The Islamic new year is here!
Muharram is one of the four sacred months of Allah S.W.T., known as the ‘Asyhurul Hurum. It also marks the first month of the Islamic calendar where Muslims worldwide celebrate the Islamic New Year!
"Verily the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred [(i.e. the first, the seventh, the 11th and the 12 months]. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein.” Al-Quran, (Surah al-Tawbah, 9:36)
The word ‘Muharram’ literally means ‘forbidden’, and it is so sacred that some actions are deemed forbidden during this month as it would tarnish its sanctity.
SIGNIFICANCE OF MUHARRAM
In this month, we are encouraged to increase our good deeds, such as reciting the Quran frequently, giving charity regularly and carrying out extra voluntary prayers.
Both Muharram and the name for Allah’s S.W.T. house - Masjidil Haram - are derived from the very same Arabic root? Both are sacred spaces where every good and bad deed weighs heavier on the scales.
Historically, the reason as to why Islamic months Zul-Qa'dah, Zulhijjah and Muharram were deemed sacred was to allow pilgrims to perform Hajj safely without having to worry about war or conflict breaking out.
Pilgrims would be travelling to make Hajj during Zul-Qa’dah, and perform Hajj in Makkah and its surrounding in Zulhijjah, while in Muharram, they would be returning back home from Hajj. Hence, these three months are considered the sacred months.
'ASHURA
Ibn ’Abbas (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (S.A.W) said: “Fast the Day of ‘Ashura’ and be different from the Jews by fasting a day before it or a day after it.” (Hadith Ahmad)
The Messenger of Allah (saw) said that fasting on the day of ’Ashura , ‘expiates the minor sins of the past year’ (Muslim)
On top of that, we can also gain more rewards by performing acts of sadaqah. Even a smile for our loved ones counts, so imagine what happens when we make an effort to help those in need.
As part of celebrating the new Islamic year, together let's give charity to the communities who are in need of it. Here at Global Ehsan Relief Singapore, we've just launched a new project, in partnership with Project Pencil Singapore. From $50, you can help support children from low-income families to get a better access to education materials.