Muharram: 1st Month of the Islamic Calendar
Sunni References
Dua-e- Ashurah

The Tenth of Muharram and Ashurah
The Islamic year begins with Muharram ul Haram, the first month of the Hijri Calendar. While followers of other religions spend their opening month in worthless merriment, the first month of Islam teaches us lessons of admonition, good counselling, knowledge of Allah Ta’ala, sacrifice, selflessness, patience and seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.

The tenth day of Muharram (Ashurah) has many distinctive qualities and features. Allah Ta’ala created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this day He gave His infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches of their enemies.

Allah Ta’ala created Hazrat Adam (Alaihis-Salam) in this month, pardoned him of his mistake, and Hazrat Noah’s (Alaihis-Salam) Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi, and he saved Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis-Salam) from fire and rescued Hazrat Musa (Alaihis-Salam) from Pharaoh.

On the first of Muharram offer 2 rakats Nafl prayer. In each rakat after Surah Fateha recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After the Salam pray to Allah Ta’ala for all your needs and desires. From the blessing of this prayer, Allah Ta’ala will appoint an angel for such a person. The angel will guide him or her to do only good deeds and prevent them in engaging in sinful acts.

On the eve of "Ashurah" offer 100 rakats Nafl. In each rakat recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times after Surah Fateha. After Salam recite first ‘Kalimah’ 100 times. Allah Ta’ala will forgive all the sins of such a person.

Dua-e-Ashurah - An insurance for a year’s Life
Hazrat Imam Zainul Abidain (Radi Allah Anhu) reports that who ever recites this dua( Dua-e- Ashurah) on the tenth of Muharram, any time after sunrise and before sunset, or listens to its recitation from someone else, Allah Ta’ala will certainly make it an insurance for a years’ life for him, by keeping death away from him. However, if one is to become the victim of death in that year, they will by some strange coincidence not remember to recite it.

Nafl Salat for the Eve of Ashurah
On the eve of Ashurah offer 4 rakats Nafl Salat as follows: In every rakat after Surah Fateha recite "Ayetul Kursi" once and Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After completing this Namaz recite Surah Ikhlas 100 times. Allah Ta’ala will purify such a person of all their sins and grant them endless bounties and blessings in paradise.

The Fast of Ashurah
On the 9th and 10th of Muharram, one should fast. If it is not possible to fast on both days, then every effort should be made to fast on the 10th day of Muharram, as there is great reward for this fast. (Muslim Shareef).

The following are some of the desirable acts one should do on the day of Ashurah:
1. To observe fast on this day.
2. To give as much charity as you can afford.
3. To perform Nafl Salat prayers.
4. To recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times.
5. To visit and be in the company of pious Ulema.
6. To place a hand of affection on an orphan’s head.
7. To give generously to one’s relatives.
8. To put surma in one’s eyes.
9. To take a bath.
10. To cut one’s nails.
11. To visit the sick.
12. To establish friendly ties with one’s enemies.
13. To recite Dua-e- Ashurah
14. To visit the shrines of Awliyas and the graves of Muslims.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (Radi Allah Anhu), a Companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) reports the following saying of the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala, "Whosoever prepares ample food and drink for his family on this sacred day and delights in feeding them generously, Allah Ta’ala will increase His provisions for that year and place much blessings and good therein."

Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu) and his companions were martyred on the tenth of this month.

Like any month in the Islamic Calendar there are in this first Islamic month, many anniversaries which are celebrated every where in the world.

Dua-e- Ashurah

The Historical Significance of ‘Ashura

Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates: I heard the Messenger of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) say: "It is the day of ‘Ashura. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has not made fasting obligatory for you. But I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it (does not have to) observe it." [Sahih Muslim]

Abu Qatada (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) said that the fast on the 10th of Muharram atones for the sins of the preceding year. [Sahih Muslim]

Abu Huraira (Radiyallahu 'anh) reports that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) said that after Ramadan, the fasts of Muharram have the greatest excellence. [Sahih Muslim]

Alhamdulillah, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has blessed us to see another year. The first month of this year is Muharram. In this month is an excellent day—the day of ‘Ashura—which falls on the 10th of Muharram. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) recommended that we fast on this day, by his Sunnah. He also indicated how we should observe the fast of ‘Ashura.

Hakam ibn Al-Arat (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates: I went to Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh)… I said to him: Tell me about fasting on ‘Ashura. He said, "When you seen the new moon of Muharram count the (days) and (begin to) observe fast on the 9th." I said to him: "Is it how the Holy Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) observed the fast?" He said, "Yes." [Sahih Muslim]

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates that when the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) said: "If I survive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of Muharram (as well)." [Sahih Muslim]

(Note: What the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) meant was that he would also fast on the 9th as well as the 10th to which he was accustomed. We also should try fasting on the 9th and the 10th of Muharram.)

