The first month of the Islamic calendar, which arrives shortly after Eid al-Adha, is almost upon us. Muharram, one of the four sacred months ordained by Allah, comes not only as another opportunity for the Ummah to strengthen its connection with Allah but also as a time to reflect on some of the most significant events in human history.

After the spiritual renewal during the month of Ramadan and the inspiring race to excel in worship during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Muharram opens a new chapter of blessings and opportunities for us with its importance and historical events. Its significance is highlighted in the Qur’an, where Allah says: "Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth—of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong one another during these months." (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)

The virtue of this month is further emphasized by Rasulullah ﷺ, who said: "The most excellent fast after Ramadan is in Allah’s month, Al-Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer." (Sahih Muslim). In another narration, Rasulullah ﷺ referred to Muharram as "Shahrullah" — "The Month of Allah" — a unique title that reflects its special status and honor.

One of the most important days within Muharram is the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura. It was on this day that Allah saved Musa (AS) from the tyranny of Pharaoh, the superpower of that era. Pharaoh and his army were drowned in the Red Sea, marking the downfall of a mighty taghoot regime that stood against the dawah of Illallah.

When Rasulullah ﷺ arrived in Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on this day in remembrance of Musa (AS), he said: "We have more right to Musa than you." He then encouraged the Muslims to fast on Ashura and to also fast the day before it (the 9th of Muharram) to distinguish themselves from the Jews. This distinction was not merely about being different from the Jews. It implicitly showed that the honor of establishing the deen and system of Allah that had once been entrusted to the Jews, has now been fully transferred to the Muslims. This contrast was a sign of supersession over the Ahlul Qitabs. It was a message that was literally saying: “You folks were offered, but as y’all denied, we will do it better than you guys did !!”.

Another event that gives Muharram its special significance is the martyrdom of Hussain (RA). During this month, Hussain (RA) stood firmly against injustice and oppression, confronting the forces of Yazid. In doing so, he attained the noble rank of a shaheed.

His martyrdom gives the ummah multiple lessons to learn and adopt; such as: the work of “commanding good and forbidding evil”. It is such an essential pillar of an Islamic society & government mentioned in the Quran that it may even cost lives, like Hussain (RA). Secondly, it teaches us to stand with the oppressed, regardless of who they are and whatever form they may be oppressed today. Thirdly, it teaches us to speak out and be bold against the ruler’s tyranny, so that ultimately people may enjoy the true justice system of Islam in every aspect of their personal, social, economic, and political life. Finally, even when faced with immense hardship and tested through family and loved ones, he remained steadfast upon the truth and refused to compromise the principles. May Allah have mercy on him (RA) and everyone, including the people who chose this path, who dares to do the best of action by “speaking against the tyrant ruler”.

Finally, Muharram is also associated with the event of Nuh (AS)'s Ark coming to rest on Mount Judyy after the great flood had subsided. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the patience, perseverance, and unwavering commitment that Nuh (AS) showed while giving dawah to his people for 950 years. His story teaches us that the fruits of our efforts may not always appear immediately, despite dedicating centuries to the dawah. It also marks the first intellectual, social and moral confrontation against the Batil, and ultimately the triumph of Haqq. This doesn’t only remind us to have more sabr, persistence and trust in Allah but also teaches us to be more intellectually and socially active and advanced to confront any form of Batil; may it be a deen calling for polytheism, nihilism, atheism or even an ideology that calls for a system other than Allah’s one.

In conclusion, the month of Muharram brings forth a golden opportunity for the Muslims to have a spiritual refreshment, revival of the heart, personal tarbiyyah as well as an excellent time to remember these historical events for motivating us to be strong enough to confront the Baatil of today’s era, in whatever form they may exist, and to ensure that we Muslims don’t lag behind while carrying the proper dawah and the ultimate mission of establishing Islam. May Allah accept all our efforts and our fasts during Ashura, Ameen!