This month of Muharram is the first month of the year 1442 of the Hijri (migration) lunar calendar. Before Ramadan was made the month of obligatory fasting, the day of Ashura was a day of fasting for the Muslims.
Muharram (meaning to ‘embody sacredness’) is the first lunar month marking the new calendar of the Hijri (migration) year, which began with the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Madinah separating from the oppressors of Islam in Mecca. In Muharram many Muslims commemorate Ashura as a holiday, which is the 10th day of the month - some through fasting, reflection and commemorative mourning of martyrs lost.
During this month it is a time to seek atonement and resolve to fulfill the spirit of sacrifice in the Way of freedom, justice & equality. Particularly, in Muharram, the lives of Noah, Moses, and Hussain- the martyred grandson of Prophet Muhammad- (Peace be on them all) are commemorated. The 9th and 10th days of Muharram are held in high significance in commemoration of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Hussain Ibn Ali who, prayers and peace be on them, was martyred with his family at the Euphrates river in Karbala.
The 9th, 10th and 11th days of Muharram are often days in which Muslims fast during the month of Muharram. Fasting during the month of Muharram is highly recommended, particularly on the day of Ashura. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "the most excellent fast after Ramadan is in Allah's month; al-Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night." The Prophet (PBUH) also said, "fasting on the day of Ashura purifies the sins from the previous year".
The 10th of Muharram also, according to Islamic historians was the day Moses was rescued from Pharaoh. It is narrated that when the Prophet came to Madina, he found the Jews observing the fast on the day of Ashura, (the 10th day of Muharram). They (the Jews) were asked about it and said “it is the day on which Allah granted victory to Moses and his people the children of Israel over Pharaoh and we observe fast out of gratitude to Him”. Upon this the Prophet (PBUH) said, "we have a closer connection with Moses then you have and he commanded to observe fast on this day".
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