FRIDAY SERMON: Muharram – Virtues, History, Islamic Teachings, and Our Responsibilities
Mohammad Younis Bhat (Zahid)
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months that Allah has declared as months of honor and sanctity. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the Book of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)
The four sacred months are:
- Muharram
- Rajab
- Dhul-Qa’dah
- Dhul-Hijjah
The sanctity of Muharram existed long before the tragedy of Karbala, as Allah Himself designated it as a sacred month. However, the events of Karbala gave this month a unique place in Islamic history.
The Historical Importance of Muharram
According to Islamic traditions, the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram) is one of the blessed days on which Allah granted special favors to His prophets.
It is reported that Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel were saved from Pharaoh on this day.
Ashura Day – A shining example of the end of oppression.
Ashura Day, 10 Muharram-ul-Haraam, is the great day in the history of humanity that reminds us of an awesome truth:
No matter how powerful the tyranny is, the consequence is always destruction.
This is the day when the world’s greatest tyranny, Pharaoh’s pride, his power, his kingdom. “Everything drowned in the waves of the sea. The Pharaoh who used to call himself “أنا ربكم الأعلى”. Became helpless in a moment.
God saved Moses and the believers.
Ashura Day teaches us a lesson that:
ALLAH DOESN’T CATCH THE WORLD IMMEDIATE, BUT GIVES HIM REMOVED, LAKES CUP
But when he catches, there is such a grip that no one can escape again.
THIS DAY SHAKES US, MAKES US TO THINK:
Don’t we share any atrocities?
Are we also not suppressing the rights of a weak person?
REMEMEMBER!
Cruelty, whether small or big, the end is bad.
And the truth may be weakened, in the end He conquers.
Come on! Let’s make a vow on this Ashura Day:
“We will stay away from injustice and support the truth.”
And will mould their deeds according to Allah’s pleasure
Because history is Witness:
Pharaon sink C up And Moses (AS) succeeds.
When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on Ashura.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“We have more right to Musa than they do.”
He then observed the fast himself and encouraged his companions to fast on that day as well.
The Tragedy of Karbala and the Sacrifice of Imam Husayn (RA)
On the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Imam Husayn ibn Ali (RA), and his companions made a tremendous sacrifice on the plains of Karbala.
Imam Husayn (RA) chose to stand for truth, justice, and righteousness rather than submit to oppression and injustice. His sacrifice remains a timeless lesson in courage, patience, faith, and steadfastness.
Love for the family of the Prophet ﷺ (Ahl al-Bayt) is cherished by Muslims throughout the world. The sacrifice of Imam Husayn (RA) teaches us that standing for truth may require great sacrifices.
Is Muharram Only a Month of Mourning?
Some people view Muharram solely as a month of grief and mourning. Islam, however, teaches balance and moderation.
The tragedy of Karbala was undoubtedly a painful event in Islamic history, and every Muslim feels sorrow over it. However, Islamic teachings emphasize patience, remembrance of Allah, supplication, good deeds, and reflection rather than practices that are not established in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The Virtue of Fasting on Ashura
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ highly encouraged fasting on the Day of Ashura.
He said:
“I hope from Allah that fasting on the day of Ashura will expiate the sins of the previous year.” (Sahih Muslim)
The Prophet ﷺ also expressed his intention to fast on the 9th of Muharram along with the 10th so that Muslims would have a distinct practice.
For this reason, scholars recommend fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or the 10th and 11th. Fasting on all three days—9th, 10th, and 11th—is also considered a virtuous practice.
A Message of Unity Rather Than Division
One of the greatest lessons of Karbala is the importance of justice, truth, and unity among Muslims.
Today, Muslims belong to different schools of thought and traditions, but we should remember:
Our Lord is One.
Our Qur’an is One.
Our Prophet ﷺ is One.
Our Qiblah is One.
Islam teaches brotherhood, mutual respect, and unity even when differences exist.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Surah Aal-Imran 3:103)
Common Misconceptions About Muharram
- Marriage Should Not Be Performed in Muharram
This belief has no basis in the Qur’an or authentic Sunnah.
Marriage is a blessed act and can be performed in any month of the year.
- One Should Not Start a Business in Muharram
This is also a cultural misconception.
Islam does not prohibit beginning a lawful business, project, or profession during Muharram.
- Muharram Is an Unlucky Month
This belief is incorrect.
Muharram is one of the sacred and blessed months chosen by Allah. Islam rejects superstitions and beliefs in bad luck.
- Celebrations and Happy Occasions Are Forbidden in Muharram
There is no Islamic ruling that prohibits lawful celebrations, marriages, or expressions of gratitude during Muharram.
What Should We Do During Muharram?
- Increase the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
- Engage in additional voluntary worship.
- Observe the fast of Ashura.
- Express love and respect for the family of the Prophet ﷺ.
- Promote unity among Muslims.
- Give charity and help those in need.
- Avoid sectarianism, hatred, and division.
- Reflect upon the lessons of patience, sacrifice, and steadfastness from Karbala.
Conclusion
Muharram is not merely a historical month; it is a month that reminds us of faith, sacrifice, patience, justice, and devotion to Allah.
The sacrifice of Imam Husayn (RA) teaches us to remain steadfast upon truth regardless of the challenges we face. The fast of Ashura reminds us of Allah’s mercy and the victories granted to His righteous servants.
As we observe Muharram, let us avoid misconceptions, unnecessary disputes, and division. Let us embrace the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, maintain love and respect for the Ahl al-Bayt and the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, and work toward unity, peace, and mutual understanding within the Muslim Ummah.
May Allah grant us the ability to benefit from the blessings of Muharram and to live our lives according to the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Ameen.
And Allah knows best
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