Muharram

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months of the year when warfare is banned. It precedes the month of Safar. The tenth of Muharram is known as AshuraThere are certain days in the year which are more virtuous than others, one such day is the 10th of Muharram which is known as the Day of Ashura, falling in the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is believed the Day of Ashura commemorates various historical events, including the day when Prophet Moses (Musa) and the Israelites were saved from the tyranny of Pharaoh in Egypt. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) observed the Jews fasting on this day to commemorate their deliverance, and he recommended Muslims to also fast. The Prophet (SAW) said: “We are closer to Musa than you are,” and advised Muslims to fast ‘Ashura’ either for three days (ninth, tenth, and eleventh); two days (ninth and tenth); or just the day of Ashura itself.   In Islam, Ashura is a solemn occasion, as it marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, along with his family members and companions, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE., an important day of commemoration in Islam.