Muharram: 1st Month of the Islamic Calendar
Sunni References
Dua-e- Ashurah
The Tenth of Muharram and Ashurah
The Islamic year begins with Muharram ul Haram, the first month of the Hijri Calendar.
While followers of other religions spend their opening month in worthless merriment, the
first month of Islam teaches us lessons of admonition, good counselling, knowledge of Allah
Taala, sacrifice, selflessness, patience and seeking the pleasure of Allah Taala.
The tenth day of Muharram (Ashurah) has many distinctive qualities and features. Allah
Taala created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this day He gave His
infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the
clutches of their enemies.
Allah Taala created Hazrat Adam (Alaihis-Salam) in this month, pardoned him of his
mistake, and Hazrat Noahs (Alaihis-Salam) Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi, and he
saved Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis-Salam) from fire and rescued Hazrat Musa (Alaihis-Salam)
from Pharaoh.
On the first of Muharram offer 2 rakats Nafl prayer. In each rakat after Surah Fateha recite
Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After the Salam pray to Allah Taala for all your needs and desires.
From the blessing of this prayer, Allah Taala will appoint an angel for such a person. The
angel will guide him or her to do only good deeds and prevent them in engaging in sinful
acts.
On the eve of "Ashurah" offer 100 rakats Nafl. In each rakat recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times
after Surah Fateha. After Salam recite first Kalimah 100 times. Allah Taala will forgive all
the sins of such a person.
Dua-e-Ashurah - An insurance for a years Life
Hazrat Imam Zainul Abidain (Radi Allah Anhu) reports that who ever recites this dua( Dua-
e- Ashurah) on the tenth of Muharram, any time after sunrise and before sunset, or listens
to its recitation from someone else, Allah Taala will certainly make it an insurance for a
years life for him, by keeping death away from him. However, if one is to become the
victim of death in that year, they will by some strange coincidence not remember to recite
it.
Nafl Salat for the Eve of Ashurah
On the eve of Ashurah offer 4 rakats Nafl Salat as follows: In every rakat after Surah Fateha
recite "Ayetul Kursi" once and Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After completing this Namaz recite
Surah Ikhlas 100 times. Allah Taala will purify such a person of all their sins and grant them
endless bounties and blessings in paradise.
The Fast of Ashurah
On the 9th and 10th of Muharram, one should fast. If it is not possible to fast on both days,
then every effort should be made to fast on the 10th day of Muharram, as there is great
reward for this fast. (Muslim Shareef).
The following are some of the desirable acts one should do on the day of Ashurah:
1. To observe fast on this day.
2. To give as much charity as you can afford.
3. To perform Nafl Salat prayers.
4. To recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times.
5. To visit and be in the company of pious Ulema.
6. To place a hand of affection on an orphans head.
7. To give generously to ones relatives.
8. To put surma in ones eyes.
9. To take a bath.
10. To cut ones nails.
11. To visit the sick.
12. To establish friendly ties with ones enemies.
13. To recite Dua-e- Ashurah
14. To visit the shrines of Awliyas and the graves of Muslims.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (Radi Allah Anhu), a Companion of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) reports the following saying of the Messenger of
Allah Taala, "Whosoever prepares ample food and drink for his family on this sacred day
and delights in feeding them generously, Allah Taala will increase His provisions for that
year and place much blessings and good therein."
Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu) and his companions were martyred on the tenth of this
month.
Like any month in the Islamic Calendar there are in this first Islamic month, many
anniversaries which are celebrated every where in the world.
Reference http://www.mrc.org.uk/
(Islamic Times, Manchester. Vol:13 - May 1998)
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