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh) reports that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura… They said: "It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Hazrat Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his people and drowned Pharoah and his people, and Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it." The Holy Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) responded: "We have more right, and we have closer connection with Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) than you have"; so Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura) and gave us orders to observe it. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]

‘Ashura is a day of great historical significance. On this day: Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam ('Alaihis-Salaam) after his exile from Paradise; Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) saved Sayyidina Nuh ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his companions in the ark; Allah extinguished the fire in which Sayyidina Ibrahim ('Alaihis-Salaam) was thrown by Nimrod; And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) spoke directly to Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and gave him the Commandments. On this same 10th of Muharram, Sayyidina Ayyub ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored to health (from leprosy); Sayyidina Yusuf ('Alaihis-Salaam) was reunited with his father Ya’qub ('Alaihis-Salaam); Sayyidina Yunus ('Alaihis-Salaam) was taken out from the belly of the fish; and the sea was divided as the nation of israel was delivered from captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed. ‘Ashura is also the day when Sayyidina Dawud ('Alaihis-Salaam) was forgiven; the kingdom of Sulaiman ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored; Sayyidina Isa ('Alaihis-Salaam) was raised to Jannah and Sayyidina al-Husayn (Radiyallahu 'anh) (the Holy Prophet’s, Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam, grandson) achieved the honor of Martyrdom.1

Worship Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) as much as you can on ‘Ashura. Whoever fasts on this day is like one who fasts all his life. Whoever clothes a naked person Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will release him from a painful punishment. He who visits a sick person, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will grant him a reward that will not be decreased. Whoever places his hand on an orphan’s head, or feeds a hungry person or gives water to a thirsty man, Allah will feed him a feast from Paradise and will quench his thirst with Salsabil (a wine that does not intoxicate). And who ever takes a Ghusl on this day will enjoy excellent health and freedom from sickness and indolence. Whoever provides generously for his family on this day, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will be generous to him throughout this year. And whoever applies Kuhl to his eyes will never suffer from eye-sore again, inSha’Allah al-Aziz.2

O’ Allah! Bless us to perform good deeds and gain their reward on ‘Ashura. Make the new year one of unity, cooperation and success for Muslims in this city and around the world. Ameen.



1. These are mentioned as what scholars have determined as the specialties of that day in Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq, Sayyidina Abdul Qadir al-Jilani.

2. These specialties are mentioned in Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq, Sayyidina Abdul Qadir al-Jilani.

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Monthly Word - Al-Habib Umar bin Hafiz

Al-Muharram : The Month of God

The onset of the inviolable month of al-Muharram initiates the recitation of the Qur’an, invocations, prayer, fasting and supplications that have been related as being from the magnanimous acts of this month. The inextricably bound entities of time and space are vessels that are meant to be filled with religious acts that proclaim the majesty of God, blessed and exalted be He. Although, this stands true for all times and all places, certain times and places are more worthy of certain acts of worship as clarified by the tongue of prophecy.

This in essence is what is meant by sacred time, time that has a divinely designated value. Time which, due to the overflowing blessings that it contains, allows creation to taste the sweetness of faith through divinely designated acts. Al-Muharram is such a time, a magnanimous month whose benefits are profuse and plentiful.

Scholars have differed regarding which of the inviolable months is the best. Hasan al-Basri and others held that al-Muharram, the month of God, is the best with many of the later scholars concurring with that opinion. Wahb b. Jarir related on the authority of Qurra b. Khalid that al- Hasan said, “God began the year with an inviolable month and closed the year with an inviolable month and there is no month of the year other than Ramadan which is better than al-Muharram. It used to be known as ‘the Deaf-mute Month of God’ due to its extra-ordinary inviolability.”

The first ten days of al-Muharram are its most blessed days. Abu ‘Uthman al-Nahdi said, “They used to venerate three sets of tens: The last ten nights of Ramadan, the first ten days of Dhul- Hijjah and the first ten days of al-Muharram.” It has been related that they are the ten with which God made the forty-day term of Moses complete. It was related that Wahb b. Munabbih said, God, exalted be He, revealed to Moses ‘Order your people to draw near to me in the first ten days of al-Muharram. Then on the tenth day let them come unto Me such that I will forgive them!”

Fasting is for God alone! Thus, it is no wonder that fasting has been prescribed during the month that prophecy called the month of God. It is therefore considered to be the best month to fast in after the month of Ramadan as affirmed in the hadith that was related on the authority of Abu Hurairah: The Prophet ! said, “The best time to fast after Ramadan is in the month of God known to you as al-Muharram and the best type of prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night vigil.” (Muslim) Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali states that ‘this Hadith is explicit in regards to the supererogatory fasts of the month of God al-Muharram being the best after the fast of Ramadan.

