The most virtuous day of the month of Muharram is the day of ‘Asyura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram. On this day, Muslims are highly encouraged to fast! So here’s some introduction and information of Muharram, and we hope you’ll benefit something from this insyallah. :D
1. The Hijiri (Islamic) calendar is very similar to the Gregorian calendar that we’d usually use and refer to in our daily lives (such as the month of January, February, etc). As Muslims, we should also take note on the months of Islam! The Hijiri calendar consists of 12 months in a year, with 354 or 355 days. The calendar begins with Muharram, followed by Safar, Rab-ul Awal, Rab-ul Akhir, Jumada-Awal, Jumada-Akhir, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadhan, Syawal, Dhul-Qidah and ends with Dhul-Hijjah.
Related verse from the Quran: show
2. The month of Muharram is special, for it is one of the 4 sacred months in the Hijiri calendar. The other 3 other sacred months other than Muharram are: Dhul-Qaidah, Dhul-Hijjah and Rejab.
Related verse from the Quran: show
Related hadith: show
3. As a sacred month, it’s best to increase in doing good deeds such as fasting and sadaqah! And by sacred, it signifies the importance, status and adoration of this month by Allah! In fact, good deeds done during these months will be more greatly rewarded, insyallah. :)
Related hadith: show
4. The day of ‘Asyura is greatly related to the story concerning Prophet Musa (or Moses a.s), where he was saved by Allah by his enemies and Firaun at the Red Sea. When Prophet Musa (a.s) was cornered by Firaun and his army, he asked Allah to help him escape.
Related hadith: show
5. To fast on the day of ‘Asyura is the highlight of the month of Muharram. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) observed fasting on this day to express his gratitude to Allah, hence, we Muslims should too. Take note that it is permissible to fast on the day of ‘Asyura only, but it is better to fast a day before OR after as this is a sunnah act.
Fasting of ‘Asyura can be on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (15th and 16th December 2010) OR 10th and 11th of Muharram (16th and 17th December 2010).
Did you know that the reward of fasting of the day of ‘Asyura is an expiation (deletion) of sins for the year before? Masyallah!
Related hadith: show
