Welcome Muharram
New Hijri Year 1446
Alhamdulillah, we welcome Muharram 1446, the first month to mark the beginning of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months of the year and it is known as the month of Allah. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ described Muḥarram as the “Month of Allah”. [Muslim]
Ḥasan al-Baṣrī Raḥimahullāh says, ‘the most virtuous of the sacred months is the ‘Month of Allah’, Muḥarram'.
As we enter this new year, let's take a moment to set our intentions, seek Allah's guidance, increase our imaan and strive to better ourselves in all aspects of life. 🤲
The Best Month to Fast after Ramadan
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The best fasting after Ramaḍān is the sacred month of Allah (Muḥarram)”[Muslim]
In another hadith, Ibn Abbas (ra) narrates, that he never saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ so keen to fast any day other than the day of Ashura. [Bukhari]
Fasting on the 10th of Ashura is a highly recommended act of 'ibadah. We find in another hadith that the Prophet ﷺ said, "Fast the Day of Ashura, for indeed I anticipate that Allah will forgive the sins of the year before it." [At-Trimidhi]
The scholars recommend that we fast an additional day with the day of Ashura. i.e the day before or/and the day after. Along with the day of Ashura, this month gives us the opportunity to fast the 3 white days, and Mondays and Thursdays, which are the sunnah days to fast.
However, It is very important to note that although these 8 consecutive days of fasting is a great opportunity with huge rewards, one should not limit it by only fasting only those days in Muharram. Why? Because the words of the Messenger ﷺ who said you have one consecutive month to fast. which is the month of Muharram.
““The best fasting after Ramaḍān is the sacred month of Allah (Muḥarram)” ”
So, the opportunity to gain huge rewards are not only fasting on Ashura, or the 8 consecutive days, but rather, as many days as one has the ability from the entire month.
May Allah bless us all in this sacred month of Muharram, grant us wisdom, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose, and guide us towards righteousness and compassion.
May Allah make this year your best. 🤲