The Islamic year begins with Muharram ul Haram, the first month of the Hijri Calendar. While followers of other religions spend their opening month in worthless merriment, the first month of Islam teaches us lessons of admonition, good counselling, knowledge of Allah Ta’ala, sacrifice, selflessness, patience and seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.
The tenth day of Muharram (Ashurah) has many distinctive qualities and features. Allah Ta’ala created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this day He gave His infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches of their enemies.
Allah Ta’ala created Hazrat Adam (Alaihis-Salam) in this month, pardoned him of his mistake, and Hazrat Noah’s (Alaihis-Salam) Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi, and he saved Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis-Salam)from fire and rescued Hazrat Musa (Alaihis-Salam) from Pharaoh.
The Fast of Ashurah
On the 9th and 10th of Muharram, one should fast. If it is not possible to fast on both days, then every effort should be made to fast on the 10th day of Muharram, as there is great reward for this fast. (Muslim Shareef).
Friday, Jum’ah, is a weekly festival for us, as Friday has many blessing of Allah almighty, This year we are lucky that 10th of Muharram is coming on Friday, According to Hadiyth Shareef whenever we fast on Friday its compulsory for us to fast on Saturday or Thursday
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:
The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: None among you should observe Fast on Friday but only that he observes Fast (one or more days) before it or after it.
The following are some of the desirable acts one should do on the day of Ashurah:
- To observe fast on this day.
- To give as much charity as you can afford.
- To perform Nafl Salat prayers.
- To recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times.
- To visit and be in the company of pious Ulema.
- To place a hand of affection on an orphan’s head.
- To give generously to one’s relatives.
- To put surma in one’s eyes.
- To take a bath.
- To cut one’s nails.
- To visit the sick.
- To establish friendly ties with one’s enemies.
- To recite Dua-e- Ashurah
- To visit the shrines of Awliyas and the graves of Muslims.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (Radi Allah Anhu), a Companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) reports the following saying of the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala, “Whosoever prepares ample food and drink for his family on this sacred day and delights in feeding them generously, Allah Ta’ala will increase His provisions for that year and place much blessings and good therein.”
Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu) and his companions were martyred on the tenth of this month.
Like any month in the Islamic Calendar there are in this first Islamic month, many anniversaries which are celebrated every where in the world.
