Muharram-ul-Haram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred and blessed month for Muslims around the world. According to Sunni scholars, especially from the Ahl-e-Sunnat wa Jama’at following the Barelvi school of thought, Muharram holds deep spiritual significance. Dawat-e-Islami, a global non-political movement of Quran and Sunnah, has beautifully emphasized the importance of this month through its literature and speeches.

1. Sacredness of Muharram

Allah Almighty has declared four months as sacred, and Muharram is one of them. In the Holy Qur’an:

“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.”
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)

The month of Muharram is the month of Allah (Shahrullah), as stated in various Ahadith. This title alone reflects its high status.

2. Fasting in Muharram

The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The best fast after Ramadan is in the month of Allah: Muharram.”
(Muslim Sharif, Hadith 1163)

While fasting during the whole month is meritorious, special emphasis is given to fasting on the 10th of Muharram, known as ‘Yaum-e-Ashura’.

3. Ashura – 10th Muharram

The 10th of Muharram (Ashura) is a day of great historical and spiritual significance. Numerous events occurred on this day:

• The salvation of Sayyiduna Musa علیہ السلام and the drowning of Pharaoh.
• Acceptance of the repentance of Sayyiduna Adam علیہ السلام.
• The arrival of Sayyiduna Nuh’s علیہ السلام ark on Mount Judi.

The Prophet ﷺ himself fasted on this day and recommended it:

“Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope from Allah, will expiate the sins of the previous year.”
(Muslim Sharif)

The Barelvi scholars recommend fasting on 9th and 10th, or 10th and 11th, to differ from the Jews, as per the Sunnah.

4. Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (رضی اللہ عنہ)

One of the most heart-wrenching events of Islamic history occurred in this blessed month—the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Imam Hussain رضی اللہ عنہ, the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, in the Battle of Karbala.

Imam Hussain’s stand against tyranny is remembered with love and respect by Sunni Muslims. Scholars from Dawat-e-Islami encourage remembering Karbala not just as history, but as a lesson in standing for truth and sacrifice in the path of Allah.

Barelvi scholars strongly discourage mourning rituals that contradict Sunnah but emphasize holding gatherings of remembrance (Mehfil-e-Hussain) where the sacrifices of Imam Hussain and the Ahl-e-Bayt are remembered with due reverence.

5. Rewards of Good Deeds in Muharram

Dawat-e-Islami scholars encourage Muslims to:

• Increase nafl prayers, especially Tahajjud.
• Engage in zikr, istighfar, and sending Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
• Offer charity and help the poor in memory of the martyrs of Karbala.
• Refrain from quarrels, sins, and innovation (bid’ah).

6. Avoiding Bid’ah (Innovations)

True love for Imam Hussain رضی اللہ عنہ is shown not through acts of self-harm or lamentation but by following his teachings and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. As per Dawat-e-Islami and Sunni Barelvi scholars, acts of innovation during Muharram must be avoided, and Islamic Shariah must be followed in commemorating events.

Conclusion

The month of Muharram is a golden opportunity to renew our faith, follow the Sunnah, and strengthen our connection with Allah and His beloved Prophet ﷺ. The sacrifices of the Ahl-e-Bayt, especially Imam Hussain رضی اللہ عنہ, remind us to always stand firm for truth and justice, no matter the cost.

Let us use this sacred month to reform ourselves, seek forgiveness, and spread love, peace, and knowledge of Islam.