Muharram 2023, which marks the beginning of a new Islamic Year, is one of the most significant months in the Islamic calendar. This month is also called Muharram-ul-Haram. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), referred to it as “The Sacred Month Allah”. We’ll show you why it is a blessed and important month.
What’s Muharram 2023?
Muharram, a highly blessed month, is one of four holy months that Allah (SWT), has outlined. It is particularly significant because it prohibits warfare. Its name, Muharram, literally means ‘forbidden’, suggests its importance.
“Indeed the number of months with Allah [from] when He created the heavens, and the earth is 12 [lunar] months in the register of Allah; four of these are sacred. This is the right religion, i.e., it is the only way. So don’t be wrong during them. As they fight against each other, you must also fight together against disbelievers. Know that Allah is with those who fear Him. – Holy Quran (9:36).
Each deed, no matter how good or not, is weighed on the scales at a higher weight during this month. Muslims are encouraged to do better. Muharram is significant as Allah (SWT), designated one of the sacred months of the calendar. However, many Muslims observe it to remember the death of the Prophet Muhammad`s (PBUH) grandsons.
Allah (SWT), commands us to take care of ourselves and avoid wrongdoing during this important month. This means we must avoid committing wrongful or sinful acts and instead have pure intentions, perform righteous works, and worship Allah (SWT).
Notable Muharram 2023 Events
There have been many notable events in the month of Muharram. Two of them are:
- Day of Ashura
- Battle of Karbala
The Day of Ashura 2023
The Day of Ashura is the day when the Prophet Musa (Moses), and the Israelites were saved from the Pharaoh by Allah (SWT). They created a path through the sea that they passed through.
Another significant event that occurred on the Day of Ashura, was the departure of Prophet Nuh (Noah), (AS).
Fasting for the Day of Ashura
Fasting on Ashura is a practice that was well-known before Islam’s rise. The Prophet (S.A.W.) arrived in Madinah at the time of migration, and it was observed by Jews who were fasting on Ashura. When the Prophet (S.A.W.) arrived in Madinah during the period of migration, the Jews observed the fast on Ashura’. They said that “this was the day Moses defeated Pharaoh”. The Prophet (S.A.W.), was there. To his companions (R.A.), he said: “You (Muslims), have more right than they do to celebrate Moses’ victory, so observe fast on this day.” (Sahih Bukhari: 4680)
Glorified Practice
When different Companions (R.A.) told Prophet (S.A.W.), they said that fasting on Ashura Day is a glorified practice among Jews and Christians. They encouraged them by saying, “If I live till next year, I’ll fast the ninth day (of Muharram), too.” (Ibn Majah 1736).
Unfortunately, Prophet (S.A.W.) did not survive to see the following year. Muslims, therefore, consider the 9th and the 10th of Muharram to be significant days in Islam’s calendar. They observe fast these days. [Sahih Muslim: 1134 (a)]
According to Hadith
According to Hadith, it is advisable, but not required that the fast on 10th Muharram be accompanied by another fast, preferably on 9th Muharram. This is because of Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.). Islamic fasting was distinguished from Jewish fasting, which is only on the 10th Muharram. Most scholars agree that Ashura should be observed along with fasting on either the 9th or 11th Muharram.
Mandatory Fasting
It was mandatory to fast on Muharram 10th. Later, Ramadan was the only month that fasting was mandatory and not the 10th Muharram. According to Ayesha (R.A.), the Prophet (S.A.W.) said: “Whoever wants to fast (on ‘Ashura”) may do so, and whoever wishes to leave it can.” (Sahih Bukhari: 1592)
However, Prophet (S.A.W.) Prophet (S.A.W.) used to fast on Ashura, even though fasting was made mandatory in Ramadan
Ibn Abbas, R.A. was asked about fasting on Ashura Day. He replied that “he did not know Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W.)singling out any day’s fast and considering it more excellent than another, except this day (the day of Ashura) and this month, meaning the month of Ramadan” [Sahih Muslim 1132 (a).]
Fasting on the Day of Ashura is a Sunnah confirmed by the Holy Prophet, and one is entitled to a great reward from Allah.
Sahih Hadith says that one of Allah’s many blessings for someone who fasts on the ‘Day of Ashura,’ is that all of their sins from the previous year will be forgiven.
Narrated by Abu Qatada (R.A.) that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Ashura’, I hope, will expiate for the sins of the previous year.” (Ibn Majah: 1738)
Hadith refers to the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) word as “I hope”, which means that the person should keep the fast solely for Allah and seek reward only from Allah. Allah Almighty will reward him by pardoning his sins in the past year.
Battle of Karbala
On 10 October 680 AD, the Battle of Karbala took place in Karbala, Iraq. It was between Caliph Yazid I of the second Umayyad Dynasty and Imam Husayn IIbn Ali’s family and followers, the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
On the third day of Muharram, Imam Husain reached Karbala and established a camp. His first encounter was with an army of approximately 4,000 men under Umar Ibn Saad, the son and founder of Kufah. Yazid I ordered that Imam Husain and his family and friends were barred from drinking water on the seventh day of Muharram. This led to many deaths and the weakening of the people involved.
Both parties took a position in battle on the 10th of Muharram (also known as Ashura) and engaged in a brutal battle. Imam Husain and many of his family members and followers were all killed.
Why Muharram 2023 is Sacred?
No matter which sect you belong to or what events you observe, Muharram is considered a holy month in Islam. It is a sacred month that Allah (SWT), declared, and Muslims should observe it with respect.
This is a time for devout worship, remembrance and praise of Allah (SWT). Muslims should make use of this time to strengthen their spirituality and avoid sin to become better Muslims and please Allah (SWT).
When will Muharram 2023 & Ashura 2023 be?
Based on the sightings of the moon, Muharram 2023 will begin on the 19th of July 2023. Ashura is expected to fall on the 27th of July 2023.
Get the Most Out of Muharram 2023
All deeds, good or bad, have a higher weight in this month. You will receive additional benefits from acts of generosity. You can reap the benefits of this holy month, the beginning of the new year. Help someone in need by donating to our appeals.
The Muslim Aid team hopes Allah (SWT), makes the Islamic year prosperous for Muslims and produces a productive Muslim community.