What are the virtues of the month of Muharram

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Amir
Staff member
The Virtues of Allah’s sacred month of Muharram

What are the virtues of the month of Muharram
Praise be to Allaah,
the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets and Chief of the Messengers, and upon all his family and companions.

Allah’s sacred month of Muharram is a blessed and important month. It is the first month of the Hijri calendar and is one of the four sacred months concerning which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allaah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein…” [al-Tawbah 9:36]

Abu Bakrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumaada and Sha’baan.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2958).

Muharram is so called because it is a sacred (muharram) month and to confirm its sanctity.

Allaah’s words (interpretation of the meaning): “so wrong not yourselves therein…” mean do not wrong yourselves in these sacred months, because sin in these months is worse than in other months.

It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas said that this phrase (so wrong not yourselves therein…) referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward.

Qutaadah said concerning this phrase (so wrong not yourselves therein…) that wrongdoing during the sacred months is more serious and more sinful that wrongdoing at any other time. Wrongdoing at any time is a serious matter, but Allaah gives more weight to whichever of His commands He will. Allaah has chosen certain ones of His creation. He has chosen from among the angels Messengers and from among mankind Messengers. He chose from among speech the remembrance of Him (dhikr). He chose from among the earth the mosques, from among the months Ramadaan and the sacred months, from among the days Friday and from among the nights Laylat al-Qadr, so venerate that which Allaah has told us to venerate. People of understanding and wisdom venerate the things that Allaah has told us to venerate. (Summarized from the Tafseer of Ibn Katheer, may Allaah have mercy on him. Tafseer of Surat al-Tawbah, aayah 36).

The Virtue of observing more naafil fasts during Muharram.

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:

“The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘The best of fasting after Ramadaan is fasting Allaah’s month of Muharram.’” (reported by Muslim, 1982).

The phrase “Allaah’s month”, connecting the name of the month to the name of Allaah in a genitive grammatical structure, signifies the importance of the month. Al-Qaari said: “The apparent meaning is all of the month of Muharram.” But it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) never fasted any whole month apart from Ramadan, so this hadeeth is probably meant to encourage increasing one’s fasting during Muharram, without meaning that one should fast for the entire month.

It was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast more in Sha’baan. It is likely that the virtue of Muharram was not revealed to him until the end of his life, before he was able to fast during this month. (Sharh al-Nawawi ‘ala Saheeh Muslim).

Allaah chooses whatever times and places He wills
Al-‘Izz ibn ‘Abd al-Salaam (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “Times and places may be given preferred status in two ways, either temporal or religious/spiritual. With regard to the latter, this is because Allaah bestows His generosity on His slaves at those times or in those places, by giving a greater reward for deeds done, such as giving a greater reward for fasting in Ramadaan than for fasting at all other times, and also on the day of ‘Aashooraa’, the virtue of which is due to Allaah’s generosity and kindness towards His slaves on that day…” (Qawaa’id al-Ahkaam, 1/38).
 

Muslim18

Blessed Muslimah
:salam2:
Jaza kallahu khair brother for this beneficial post may ALLAH bless all the muslim in this blessed month ameen
Also i encourage all muslims to fast and do more good deeds and to do dua's for our brothers and sisters that are suffering and being killed in palestine, iraq and all around the world inshallah we should unite any way we can be it by charity or dua :hearts:

inshallah i intend to fast but i am unsure about the date and how many days to fast on i hope some one can help inshallah :hijabi:

:wasalam::hijabi:
 

Shishani

moderator
Staff member

Question: Is the fast of the ninth and tenth of Muharram recommended?

Response: The fast of the day of ‘Aashooraa (tenth day of Muharram) is recommended, as its excellence has been mentioned in [a number of] ahaadeeth. From them, is the saying of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): «Certainly the fast of the day of ‘Aashooraa is regarded by Allaah as an expiation for the sins of the previous year».

Also, when the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) arrived in Madeenah he saw the Jews fasting (on this day), so when he asked them [about this], they said: “Certainly, this is the day when Allaah made Moosaa victorious and destroyed Fir’own”. So the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: «We have more of a right to Moosaa than you».