This could however mean that it is the best complete month for one to offer voluntary fast in after Ramadan, whilst not excluding the fact that fasting parts of other months could have preference over the individual days of al-Muharram, such as the Day of ‘Arafat, the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and the six days of Shawwal or the like.

This opinion is corroborated by the Hadith of ‘Ali b. Abu Talib that was related by both al-Imam Ahmad and al-Tirmidhi in which a man came to the Prophet ! and said, “O Messenger of God, tell me what month I should fast in other than Ramadan?”

The Messenger of God replied, “If you desire to fast for an entire month in addition to Ramadan then fast the month of al-Muharram as it is the month of God, a month in which God accepted the repentance of certain folk and in which he accepts the repentance of others.” Ibn Hajr al-‘Asqalani has related on the authority of Hafsa that the Prophet ! said, “Whoever fasts on the final day of Dhul-Hijjah and on the first day of al-Muharram then God will make it an expiation for him for fifty years and fasting one day in al-Muharram is the equal of fasting for thirty days.”

Al-Ghazali related in the Ihya that the Prophet ! said, “Whoever fasts three days in the month of al-Muharram, they being Thursday, Friday and Saturday God will decree for him the reward of seventy years worship.”

There are several other acts that are befitting of this tremendous month, some of which were alluded to at the beginning of this article. May God make us of those who understand the significance of this month through the performance of acts that He, exalted be He, deems significant.

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Monthly Word - Al-Habib Umar bin Hafiz

Al-Muharram : The Month of God

Virtues of the Day of ‘Ashura – The Tenth of Muharram

Praise is for Allah, Lord of the Worlds. And may blessings and peace be upon the Master of Messengers, Muhammad, and upon his pure Family and noble Companions, amin.

The blessed month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar year, holds many virtues; the most prominent of these is the Day of ‘Ashura, the tenth of Muharram. Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali states in relation to this, in his work, Lata’if al-Ma‘arif, ‘The Day of ‘Ashura has an immense virtue and a time old sanctity. The merit of fasting therein was well-known amongst the Prophets, peace be upon them all, Noah ", Moses " both fasted therein. The Prophet ! said in relation to this, ‘The Prophets would fast the Day of ‘Ashura, hence fast therein.’ This tradition was related by Baqiyy b. Makhlad in his Musnad.’

The basis for fasting this day can be found in many traditions, from them a tradition in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad on the authority of Abu Hurayra # who said, ‘The Prophet ! passed by some Jews who were fasting on the Day of ‘Ashura, and so he enquired, ‘What fast is this?’ They replied, ‘This is the day that Allah, Powerful and Exalted, saved Moses " and the Children of Israel from drowning and drowned Pharaoh. And this is the day the ship [i.e. Noah’s Ark] settled upon al-Judi 1 and thus did Noah " and Moses " fast out of gratitude to Allah, Exalted, Most High.’ The Prophet ! then said, ‘I have more claim to Moses " and have more right to fast this day’ He ! then instructed his companions to fast.’

1 A mountain in northern Iraq near the city Mawsul.

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Monthly Word - Al-Habib Umar bin Hafiz

Al-Muharram : The Month of God

‘Ashura
The Prophet ! would himself strictly adhere to fasting this day and the jurists differed as to the incumbency of fasting the Day of ‘Ashura prior to the ordainment of Ramadan. In a tradition on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas # when asked about fasting the day of ‘Ashura, he responded, ‘I did not see the Prophet ! exert his efforts to fast on a day, from all days, more so, except this day; meaning the Day of ‘Ashura; and this month; meaning Ramadan.’ [Related in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]. It has also been related by Imam Ahmad and al-Nasa’i on the authority of Hafsa # the daughter of ‘Umar b. al-Khattab # that the Prophet ! ‘would not forsake ‘Ashura.’2

Also in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar # he said that, ‘The Prophet ! fasted ‘Ashura and ordered it’s fast, and when Ramadan was ordained he forsook this.’ [i.e. ordering to observe fasting the Day of ‘Ashura]. Therefore we can take from this tradition that after Ramadan was ordained fasting the Day of ‘Ashura became a commendable act, prior to which it was obligatory. To clarify that the fast was no longer obligatory the Prophet ! said, ‘‘Ashura is a day from the Days of Allah, so whoever wills fasts therein and whoever wills forsakes it’ From amongst those of the Companions who observed the fast were; ‘Umar b. al- Khattab #, ‘Ali b. Abi Talib #, Abd al-Rahman b. Awf #, Abu Musa al-Asha‘ri #, Qais b. Sa‘d #, Ibn Abbas # and many others.

