Muharram 2024, Date and other related information
When is Muharram 2024?
Muharram is expected to start on the 7th
of July on Sunday or 8TH July on Monday 2024, depending on your
location and sighting of the moon. From Muharram the New Islamic Year 1446, Hijri
will start.
Meaning of the word
Muharram
The literal meaning of Muharram is “Forbidden”.
Similar to other sacred months, wagging war or indulging in any kind of violence
is forbidden during this month.
Importance of Muharram
Muharram is not only the first month
of the Islamic calendar but it is also one of the sanctified months of the year.
Our holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W) said in his last Hajj Sermon:
“The year is of
12 months, out of which 4 months are sacred; Three are in succession Dhul-Qadah,
Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram and (fourth is) Rajab.”
(Surah At-Taubah 9:36)
It has also been narrated in the Holy Quran
that:
“Indeed, the
number of months with Allah is twelve(lunar) months in the register of Allah
(from) the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.”
(Sahih Bukhari:3197)
The mention of specific months doesn’t
mean that other months have no importance; in fact, each month has its sacredness
and also, we already know that Ramadan is admittedly the most important month
of the year. But Allah has chosen a particular time for His blessings and these
four months are among those particular times in which a Muslim can receive the maximum
blessings of Allah.
Fasting during
Muharram
Muharram had great significance long
before the time of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W). Earlier, it was made obligatory
to fast on the tenth of Muharram. However, later, fasting on this day was made
optional, and only fasting during Ramadan was made obligatory. It is narrated
by Hazrat Ayesha (R.A) that the Prophet (S.A.W.W) said:
“Whoever wishes
to fast (on the Day of Ashura) may do so: and whoever wishes to leave it can do
so”
(Sahih Bukhari :1592)
But also fasting during the month of
Muharram is the most rewarded among the optional fasts in the light of the following
Hadith:
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) said:
“The best
fasting after the month of Ramadan is the month of Allah, Al-Muharram.
Muharram 10
(Ashura)
The most holy day of Muharram is Ashura, which falls on the tenth day of
the month. The Prophet (S.A.W.) commanded the Muslims to fast on Ashura day and
fasted himself when he arrived in Madinah. However, the choice to fast on this
day was removed when the Ramadan fasts became mandatory. However, several
trustworthy Hadiths state that fasting on the Day of Ashura is a confirmed
Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.).
The Companions (R.A.) state that Jews observe a particular day on the 10th of
Muharram called holdfasting. The Prophet (S.A.W.) announced that they would
likewise fast on the ninth of Muharram beginning the next year to distinguish
themselves from the Jews. Unfortunately, Prophet (S.A.W.) did not live to see
the next year. Because the ninth and tenth of Muharram are significant days in
the Islamic calendar, Muslims observe fasts on these days. [Sahih Muslim: 1134
(a)]
Superstition &
Fallacies Regarding Muharram
While the majority of Muslims are aware of the
advancements in Islam, some Muslims still harbor myths and misconceptions
regarding the month of Muharram and the Day of Ashura. Among the many
widespread myths and superstitions are Regarding Muharram:
1: Sadly, a lot of Muslims still think that because of the Karbala event,
Muharram is a terrible month Although we realize
that it was a tragic occurrence, remember that this month is Allah’s month
according to Sahih Muslim: 1163 (a) and Tirmidhi: 438. How is the month of
Allah unfortunate and harmful for His slaves? On the other hand, it is a credit
to Husain (R.A.) that the day of Ashura was chosen for his sacrifice.
2. Likewise, a lot of Muslims decide not to be married (Nikkah) in this month
for the same reason, which is utterly untrue and deceptive.
Regarding the First Day of Ashura: Allah created the Prophet Adam (A.S.) on
this day. Prophet Ibrahim was born on the tenth day of Muharram (A.S.)
3. The Prophet Adam’s (A.S.) repentance was accepted by Allah on this day.
4. The day of judgment is Friday, the 10th of Muharram.
5. On the tenth of Muharram, a person who takes a bath will never get sick.
6. Anyone applying kohl to their eyes on this day will be immune to all eye
diseases.
7- Some claim that it is Sunnah to prepare and then serve a certain kind of
dinner on this specific day.
Muslims should so refrain from engaging in any of
these customs during Muharram.
In conclusion, despite its complexity, Muharram is a sacred month that is
significant to all Muslims, and it will always be a time for Muslims worldwide
to reflect deeply.
In summary
With all of its complexity, Muharram is an
essential and holy month for all Muslims, and it will always be a time for
thoughtful contemplation for Muslims everywhere.
As with the secular New Year, resolutions to better oneself as a Muslim should
be made at the beginning of the Islamic New Year. You may make little personal
objectives for yourself to improve as a person and a Muslim. These objectives
might be social or spiritual. Making consistent Dhikr and Duas, as well as
lending a hand to fellow Muslims, will help you deepen your relationship with
Allah. And all good deeds are rewarded by Allah.
Also, read about Eid-ul-Adha 2024
May Allah bless us
all!!!!! Ameen.
