Main Topic
The virtues of the month of Muharram, the significance of the day of Ashura, and the profound lessons derived from the Hijrah calendar regarding sacrifice and preserving Islamic identity.
Key Lessons
- Muharram is one of the four sacred months declared by Allah SWT, with fasting in it being the most virtuous fast after Ramadan.
- Sayyidina Umar (RA) established the Islamic calendar starting from the Hijrah to teach Muslims that Deen flourishes through sacrifice (Qurbani) and simplicity, rather than ease.
- On the day of Ashura, Allah SWT delivered Prophet Musa (AS) and Bani Isra'il from Pharaoh. Rasulullah (SAW) instructed Muslims to fast on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) of Muharram to distinguish Islamic practices from non-Muslim traditions.
- Muslims must avoid imitating Western culture and losing their Islamic identity, modesty (Haya), and commitment to basic duties like Salah.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Reference to Surah Al-Kahf and its virtues for Friday recitation and protection from the Fitnah of Dajjal.
- Hadith mentioning that the best fast after Ramadan is fasting during the sacred month of Muharram.
- Hadith instructing believers to oppose non-Muslim practices by adding a day of fasting alongside Ashura ("Differ from the Jews").
Practical Advice
- Fast on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) of Muharram.
- Safeguard your home and family from un-Islamic cultural influences and maintain modest behavior.
- Actively participate in programs and gatherings of Deen, prioritize daily Salah, and make personal sacrifices for the cause of Islam.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb