Understanding the month of Muharram and its blessings
The month of Muharram is the first month in the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. This month has a very important meaning and is full of blessings in Islam. Muharram is one of the four holy months in Islam, besides Dzulqa’dah, Dzulhijjah, and Rajab. In this month, war and bloodshed are prohibited. The Hijri year was determined by Umar bin Khattab in the year 17 Hijri, Umar chose Muharram as the beginning of the Hijri year because in this month an important event occurred, namely the migration of the Prophet Muhammad SAW from Mecca to Medina. Since then, it has been determined that the month of Muharram is the first month in the Hijri year. There is a special day in the month of Muharram, namely the 10th of Muharram. On the 10th of Muhharram, Muslims commemorate the Day of Ashura. The Day of Ashura has a special meaning for Muslims, where most Sunnis fast on this day to commemorate the rescue of Prophet Moses and his people from the pursuit of Pharaoh as narrated in various hadiths. For Shiites, the month of Muharram on the day of Ashura in the year 61 Hijri also saw the tragic event in Karbala, where the grandson of Prophet Muhammad SAW, Imam Husayn, and his followers were killed by the troops of Yazid bin Muawiyah. This event is very memorable in Islamic history and continues to be remembered especially by Shiites. In addition to several important things related to the important events that occurred in the month of Muharram above, in this month Muslims also gain very abundant benefits by practicing the following sunnah practices:
- Sunnah Fasting:
It is highly recommended to fast sunnahly, especially on the day of Ashura (10 Muharram) and the day of Tasu’a (9 Muharram). Fasting on the day of Ashura is believed to erase minor sins for the past year.
- Improving Worship:
Increase the amount of worship such as sunnah prayers, reading the Koran, praying and dhikr to get closer to Allah SWT.
- Giving alms:
Increase good deeds such as alms and helping others.
- Reading the Prayer for the Beginning of the Hijri Year
Reading prayers to welcome the new Hijri year, asking for blessings and goodness for the year ahead.
- Dhikr and Prayer
Increase dhikr and prayers, especially prayers that ask for protection, blessings, and guidance from Allah SWT. Thus the month of Muharram becomes a month full of spiritual and historical meaning in Islam. This month is the right time to do introspection, improve oneself, and increase good deeds. By utilizing this month to fast, pray, and do good deeds, Muslims can achieve many blessings and abundant rewards.
Author : Siti Zakiyah | Editor : Husna Rahmi Also Read : Tourist Destinations Suitable for TelUtizen Jakarta