This month of Muharram is the first month of the year 1441 of the Hijri (migration) lunar calendar.
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 Madina 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 prophetic spirit of sacrifice, freedom, justice & equality particularly exemplified in the life of Noah, Moses, and Imam Hussain, the martyred grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be on them all). Fasting during the month of Muharram is highly recommended, particularly on the day of 'Ashura. Prophet Muhammad (pubs) 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 referred to Muharram as, “Allah’s month.” Which should emphasize the importance of the sacred month, which begins the new year for Muslims. The ninth and tenth days of Muharram are held in particularly high importance because it was on these days that the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Hussain Ibn Ali, fought for his family and was martyred at the Euphrates river in Karbala. The 10th of Muharram also, according to Islamic historians was the day Moses was rescued from Pharaoh. Before the month of Ramadan was made the month of obligatory fasting on the day of 'Ashura was mandatory. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “fasting on the day of 'Ashura purifies the sins from the previous year. 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: 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.
The 9th, 10th and 11th days of Muharram are often days in which Muslims fast during the month of Muharram. Generally on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th.
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