Why is Muharram Called the Month of Orphans? Here is the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Explanation

The month of Muharram has long been known among some Indonesian Muslims as the ‘month of orphans’. During this first month of the Hijri calendar, many mosques, religious study groups, and social institutions hold charity events and feed orphans, especially leading up to the 10th of Muharram, or the Day of Ashura.

So, is Muharram genuinely referred to as the month of orphans in Islamic teachings?

The Director General of Zakat and Waqf Empowerment at the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof Waryono Abdul Ghofur, stated that calling Muharram the month of orphans is more a part of tradition and understanding that has developed within the community. According to him, there is no specific scriptural evidence that explicitly names Muharram as the month of orphans.

‘If you search for the religious text, to my knowledge, there is none,’ Prof Waryono said.

He explained that there is also an opinion linking the tradition to the Karbala incident, which is closely tied to Shia history. In that tragedy, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Husein bin Ali, died and became an orphan.

‘But there are others who argue this is part of what was once practised by Shia people. Because the month of Muharram is about Karbala. Husein was an orphan. In my view, this is something good, so it is not wrong if it is understood that way,’ he said.

Nevertheless, Waryono considers the naming of Muharram as the month of orphans to be a potential momentum for increasing good deeds and care for them.

‘That’s right. In villages, there are numerous traditions of feeding orphans during the month of Muharram,’ he stated.

According to Waryono, this tradition is still alive in various regions. In fact, during an online meeting with the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ regional office, he found that communities in West Sulawesi also have a habit of holding events for orphans during Muharram.

‘Even just recently, we had a Zoom meeting with the Regional Office, in West Sulawesi, they already are doing it. Yes, indeed, during Muharram they hold a feast for orphans,’ he said.

Waryono added that Muharram is indeed an appropriate moment to increase social awareness because it is one of the four sacred months, or Asyhurul Hurum, in Islam.

‘Yes, because Muharram is a noble month,’ he explained.

In Indonesian tradition, the 10th of Muharram is even often referred to as ‘Lebaran Anak Yatim’ or Idul Yatama. On that day, many Muslims provide charity in the form of food, clothing, and other assistance to orphans.

Although there is no authentic scripture specifically establishing the 10th of Muharram as a holiday for orphans, scholars regard the tradition of supporting them as a noble deed in line with Islamic teachings on compassion and social care.

The Prophet Muhammad himself greatly honoured orphans. In a hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet said, ‘The one who cares for an orphan and I will be like this in Paradise,’ while joining his index and middle fingers.

Therefore, the tradition of giving to orphans in the month of Muharram is seen as a form of emulating the Prophet Muhammad’s character. Besides bringing happiness to orphans, this tradition also serves as a means of strengthening social solidarity and fostering awareness within the community.