Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar; it has a special importance in Islam, and many Muslims around the world regard this month as holy and complete with different modes of speculation, prayer, and remembrance.
Muharram means more than the past; there is an emotional, intellectual, and spiritual component. It teaches the virtues of patience, courage, and faith. Muharram also gives Muslims the ability to connect as individuals with Allah. Finally, Muharram gives Muslims a chance to empower themselves spiritually and emotionally.
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Isn’t Muharram fascinating?
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Muharram is the month of Allah” (Al-Bukhari). This indicates its sanctity. Out of the 12 months of Islam, four are sacred, and Muharram is one of those four sacred months.
During the month of Muharram, Muslims try to abstain from sin and grow in good deeds. It is a time to endeavor to worship more. Muslims fast, give Sadaqah and recite the Qur’an. Such is the practice that brings blessings.
The Tale of Karbala
It is amongst the most momentous events in Islamic history and it happened in Muharram. This event transformed so many hearts forever.
Imam Hussain (RA), a grandson of the Prophet ﷺ defended the truth. He rejected all forms of injustice. He and his family and companions faced dire conditions. They were deprived of food and water. They persevered.
On the 10th of Muharram Imam Hussain and many beloveds became martyrs. Their martyrdom brought light to the world by sharing the meaning of courage, justice, and standing up for what is right.
Lessons from Karbala
The story of Karbala is filled with deep lessons. It illustrates to Muslims, to be steadfast in trying times, and never concede to untruth.
Even in trying times, faith is able to give strength. Imam Hussain did not choose comfort, he chose honor and loyalty to Allah. His stand reverberates among millions till today.
Spiritual Reflection in Muharram
This holy month enables the Muslim community to take a step back and assess their life. To take a moment to ask themselves: Am I living a life that is pleasing to Allah? Am I headed in the right direction?
They utilize this occasion to seek forgiveness and amend their errors.
Worship during Muharram
Many Muslims tend to worship more during the month of Muharram when they pray more, read more Quran, give more to poor people, and remember Allah more.
These actions bring your heart closer to the Creator and they also have rewards. Worship results in feeling more calm and safe inside, especially during times of stress and anxiety. The more worship you do, the more peace you develop.
Fasting on Ashura
The day of Ashura is the 10th of Muharram. On Ashura, sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ used to fast, as well as having indicated that we should fast. On Ashura, the act of fasting removes all sins from the preceding year.
Fasting purifies the soul and instills discipline. Muslims are fasting on Ashura in hopes of attaining Allah’s mercy. Most Muslims are fasting on Ashura and have intentions.
Psychology: Thinking Brings Mindfulness
Psychologists maintain that thinking, mulling, and reflecting can help get rid of stress. We begin to consider our feelings more coolly, allowing us emotional learning and opportunity to develop, just by stopping for a moment to reflect on thoughts and actions.
Walking forward in time examining our actions and being sincere and thinking deeply during the sacred days of Muharram allows Muslims to think about important questions such as “What was I supposed to have done differently?” and “How can I do better?” The questions cleanse the mind and assist in relieving guilt while building hope. There are no guarantees, but reflection should give one the ability to self-regulate, self-control, patience, and peace of mind.
Muharram Teaches Self-control
In the sacred month of Muharram, Muslims do their best to control their anger and bad words, avoid fighting, and manage their thoughts and actions.
This self-control is powerful. It builds kindness, humility, and strength on the inside, and practicing this every day will change a person’s life.
The Strength of Patience
Muharram is a month intended to commemorate patience. The account of Karbala serves as a great example of the power of patience. Imam Hussain and his family showed immense patience even despite their suffering and loss.
When Muslims recall this story today, they feel empowered. They think, “If they were able to show such fortitude, why am I not able to?” This reflection allows Muslims to deal with their own experiences with strength and courage.
Psychology: Stories Stimulate the Brain
Research suggests that the human brain reacts strongly in response to powerful stories. Psychologists suggest stories condition the brain and contribute to resilience. The story of Karbala empowers the individual.
It communicates to the brain that truth is more important than comfort. It communicates to the brain the heroism of acts of kindness and courage. Hearing stories allows the human brain to fight against sadness and apprehension. Hearing stories allows the brain to reclaim purpose.
Solidarity and Kindness
Muharram also means solidarity. Muslims come together. They commemorate the same events. They share food and are praying shoulder to shoulder. This creates love among people.
They feel more kindness. When they hear about suffering in Karbala and the painful events surrounding Imam Hussain’s last days, they are moved with compassion, and they become kinder.
Helping Others in Muharram
Helping others is a focus this month. Many Muslims give food and drink to each other. They help the poor. They donate to causes that matter.
Doing good causes happiness. It lights the heart. Making the world mass is also a good way to help the locals in the community. Small acts of kindness matter.
Steer misbehaving
Because Muharram is a sacred month, Muslims try extra hard to refrain from sin. Muslims break bad habits. They use kinder words. They take kind action.
Every puke and every moment is special in Muharram times. They choose the better word. They take the better step. Also, they are striving to be a better Muslim.
Hope and New Beginnings
Muharram signifies the start of the new Islamic year. It is a fresh start. A time to start again. People set goals. They promise to do things and do more good.
This provides hope. It fills your heart with new dreams. The past is behind us. A better tomorrow can start now.
In Conclusion
Muharram is not just a New Year. It is a month of faith, valor, and reflection. It tells us lessons that stay in the hearts forever.
Both Islam and psychology agree that we grow when we reflect. We strengthen ourselves when we remember great facilitators. We become better, both in terms of self-improvement and self-monitoring, when we indulge in self-control and acts of kindness.
So during Muharram, let us pray more. Let us fast. Let us remember Karbala. Also, let us become better people. Let us take those lessons into the rest of the year.
