Hijri New Year tomorrow: Do you know the virtues of the month of Muharram?

As is known, according to the teachings of Islam, the month of Muharram is a sacred month. It is one of the four months in which Allah Almighty has forbidden war and destruction. Muharram is also called the "month of Allah".

Since important events in the history of all heavenly religions took place on the tenth day of the month of Muharram, Ashura, it has become customary to call the tenth day of this month the "Month of Ashura".

Imam Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that on this day, the ark of Noah (peace be upon him) landed on Mount Judi, so Noah (peace be upon him) fasted on this day as a sign of gratitude.

Furthermore, in a hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) about Allah's saving Moses (peace be upon him) from the Pharaoh's torture on the Day of Ashura, it is said: "When the Prophet (peace be upon him) came to Medina, he saw the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashura and asked: "What day is this?" They said: "This is the blessed day on which Allah saved Moses (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Moses (peace be upon him) fasted on this day." Then our Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "I have more right to Moses than you do," and he fasted on that day and ordered others to fast as well." (Muttafaqun alayh)

The Arabs of the pre-Islamic period also had the custom of fasting on the day of Ashura. Our mother Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated the following hadith: “The day of Ashura was a day on which the Quraysh used to fast during the pre-Islamic period. The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) also used to fast on this day. After they came to Medina, fasting in the month of Ramadan was made obligatory. Then the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I was ordered to fast on the day of Ashura, so whoever wishes may fast, and whoever wishes may not.” (Muttafaqun alayh)

This hadith shows that in the early days of Islam, fasting on the day of Ashura was obligatory for Muslims. When fasting Ramadan was made obligatory in the second year of Hijrah, the obligation of fasting on Ashura was abolished and it became optional. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said about the virtue of fasting on this day: “It expiates the sins of the previous year.” (Narrated by Muslim)

In addition, Allah Almighty will reward the righteous deeds done on this day with great rewards. During these days, believers and Muslims should be more generous and increase their charity. Because charity is one of the greatest acts of worship, and the reward given in return is immeasurable. Of course, charity must begin with family members and closest relatives. After that, if possible, it is necessary to show kindness to neighbors and strangers. In this regard, our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever spends more on his family on the day of Ashura, that is, gives his livelihood to an idol, Allah Almighty will increase his provision for the rest of the year” (Muslim).

Imam Sufyan Thawri said: "We have put this hadith into practice and have witnessed that it is as it is stated."

Indeed, generosity to those in need not only serves to forge bonds of kindness between people, increase mutual respect and harmony, but also contributes to the development of worldly affairs and the blessing of our families.

Also, 1 Muharram is the first day of the Hijri new year. The Hijri-lunar calendar calculation was established after the death of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) during the time of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). This noble person consulted with other great companions and agreed to calculate the new Hijri date from the date of the migration of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) from Mecca to Medina.

Although the days of the Hijra coincided with the month of Safar, taking into account that preparations for it began in the month of Muharram, it was decided to count the beginning of the Hijri calendar from the first day of this blessed month - Muharram.

Thus, the first day of the year of our Hijri-lunar calendar falls on Friday, July 16, 622 AD.

Since that time, along with the peoples of the entire Arab and Islamic world, Muslims in our country have widely used the Hijri-lunar calendar to determine religious holidays, in particular, the dates of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha.

The purpose of remembering these blessed and great months is not only to remind you of their virtues, but also to remind you that year after year, month after month, and day after day pass by, and with that, our lives pass by without stopping. Perhaps by doing so, we will be able to make the most of our precious lives and increase our efforts to do good and righteous deeds.