is required, so that we can fulfil the task.
- When they were chased by Fir’aun and his army, Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers reached the Red Sea. Fir’aun was so close that his followers thought that that was the end of their fate. But Prophet Musa (AS) calmly said: ‘No! Indeed, with me is my Lord, He will guide me.’ (Ash-Shu’ara’: 62)
He knew that Allah (Azza wa Jalla) will not abandon him. He fully trusted that Allah (SWT) will help them and save them from their enemy. He truly believed that nothing is impossible to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and that nothing will befall him, if it was not decreed by His Lord. Such is true reliance (Tawakkul) on Allah SWT. When we truly believe in Allah’s help, when we totally depend on Him and when we trust him whole-heartedly, He will never forsake us. He is always and will always be with us, and He will help us. In carrying out da’wah (calling others to Islam), maintaining strong connections with Allah SWT is extremely important. Our relationship with Him will determine the success in the work that we do.
These are some of the takeaways, among other lessons, that we can learn and apply in our life, inshaAllah (if Allah wills). Let us commemorate the victory of our beloved Prophet Musa (AS), apart from fasting, by contemplating on his journey as a messenger and by making him our source of inspiration and motivation.
Ending Notes
Ibn Rajab (RH) said: “(Two of the) sacred months mark an end and the beginning of the Islamic Year: therefore, whoever fasts in Zul Hijjah (excluding the prohibited days) and in Muharram has ended and started the year in worship. It is thus hoped that the entire year will be recorded as worship, as whoever starts any action with worship and ends it in worship, will be considered to have been in a state of worship between both of these times.”
Worshipping Allah (SWT) and expressing our gratitude are not restricted to fasting and His remembrance (Zikr). Expressing gratitude includes using the blessings that we have in ways that are pleasing to Allah (SWT). Worshipping Allah includes doing good to others and contributing towards the betterment of our community and Ummah (Muslims).
Let us start the year on a good note by welcoming the new year with physical and spiritual purity and cleanliness. Let us ask Allah to forgive all of our shortcomings and sins in the past years. Let us ask Him to record the entire year as worship. Let us ask Allah to enable us to serve His Deen. Let us ask Allah (SWT) to make Al-Quran our source of guidance and inspiration in life. Let us ask Him to guide us to follow the footsteps of his prophets (AS), and continue their legacy. May Allah (SWT) grant all our du’a.
Abbreviations:
SWT (سبحانه وتعالى): The most glorified, the most high
AS (عليه السلام): May peace be upon him / them
RA (رضي الله عنه): May Allah be pleased with him
RH (رحمه الله): May Allah shower His mercy upon him
References:
https://islamqa.info/amp/en/answers/36861
https://yaqeeninstitute.org/ibrahim-hindy/fasting-ashura-what-is-ashura-and-why-is-it-important