Most Viewed Posts

  • Download Islamic Calendar 2014 in PDF! (68,387)
    [alert]You may be looking for: Islamic Calendar 2023 in PDF.[/alert] Alhamdulillah, the islamic calendar corresponding the gregorian calendar of 2014 is now available for download as PDF at Alhabib Web Service. As usual, you can view the calendar online or… <a href="https://blog.al-habib.info/2023/07/muharram-the-sacred-month-of-remembrance-reflection-and-divine-significance/" class="more-link">Continue Reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>
  • The Life Span of Muslim Ummah is 1500 Years. Is it True? (45,272)
    Several people have expressed the same question regarding the life-span of Muslim Ummah. They wanted to know whether it is true that the muslim ummah will only reach 1500 years of age [based on islamic calendar?]. Below is an answer… <a href="https://blog.al-habib.info/2023/07/muharram-the-sacred-month-of-remembrance-reflection-and-divine-significance/" class="more-link">Continue Reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>
  • Islamic Calendar 2010 Available for Download (18,650)
    In about two months from now, the islamic hijri year of 1430 will come to an end. Some of you may have wondered what would be the corresponding christian dates for islamic events of the year 1431 AH (anno hegira, after… <a href="https://blog.al-habib.info/2023/07/muharram-the-sacred-month-of-remembrance-reflection-and-divine-significance/" class="more-link">Continue Reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>
Categories: Islamic Calendar

Muharram: The Sacred Month of Remembrance, Reflection, and Divine Significance

In the Islamic calendar, the month of Muharram holds a special place as the first month of the year. This holy month is not only significant for its historical and linguistic origins but also for the deep spiritual meaning it holds for Muslims around the world. Muharram is a time of remembrance, reflection, and renewal, with a rich tapestry of traditions and rituals that define its unique character. Moreover, Muharram is distinguished as one of the four sacred months prescribed by Allah in the Quran.

Muharram: Historical and Linguistic Origins

The name “Muharram” is derived from the Arabic word “haram,” which means sacred or forbidden. The month of Muharram has been considered sacred even before the advent of Islam, dating back to the pre-Islamic era of the Arab tribes. It was during this time that the concept of sacredness and prohibition of violence during Muharram was established.

Significance of Muharram

  1. One of the Four Sacred Months: Muharram holds divine significance as it is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. Allah states in Surah At-Tawbah (9:36): “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.” Muslims are encouraged to observe the sanctity of these months, including Muharram, by abstaining from sinful acts and increasing acts of worship and devotion.
  2. The Month of Remembrance: Muharram is a month of remembrance for various events of historical and religious significance. Muslims from different sects and backgrounds observe and commemorate these events based on their beliefs and cultural practices. For Shia Muslims, Muharram holds special mourning rituals and processions to remember the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his companions in the Battle of Karbala. Sunni Muslims also engage in acts of remembrance and reflection, particularly on the day of Ashura.
  3. Ashura: The tenth day of Muharram, known as Ashura, holds particular importance for Muslims. It is a day of fasting and reflection, based on the example set by Prophet Muhammad. The significance of Ashura extends beyond the historical events associated with Karbala and includes the story of Prophet Moses (Musa) and the liberation of the Israelites from the tyranny of the Pharaoh.
  4. Acts of Charity and Generosity: Muharram is a month that encourages acts of kindness, compassion, and giving. Muslims often engage in charitable activities, including feeding the poor, donating to charitable organizations, and offering financial assistance to those in need. This spirit of generosity helps foster a sense of unity and empathy within the community.

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of deep reflection, remembrance, and renewal for Muslims across different sects. Its historical and linguistic origins add to its sacredness, as Muslims around the world observe fasting, engage in acts of charity, and reflect upon significant events. Additionally, Muharram is distinguished as one of the four sacred months prescribed by Allah in the Quran, highlighting its divine significance. It inspires individuals to lead lives of compassion, empathy, and devotion throughout the year, reinforcing the principles of gratitude, charity, historical reflection, and obedience to the commandments of Allah.

Habib bin Hilal

Habib bin Hilal is Editor in Chief of this blog and manager of the website: Alhabib - Coloring with Islam.

Recent Posts

Crescent Moon Photos for 1 Safar 1446 AH

The month of Safar is the second month in the islamic calendar or hijri calendar.…

3 months ago

Crescent Moon Photos of 1 Muharram 1446 AH

The islamic new year has come with the sighting of the new crescent moon that…

4 months ago

Collection of Crescent Moon Photos of 1 Dhulhijjah 1445 AH

The hilal sighting process, or observing the new moon marking the beginning of Dzulhijah, has…

5 months ago

Photos: Crescent Moon of 1 Ramadan 1445 AH (2024 CE)

As predicted from the crescent moon visibility map for Ramadan 1445 AH, there were no…

8 months ago

When 1 Ramadan 1445 AH Begins?

Yes, another Ramadan is coming soon. For muslims, this year will bring Ramadan of 1445…

8 months ago

Unlocking the Blessings: A Dive into the Significance of Sha’ban in Islamic Calendar

As we approach the sacred month of Sha'ban in the Islamic calendar, there's a palpable…

9 months ago