By: Mohd Junaid Misbahi
Muharram is the first month in the Islamic calendar. This month is called Muharram because according to Islam it is a very sacred and revered month. In this month, there is one day in which Allah Almighty accepted the repentance of a nation and will also accept the repentance of others as well.’(HADITH) That day is 10th Muharram-ul-Haraam called Ashura. One reason for calling 10th Muharram-ul-Haraam ‘Ashura is also because Allah Almighty favoured ten Noble Prophets with honor and respect on this day. On this day Allah almighty accepted the repentance of Adam علیہ السلام, rescued Ibrahim علیہ السلام from the fire and also accident of Karbala also took place on this day. Since then, Ashura has been observed for its historical importance, and Muslims worldwide offer prayers, Nawafils and recite Holy Quran.
What to Do’s in Muharram-ul-Haraam
Do some extra Ibadah, fast Yom-e-Ashura and one day before or after this day because the fast of ‘Ashura is equal to a year’s worth of fasts. (Musnad Ahmad, vol. 8, p. 381, Hadees 22679)
Read or listen authentic biographies of Ahl-e-Bait and accident of Karbala, take inspiration from their lives, follow their character and own their virtues and build your society based on their life lessons like tolerance, patience, gratitude determination, commitment and courage to take stand against social evils.
Do welfare work like charity, food, water, medicine and clothes distribution, help poor and needy people.
Do good deeds and stay away from bad doings and repent seek forgiveness for your sins so that you can become close to Allah and his holiness forgive your sins and because repentance of his eminence Adam علیہ السلام was accepted on this day.
Take bath in the night of Ashura
Visit graveyard and send reward of your Ibadah to souls of martyrs of Karbala and your nearer ones A’la Hazrat states, ‘Giving the Niyaz of sweets, etc. for the noble martyrs is a means of reward