The Meaning of Muharram: Origins, Historic Events, and Its Virtues
Muharram is not merely the opening month of the Hijri calendar. For Muslims, Muharram is one of the four ‘al-asyhur al-hurum’, or the sacred months. Its presence brings a message of reflection, struggle, and the victory of faith over tyranny. Understanding Muharram means delving back into the roots of Islamic history and the miracles that accompany it.
Philosophical Meaning of Muharram
Etymologically, the word Muharram comes from the Arabic root word ‘Harrama’, which means forbidden or sanctified. It is named Muharram because during this month, the pre-Islamic Arab community was strictly prohibited from engaging in warfare or bloodshed. This tradition was later reinforced in Islamic teachings as a month full of honour. In the Qur’an, Surah At-Taubah verse 36, Allah SWT affirms that there are twelve months in a year, and four of them are classified as sacred months (Zulqa’dah, Zulhijjah, Muharram, and Rajab). During these months, Muslims are forbidden from wronging themselves and are strongly encouraged to increase their good deeds, as the rewards are multiplied.
Origins of the Hijri Calendar’s Establishment
Although Muharram is the first month, the establishment of the Hijri year did not occur during the time of Prophet Muhammad SAW, but rather during the era of Caliph Umar bin Khattab. The brief chronology is as follows: An administrative need arose in the 17th year after the Hijrah to organise state correspondence, which at the time lacked a numerical year. Caliph Umar gathered senior companions for a deliberation. Various proposals emerged regarding the starting point of the calendar, ranging from the year of the Prophet’s birth to the year of his passing. Ali bin Abi Thalib proposed that the momentum of the Prophet’s Hijrah from Mecca to Medina be used as the starting point (Year 1 Hijriah). This proposal was accepted because the Hijrah is considered the separator between truth and falsehood. Muharram was chosen as the first month because the resolve to perform the Hijrah had already solidified since Muharram, right after the completion of the Hajj season in the month of Zulhijjah, even though the actual migration occurred in Rabiul Awal.
Muharram, particularly the 10th day known as the Day of Ashura, is a silent witness to various great events experienced by previous prophets. Based on various narrations, several of these are recorded. Beyond the events of the prophets, Islamic history also records the heartbreaking tragedy of Karbala on 10 Muharram 61 H, namely the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Sayyidina Husain bin Ali. This event serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifice in upholding the principles of truth.
Editorial Note: Muharram is a time to compose spiritual resolutions. Make the spirit of Hijrah a foundation for moving from evil towards goodness, and from laziness towards productivity that benefits others.
- Why is Muharram called the Month of Allah (Syahrullah)?
The attribution of the word ‘Allah’ to the month of Muharram indicates its nobility and majesty compared to other months, except for the month of Ramadan.
- Is it permissible to marry in the month of Muharram?
In Islamic teachings, there is no prohibition against marrying in the month of Muharram. The notion that Muharram is an unlucky month is a myth that has no basis in Sharia.
- What is the virtue of fasting on the 10th of Muharram?
Based on a hadith narrated by Muslim, the Ashura fast can expiate minor sins from the past year.
The best time for fasting is on the 9th (Tasu’a), 10th (Ashura), and 11th of Muharram. However, fasting on any day during the month of Muharram still holds great reward.
What is the meaning of Hijrah in the modern era?
Hijrah today is interpreted as a mental and spiritual self-transformation, namely leaving behind all of Allah’s prohibitions towards better obedience.