Additionally it has been related that the practice was to combine another fast-day to the tenth, the rationale being to differ to the Jews. In the Musnad of Imam Ahmad on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas # that the Prophet ! said, ‘Fast the Day of ‘Ashura and differ from the Jews; fast a day before it and a day after it.’ Also when it was mentioned to the Prophet ! that the Jews and Christians exalted the tenth of Muharram the Messenger of Allah ! said, ‘When the approaching year commences – by the will of Allah – we will fast the ninth day.’ Those who fasted the ninth day included al-Shafi‘i #, Imam Ahmad # and Ishaq b. Rahawai # and it was Abu Hanifa # who found it objectionable to single out the tenth day for fasting.

No doubt that Allah – Most High – recompenses His servants for their deeds; in relation to fasting on the tenth of Muharram it has been related in Sahih Muslim on the authority of Abu Qatada # that a man asked the Prophet ! about fasting on ‘Ashura, so he replied, ‘Anticipate from Allah to expiate the prior year.’ It has also been ascribed to ‘Abd Allah b. ‘Amr b. al-‘Aas # that he said, ‘Whosoever fasts ‘Ashura it is as if he fasted the [whole] year, and whosoever gives charity therein it is tantamount to a years [worth] of charity.’ Imam Ahmad # was asked if he had heard about the tradition, ‘Whosoever is generous to their family on the Day of ‘Ashura, Allah is generous to him for the remainder of the year.’ He replied, ‘Yes. Sufyan b. ‘Uyaina related it from Ja‘far al-Ahmar from Ibrahim b. Muhammad al-Muntashir and he was from the best of people of his time.’ Also Ibn ‘Uyaina said, ‘We have tested this for fifty or sixty years and have only seen good [from this].’

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali also states that, ‘It is also a day of forgiveness as Abu Musa al-Madini relates from the tradition of Abu Musa [al-Ash‘ari] who ascribed it to the Prophet ! that, ‘This day Allah forgave the people (al-qawm), so make it a day of prayer and fasting.’ In a tradition on the authority of Imam ‘Ali # the Prophet ! added to this, that ‘He will [also] forgive others.’ And so this is an incentive for people to renew sincere repentance on the Day of ‘Ashura hoping for its acceptance.’

2 Meaning he would not leave fasting on the Day of ‘Ashura.


‘Ashura
Hence we can say that it is commendable to perform good deeds during this month. Some of the praiseworthy customs of the blessed city of Tarim include that on the eve of the ninth day of Muharram a gathering is established in Khulayf, [a locality within Tarim] in the Mosque of the erudite Husain b. ‘Abd Allah Bilhaj Ba-Fadl, whereby a large gathering assemble to recite praises of Allah until just before Maghrib and then they move onto Masjid Ba-‘Alawi to be present for the recitation after the ‘Isha prayer. A general gathering is also established on the tenth night of Muharram in Masjid Ba-‘Alawi wherein they recite the virtues of the tenth night and subsequently it is concluded with supplication from the Imam. Al-Sayyid Hamid b. Muhammad Shihab al-Din also states that, ‘It is recommended to exert oneself in right action, such as visiting the sick and visiting the people of probity.

At the time of ‘Asr, on the tenth, a general gathering is established in the house of one of the notable scholars of Tarim where the admonition of the salaf is heard alongside nashids and then [the gathering] is concluded with supplications. Those who are fasting then prepare themselves to break their fast.’

Also during this blessed month there is a visitation to al-Sayyid al-Muhajir Ahmad b. ‘Esa by a significant group of people from Tarim, Sayun and other localities. And similarly, after ten days of Muharram have passed, there is a visitation to the noble companion – ‘Abbad b. Bishr al-Awsi al-Ansari # – his place of burial being slightly east of Tarim. Again a large group of people attend and the gathering is headed by the noble Khatib family of Tarim; it being recommended to visit burial places based on the prophetic tradition, ‘Frequent the graves for verily they remind you of the hereafter.’ [Related in the Sunan of Ibn Maja.]

The author of Kanz al-Najah wa Surur maintains that on ‘Ashura, ‘One should stay up the whole night in worship, reciting the Quran or making remembrance of Allah and the like.’ He also states that, ‘it is recommended on this day to perform that which is authenticated [from the Prophet ! in relation to right actions]. Some of them [i.e. the scholars] numbered ten deeds; prayer, sending prayers upon the Prophet !, visiting family relations, charity, ghusl, wearing kohl, visiting a scholar, visiting the sick, caressing the head of a orphan, and spending upon ones family.’ Of the most significant deeds that the aforementioned author specifies is ‘to beseech Allah as this has an immense benefit.’ May Allah – Most High – allow his needy slaves to benefit from this blessed month and this sacred day, amin.

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Bismillah

The History of Karbala- By Abu Ammar
1) Preface
2) The Background of Karbala
3) Karbala
4) The Events after Imam Husain's Martyrdon
5) Examining certain objections raised about Imam Husain
6) Acknowledgements

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