Adventures of a Newlywed Hijabi

The first of Muharram came and went and there was barely a ripple in most of our lives. There were no telephone calls wishing people happy new year, no mass email messages celebrating the advent of a new set of dates, no new year’s resolutions…really, nothing significant to mark the start of the 1429 year of the hijri calender.

This silence, at the heels of the commotion surrounding the gregorian new year, is disconcerting. The month of January actually has very little signficance. Minus the fact that it means slower sales, greater line-ups on the return/exchange counters and generally dull weather, the month really has very little to offer by way of importance.

On the other hand,  the month of Muharram has tremendous significance.  Prophet (SAW) is recorded as having referred to it as the “Month of Allah” signifying its value and importance. According to Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, it is the best of months after Ramadan for voluntary fasts. It is especially recommended that we fast on the 10th of Muharram, the day of Ashura and on the 9th OR 11th. Many prophets before Prophet Muhammad (SAW), including Prophet Nuh and Prophet Musa used to fast on this day.  Abd Allah ibn `Amr ibn al-`As (Allah be pleased with him), reported that the Prophet (SAW) said that “Whoever fasts `Ashura’ it is as if he has fasted the entire year. And whoever gives charity this day it is like the charity of an entire year.”

It is my hope and prayer that we are able to take advantage of this blessed day, this blessed month and the amazing opportunites for forgiveness and reward from Allah (SWT).

Happy New Year!

P.S: A wonderful article on the importance of the month of Muharram can be found at the following link.