Muharram: 1st Month of the Islamic Calendar

Muharram 1st Month of the Islamic Calendar The Islamic year begins with Muharram ul Haram, the first month of the Hijri Calendar. The first month of Islam teaches us lessons of patience, good counselling, sacrifice, selflessness, and seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.

Especially these ten days try avoiding watching TV, wasting time on the internet, listening to music, and being excessively joyful.Remember Imam Hussain’s sacrifice. This does not mean to wear black clothes, or do matam(crying loudly), but to learn from Waqiah Karbalah and implement the lessons learned in our lives.

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 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. Hazrat Noah’s (Alaihis-Salam) Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi. He saved Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis-Salam) from fire and rescued Hazrat Musa (Alaihis-Salam) from Pharaoh.

On the first of Muharram offer 2 rakats Nafl prayer. In each rakat after Surah Fateha recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After the Salam pray to Allah Ta’ala for all your needs and desires. From the blessing of this prayer, Allah Ta’ala will appoint an angel for such a person. The angel will guide him or her to do only good deeds and prevent them in engaging in sinful acts. 

On the eve of "Ashurah" offer 100 rakats Nafl. In each rakat recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times after Surah Fateha. After Salam recite first ‘Kalimah’ 100 times. Allah Ta’ala will forgive all the sins of such a person.

 The Tenth of Muharram and Ashurah
The following are some of the desirable acts one should do on the day of Ashurah:

1. To fast on this day.
2. To give as much charity as you can afford.
3. To perform Nafl Salat prayers.
4. To recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times.
5. To visit and be in the company of pious Ulema.
6. To place a hand of affection on an orphan’s head.
7. To give generously to one’s relatives.
8. To put surma in one’s eyes.
9. To take a bath.
10. To cut one’s nails.
11. To visit the sick.
12. To establish friendly ties with one’s enemies.
13. To recite Dua-e- Ashurah
14. 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, "Whoever prepares 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 on that person."

Any jaaiz (allowed) item that is bought that day for the will of Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala will put barkat in that item for the rest of the year. 

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). 

Dua-e-Ashurah - Insurance for a year
Hazrat Imam Zainul Abideen (Radi Allah Anhu) reports that who ever recites this dua( Dua-e- Ashurah) on the tenth of Muharram, any time after sunrise and before sunset, or listens to its recitation from someone else, Allah Ta’ala will certainly make it an insurance for a year of his life, by keeping death away from him. However, if one is to become the victim of death in that year, they will by some strange coincidence not remember to recite it. 

Nafl Salat for the Eve of Ashurah
On the eve of Ashurah offer 4 rakats Nafl Salat as follows: In every rakat after Surah Fateha recite "Ayetul Kursi" once and Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After completing this Namaz recite Surah Ikhlas 100 times. Allah Ta’ala will purify such a person of all their sins and grant them endless blessings in paradise. 

Pray for Noor Academy and for Muslims around the World
Make Dua that, Allah Ta’ala give us the love of the Ahle-bait in our hearts. Allah Ta’ala give us strength to do good deeds, and steer clear of sins. (Ameen)

Click here for Dua e Ashurah

Click here for Duas and Wazaaif for Muharram (Urdu)

Click here for Duas and Wazaaif for Muharram (English)