I try to subscribe to as many Islamic websites as possible; here is what one of them sent their subscribers for the month of Muharram:
All Praise Belongs to Allah (Azza wajl), and May the Salah and Salam of Allah (Azza wajl) be upon our beloved Messenger Peace and Blessings be upon him. Insha Allah you are all doing exceptionally well. Alhamdulillah we are in the month of Muharram, below is some information about this sacred month. May Allah accepts our deeds.
What Is Muharram?
Allah has made Muharram sacred, as it is a blessed and important month; because:
1) It is the first month of the Hijri calendar. 2) It is one of the four sacred months concerning which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allaah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein…” [al-Tawbah 9:36]
3) Muharram itself also means sacred and confirms its sanctity. 4) The 10th of Muharram is the “Day of Ashura”
History of The Day of Ashura
When the Prophet (s) arrived in Madinah in 622 CE, he found that the Jews there fasted on the 10th of Muharram and asked them the reason for their fasting on this day.
They said: “This is a blessed day. On this day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt) and so Prophet Musa fasted on this day giving thanks to Allah.”
The Prophet (sa) said: “We are closer to Musa than you are.” He fasted on that day and commanded Muslims to fast on this day. (Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet (sa) said: “For fasting the day of ‘Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for (the sins committed in) the year that went before.” [Reported by Muslim, 1976]
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah expiates for all minor sins, in other words this brings forgiveness for all sins except for major sins. (As they need separate repentance)
