Teach Your Child About Muharram
The month of Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. The virtue and honor of the month of Muharram were mentioned by the Prophet SAW when he said that Muharram is, “Shahr Allah - the Month of Allah. Therefore, one of the most recommended acts of worship to perform this month is to fast. The Prophet SAW:
“If you want to fast a month after Ramadan, then fast Muharram, for it has a day in which Allah forgave an entire people, and He turns to others in repentance in.” (Tirmidhi)
Allah SWT Says in Hadith Qudsi:
“Every action of the son of Adam is his, except for fasting. It is Mine, and it is I who reward it.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Muharram is the best month for voluntary fasts after Ramadan, and it is especially recommended to fast on the 10th day of Muharram, which is known as the Day of `Ashura. The Prophet SAW encouraged us to fast on the Day of Ashura along with a day before it (9th Muharram) or a day after it (11th Muharram). He said,
“The best of fasts after the month of Ramadan are in the Month of Allah, which you call Muharram. And the best of prayer after the obligatory prayer is the night prayer.” (Muslim)
He also said:
“Fast the Day of `Ashura” and be different from the Jews by fasting a day before it or a day after it.” (Ahmad)
The Day of Ashura (10th Of Muharram)
Ibn Abbas (R.A) said, “I did not see the Messenger of Allah SAW fast a day while more avid to seek its virtue than this day (the Day of Ashura). (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Day of `Ashura has tremendous sanctity (hurma), and the virtue of fasting on this day was known among the Prophets (PBUT). Both Prophet Nuh A.S. and Prophet Musa A.S. fasted on this day. The Prophet SAW used to fast this day even in Mecca, though he had not yet ordered others to do so. When he migrated to Medina and found the People of the Book fasting this day, he ordered the Muslims to fast it and encouraged it so much that even the children would fast this day.
When the Messenger of Allah SAW reached Medina, he found the Jews fasting the Day of Ashura, so he asked them, “What is this day you are fasting?” They said, “This is a tremendous day. Allah saved Musa and his people on this day and drowned Pharaoh and his people. Musa fasted it out of thanks, so we fast it too.” The Messenger of Allah SAW said, “And we are more deserving of Musa than you are.” So he fasted this day, and ordered that it be fasted. (Bukhari and Muslim)
At the end of his life, the Prophet SAW determined not to fast this day alone, but with another day (either before or after it) in order to be different from the People of the Book. It is also recommended that we fast along with giving charity on the Day of Ashura. On the authority of Abdullah bin Amr bin al-’As (R.A) who said,
“Whoever fasts Ashura, it is as if he has fasted the entire year. And whoever gives charity this day it is like the charity of an entire year.”
What About Some Who Mourn on the Day of Ashura?
Mourning and grieving on the Day of Ashura due to the martyrdom of the Prophet’s SAW grandson, Sayiduna Husayn R.A., is not recommended. Neither Allah SWT nor His Messenger SAW commanded us to mourn on the days of the tribulations of the Prophets or their deaths, let alone anyone else. However, we do not denigrate any community that practices these customs, because we always respect and are tolerant of other people’s differences of opinion.
Want to Teach Your Child More About Muharram?
The Muharram for Kids book will help your child learn all about the special month of Muharram, which is the first month of the new Islamic calendar. Get this book and others for a small donation or for free during the month of Muharram!
How To Get These books Free In Muharram
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Salam, I’m Zakeeya!
I believe being a wife, a mother, and making our homes a sanctuary for our families brings us tremendous blessings, fulfillment, and improves society. Since 2011, I've been committed to helping Muslimas find tranquility in their roles, take better care of themselves, and attain contentment within. Our journey is not an easy one, but I pray the resources and mentoring I offer, will assist in navigating you through your everyday challenges with mindfulness and gratitude, inshallah. Join me as I share wifehood, motherhood, homemaking, and lifestyle solutions that make life more fulfilling for you as a woman! READ MORE