So he fasted [that day] and ordered it to be fasted. As for the ninth, then it has not been confirmed that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) fasted it, however, it has been narrated by Ibn ‘Abbaass and others that the explanation (tafseer) of the day of ‘Aashooraa is that it is the ninth. And it has been narrated that he (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: «If I am [still] here next year, then certainly I will fast the ninth [day of Muharram]» and in [another] narration: «…along with the tenth [day of Muharram]». And he (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: «Differ from the Jews; fast the day before it (the ninth) or the day after it (the eleventh)».

So, this indicates that the fast of the ninth is legislated just as the tenth and it is recommended for the Muslims to increase in fasting during this month as in the saheeh hadeeth. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: «The best of fasts after [the month of] Ramadhaan is the month of Allaah which they refer to as Muharram».

On this day, the tenth of Muharram, there occurred an incident and that was the murder of al-Husayn (radhi-yAllaahu anhu). And when he was murdered that day, the Raafidhah (commonly known as the Shee’ah) – may Allaah disgrace them – who are amongst those who exceed [their love] for ‘Alee [ibn Abee Taalib] and his family such as al-Hasan and al-Husayn and their children), begun an innovation on that day which still exists today. And from their innovations are lamenting (loud weeping), obsequies (gathering as if for a funeral), afflicting oneself with cuts and acts of [the days of] ignorance (before Islaam), such as striking their cheeks and ripping their pockets (clothing), tearing out of the hair, supplicating with grief and distress throughout this day every year. They circulate many ahaadeeth regarding the day of ‘Aashooraa and its misfortune [concerning al-Husayn] and these ahaadeeth are lies against the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

Then there was a nation called the Nawaasib, who were fanatics in contrast to the Shee’ah, who also began innovations. However, they were quite opposite to the Raafidhah. They would come out in their best garments and complete beauty and appearance, so as to irritate the Raafidhah, as they [also] circulated many ahaadeeth about the excellence of the day of ‘Aashooraa, in [stark] contrast to the ahaadeeth which the Raafidhah had circulated. So, the Raafidhah say it is mentioned in the hadeeth; «Whoever applies kohl (eyeliner – to the eyes) and beautifies (themselves) on the Day of ‘Aashooraa, they are struck with ophthalmia».

And the Nawaasib say: «Whoever applies kohl (eyeliner – to the eyes) on the Day of ‘Aashooraa, their eyes will never be struck with ophthalmia».

And like this, they innovate and lie against the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and they act likewise. So, it is upon the Muslim not to be deceived by [any of] these [false narrations].

Reference: Fataawa as-Siyaam – Page 94, Fatwa No.113. Shaykh 'Abdullaah ibn Jibreen (may Allaah have mercy on him)
 
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Shishani

moderator
Staff member
Recommended acts on the day of ‘Aashooraa
http://www.fatwa-online.com/recommended-acts-on-the-day-of-aashooraa/

Question: What is obligatory upon the Muslim to do on the day of ‘Aashooraa (tenth day of Muharram), and is Zakaat al-Fitr obligatory [on that day]?

Response: It is legislated for the Muslim to fast on the day of ‘Aashooraa., for that which has been confirmed that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ordered fasting on [the day of] ‘Aashooraa, however, when [the fasting of] Ramadhaan was obligated, whoever preferred to fast [‘Aashooraa] did so and whoever preferred not to [do so] did not. And there is no Zakaat al-Fitr [to be paid] on the day of ‘Aashooraa. as there is on ‘Eed al-Fitr after the month of Ramadhaan. And with Allaah lies all the success, and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

Reference: Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Volume 10, Page 400, Fatwa No.10962. The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research & Verdicts.
 
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Shishani

moderator
Staff member

Question: Is it permissible to fast ‘Aashooraa just one day?

Response: It is permissible to fast the day of ‘Aashooraa (tenth day of Muharram) just one day, however, it is better to fast the day before it or the day after it [also] and this is the established Sunnah of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) who said:

«If I am [still] here next year, then certainly I shall fast the ninth [day of Muharram]», [transmitted by Muslim, Ahmad, Ibn Maajah, Ibn Abee Shaybah, at-Tahaawee, al-Bayhaqee and al-Baghawee]. Ibn ‘Abbaass (radhi-yAllaahu ‘anhumaa) said: «along with the tenth [day of Muharram]».

And with Allaah lies all the success, and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

Reference: Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Volume 10, Page 401, Fatwa No.13700. The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research & Verdicts
 

Shishani

moderator
Staff member
What is the ruling on fasting the Day of 'Ashura?
http://www.fatwaislam.com/fis/index.cfm?scn=fd&ID=1370

Question: What is the ruling on fasting the Day of 'Ashura'?

