By: Gulshan Aalani
Muharram, one of the blessed months, known as the month of Allah, the month of Light, marks the Islamic New Year for Muslims. The month of great significance for a number of reasons that is marked by fasting and regular prayers, which are the symbols of devotion to GOD-Creator of the Universe.
Muharram is the beginning of the Muslim era, the month of Hijraah-migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) from Mecca to Yathrib-Madinah accompanied by his faithful followers the newly converted Muslims consisting of some Jewish tribes, Christians, some of the 12 tribes of Bani Israel-Prophet Israel-Jacob (AS), Quraish, Arabs, Assyrians, Aryans, (Arya Samaji) etc.
The reason of migration was to escape the extreme ill treatment of torture and cruelty by the Pagan authority opposing their declaration of Monotheistic religion and acceptance of worship of One Creator GOD, and HIS final closing Revelation of warning and Guidance.
The other miraculous event of Exodus-day of Salvation, the rescue of Bani Israel slaves by Prophet Moses (AS) happened in this auspicious month on the day of ‘Ashura’, initially celebrated by our Jewish brethren.
Evidently, on this day Allah-Creator granted victory to Messenger Moses (AS) over the notorious King Pharaoh.
Allah delivered Prophet Moses (AS) and his people Bani Israel/Jacob (AS) their salvation from evil oppressor King, and his evil Army supporters who earned GOD’s wrath for their cruelty, unjust system, and the major sin of ignoring and rebelling against the GOD’s Prophet Moses (AS) and so were drowned before reaching Moses (AS) and his people to kill them.
Miraculously, by the dividing of the Sea into the crossing path, they were all saved by none other than the Super Power-Supreme Being Allah-Creator of the Universe.
Quran 20:80-”O ye children of Israel! WE delivered you from your enemy, and WE made a covenant with you on the right side of Mount Sinai…”And remember WE delivered you from the people of Pharaoh they set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women folk live: there in was a tremendous trial from your Lord:and remember WE divided the Sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh’s people within your very sight”.
Q. 2:49, 50: “And remember WE delivered you from the people of Pharaoh…”
Consequently, in pre-Islamic period it was celebrated as an Eid day, and so to continue that tradition Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) recommended to Muslims to thank Allah in gratitude for the deliverance of the Bani Israel/Jacob (AS) and said:
“We too are closer to Prophet Moses (AS), so honor this day of his victory”, and recommended to observe the 2 days fasting, either on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th. Of Muharram, voluntarily as it is not obligatory, but it is the best fast of the month of Allah after the fast of Ramadaan.
Sadly, decades after these happy events the death of Caliph Umar ibn Khattab, and the Grandson of Prophet (SAWS) H. Hussain (RA) occurred in Muharram. Both considered martyrs and so cannot be described as dead but alive in Heaven. (Q. 3:169).
May Allah bless their souls.
