Welcome Muharram 1445H

The Month of Allah

Alhamdulillah, we welcome Muharram, the first month to mark the beginning of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
Although we do not treat the new Hijri year like the new year of the Gregorian calendar where we set ourselves resolutions, it is important to note the significance of this month and how Muslims should view it.

Here is a short reminder about the month of Muharram by Shaykh Fuad Abdo.

Abu Hurairah (ra) said: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'The best fasting after the month of Ramadan is the month of Allah, Al-Muharram, and the best prayer is prayer at night.'" [Sunan an-Nasa'i]. 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]. This shows the value and importance of fasting on the day of Ashura. 

Abu Hurairah (ra) said: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'The best fasting after the month of Ramadan is the month of Allah, Al-Muharram, and the best prayer is prayer at night.'" [Sunan an-Nasa'i].
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]. This shows the value and importance of fasting on the day of Ashura. 

Don’t forget to fast!

It is highly recommended to fast on the day of Ashura and an additional day, i.e.the 9th and 10th of Muharram. Some fast on the 10th and 11th of Muharram, and if you are unable to fast the two days, it is recommended to at least fast on the day of Ashura. 

Fasting on the day of Ashura is a greatly emphasised act of 'Ibadah. We should infuse fasting in general with other acts of 'ibadah such as giving sadaqah, recitation of the Qur'an, visiting the sick, helping others, and more because Muharram is one of the sacred months in which good deeds are multiplied.

We ask Allah to grant us tawfeeq to fast, accept all our 'ibadah and good deeds, and forgive all our shortcomings. Ameen.