Answer: When the Prophet (sallallaahu ýalaihi-wasallam) arrived in Al-Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on the tenth day of Muharram. He said: ''I am more entitled to follow Musa (Peace be upon him) than you.'' (Reported Al-Bukhari in the Book of Fasting)

In the Hadith of Ibn Abbas, may Allaah be please with him, whose authenticity is agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim it is stated that the Prophet (sallallaahu ýalaihi-wasallam) fasted on the Day of Ashuraý and he ordered that the fast be performed on it, and when he was asked about the virtue of fasting on it, he Prophet (sallallaahu ýalaihi-wasallam) said:
''I anticipate that Allaah will wipe out the sins of the year before it, and the year after it''. (Reported By Muslim in the Book of Fasting)

However, after that, he commanded that the Muslims should be different from the Jews by fasting the tenth and the day before it, which is the ninth or the day after it, which is the eleventh. Based upon this, it is preferable to fast on the tenth and to add a day before it or a day after it. Adding the ninth day to it is better than the eleventh.

So, my Muslim brother, it is desirable that you should fast on the Day of 'Ashura' and likewise on the ninth.

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen
Fatawa Arkanul-Islam- Question 442 pg 676


 

Shishani

moderator
Staff member
Encouraging Muslims to observe Sawm on the Day of 'Ashura'

All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, Companions, and whoever follows his guidance. To proceed:

It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to observe Sawm (Fast) on the Day of `Ashura’ (10th of Muharram) and he would encourage people to do so. This is because on that Day, Allah (Exalted be He) rescued Moses (Musa, peace be upon him) and his people and destroyed Fir`aun (Pharaoh) and his people. Therefore, it is Mustahab (desirable) for every male and female Muslim to observe Sawm on that day, i.e., the 10th day of Muharram, to express their gratitude to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He).

In addition, it is Mustahab to observe Sawm on the day preceding `Ashura' or on the succeeding day in order to differ from the Jews with regard to the way of observing this Sawm. However, a person may observe Sawm for the three days altogether, i.e., the ninth, the tenth, and the eleventh of Muharram for it is reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: "Differ from the Jews and observe Sawm for one day before `Ashura' and one day after it."[1]

According to another narration: "Observe Sawm for a day before (the Day of `Ashura') or after it."[2]

It was also authentically reported that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about observing Sawm on the Day of `Ashura', he (peace be upon him) said: "Allah expiates by it the sins of the past year."[3]

There are many other Hadith encouraging Muslims to observe Sawm on the Day of `Ashura'.

[1] Narrated by Imam Ahmad, Section on Banu Hashim, the beginning of Chapter on the Hadiths narrated by `Abdullah ibn `Abbas, no. 2155; and Al-Bayhaqy, Al-Sunan Al-Kubra, Chapter on fasting on the ninth day of Muharram, no. 8418.
[2] Narrated by Al-Haythamy, Majma` Al-Zawa'id, Book on fasting the day before `Ashura', no. 4315.
[3] Narrated by Muslim, Book on fasting, Chapter on the excellence of observing fast for three days during every month, no. 1162.

Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez bin 'Abdullah bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him
Source: www.alifta.net - Fatwas of Ibn Baz, Volume 15, Book on Fasting, Voluntary fasting.
Reference: A statement issued by His Eminence while serving as the Grand Mufty of the Kingdom, and the Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, and the Departments of Scholarly Research.
www.salafi-dawah.com
 

Shishani

moderator
Staff member
Would it be sufficient to fast the Day of 'Ashura' on its own?

Question: "May Allah be good to You! Dear Eminent Shaykh, regarding fasting the Day of 'Ashura' (the 10th) of Muharram; if a person only fasts the Day of 'Ashura' of Muharram (on its own) and does not fast (it together with) a day before it or a day after it, would that be sufficient for him?"

Answer: "Yes, that would be sufficient for him, however it is better for him not to do that. What is better is that he fasts (it together with) a day before it or a day after it, this is better, meaning he fasts two days; the ninth and the tenth or the tenth and the eleventh, or he fasts all three; the ninth, the tenth and the eleventh. This is better, in order to differ from the Jews."

Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez bin 'Abdullah bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him.

Translated by Salafi-Dawah.com.
Source: www.binbaz.org.sa [Click here for screenshot in PDF format]
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