Calendar

The Hijri New Year and the Month of Muharram

As the first month of the Hijri calendar, Muharram holds a singularly significant place within Islamic traditions. The Hijri calendar was formally established in the year 638 CE, during the caliphate of Caliph Umar (radiyallahu anh). It marks the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) migration from Makkah to Medina - an event commemorated as the starting point of this lunar calendar. Consequently, Muharram is recognized as the inauguration of the Hijri year.

This month is imbued with an extraordinary blend of historical and religious importance. Numerous pivotal events in Islamic history unfolded during Muharram, thereby bestowing upon it a profound sacredness that resonates within the hearts of Muslims around the world.

An intriguing aspect of Muharram is its designation as one of the four sacred months during which warfare is strictly forbidden. As declared by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), these "haram" months include Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. Their sanctity, however, extends beyond the mere prohibition of battle. Certain days and nights within these months are perceived to possess a divinely ordained sanctity, making them exceptional within the lunar cycle.

Muharram, in particular, is honored as 'the month of Allah' by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). It's regarded as one of the most virtuous and esteemed months after Ramadan. The Prophet's sayings emphasize its significance: “The most virtuous fast after Ramadan is the fast observed in the month of Allah, Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night.” (Muslim, Sawm, 202) 

The Virtues of Ashura Day

The tenth day of Muharram, referred to as 'Ashura,’ carries with it a remarkable significance. Scholars have often pointed to the etymology of 'Ashura,’ which means 'ten' in Arabic, as a testament to its correlation with the tenth day of the month.

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) observed a fast on this particular day, a practice he advocated to his followers as well. Ibn Abbas (radiyallahu anh), a revered companion of the Prophet, narrates:

When the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) arrived at Medina, he found the Jews observing the fast on the day of Ashura. He asked them about it, and they replied:

- This is the day when Musa became victorious over the pharaoh.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said (to the Muslims):

- We are nearer to Musa than them, so fast on this day.

However, with the introduction of the obligatory fast during the month of Ramadan, the Prophet left the fast of Ashura as voluntary. In addition, he recommended that Muslims distinguish their fast from the Jewish practice of fasting only on the tenth day by adding one day's fast either before or after the tenth of Muharram. (al-Bukhari, Sawm 69)

Historical Events of Ashura Day

According to traditional narratives, numerous events have transpired on the day of Ashura. Many of them involve the lives of prophets. Some scholars postulate that the term 'Ashura,’ meaning 'ten' in Arabic, reflects Allah’s divine blessings bestowed upon ten prophets on this particular day.

Some of the events that occurred on this day are as follows:

1- It was on this day that the repentance of Adam (alayhissalam), the first man and Prophet, was accepted.

2- The day marks the ascension of Prophet Idris (alayhissalam) to the heavens.

3- The Ark of Prophet Nuh (alayhissalam) is said to have come to rest on Mount Judi on this day. In gratitude, Nuh (alayhissalam) observed a fast.

4- Prophet Ibrahim (alayhissalam), referred to as “Khalilullah-Friend of Allah,” was born on this day, and it was also the day when he was miraculously saved from the fire of Nimrod.

5- Yaqub (alayhissalam), blinded by grief after the loss of his son, regained his sight on this day.

6- Ashura was the day when Prophet Yusuf (alayhissalam) was rescued from the well, and it was also the day when he was released from prison.

7- The affliction of Ayyub (alayhissalam), known for his patience, ended on this day, restoring his health.

8- Prophet Yunus (alayhissalam) was delivered from the belly of the fish on this day.

9- The dominion (rulership of the world) was bestowed upon Sulayman (alayhissalam) on the day of Ashura.

10- And finally, Prophet Isa (alayhissalam) was born on this day, and it is also said that he was ascended to the heavens on the same day.