The Spiritual Importance of Muharram in Islam

Muharram in Arabic means “Forbidden”. Muharram is one of the four sacred months. The Almighty has relayed in Surah At-Tawbah (9:36), the presence of four scared months. Moreover, it significantly initiates the Islamic New Year. However, this first month stores many heart-wrecking tales as well. One such narrative is that of Karbala. Furthermore, this forms the central focus of Nohay by Farhan Ali Waris. The artist’s emotional voice sinks deeper into one’s mind.

Additionally, Muharram is also the month of great bravery. It teaches us all the importance of sacrifice. Moreover, it sheds light on the worst circumstances that can surround an individual. Therefore, highlighting the treasure of faith over other possessions. It is greatly explained in the form of Manqabats. Moula Mera Ve Ghar Hove ranks as the most famous one. These types of Nohay by Nadeem Sarwar have captured lots of inhabitants’ hearts already. Nonetheless, it is a true gem if one listens to it once.

True Essence of Muharram

1.    Spiritual Cleansing

No other month could be like Muharram. It welcomes the Islamic New Year yet keeps deep scars. Therefore, it makes this month supreme time of increased spirituality. As the spiritual cleansing implies that one should focus on self-development. And if you think Muharram cannot help you then let’s just say we need to dig deeper. The first month of Islamic calendar contains many shocking but life-changing lessons.

2.    Inner strength

Almost all Islamic history speaks volumes on willpower. Frankly speaking, human beings need to take that first bold step and then other things follow. However, the first move does not make anything easier but surely affects your confidence. Furthermore, all incidents in Muharram make that crystal clear. For instance, Karbala is the biggest display of bravery. Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A.) did not let his faith waver when confronted with an army of 4,000 men.

Likewise, the women of caliph’s household tolerated much the same. The men fought with swords and suffered the scars. On the contrary, the females spend their time in captivity. The air of fear of the unknown surrounded them. Moreover, the hunger and thirst clenched at their throats constantly. Above all, they were weak with worry about the men and their little ones. Death found them in miserable state but also gave them all an eternal glory.

3.    The Honor

Muharram is full of examples of honor. It highlights how important it is to choose faith over fame. Therefore, it is essential to choose right from the wrong. Among others, consider the Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W.) migration to Madina from Makkah. His people abandoned their worldly belongings as well as comfort zone. It was all in the name of Islam. They were Muslims of strong faith who could leave anything once they accepted the religion of Allah (SWT).

Similarly, the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) grandson followed in his footsteps. Years later, the Islamic Caliph Imam Hussain (R.A.) confronted Caliph Yazid’s army head on. He did not choose easy, and less dangerous path over the righteous one. Moreover, his family was also full of the same traits. They tolerated the worst conditions in the central region of Iraq, Karbala. However, they continued to pray indefinitely. Thus, their supplications bore fruit in form of elevated status they got in this world and in the Hereafter.

4.    Peace’s Value

As mentioned before, Muharram stands for “Forbidden”. Allah (S.W.T.) has strictly ruled out all acts of violence in this month. It shows the supreme status allotted to this month. Nonetheless, it also highlights how Islamic culture emphasizes on “peace” more than anything. The Quran mentions peace over and over again. The best illustration could be where Allah Almighty calls Himself a source of peace. It is the Ayat 23 of Surah Al Hashr. What else could one ask for than this.

Still, God’s faithful men also conveyed the same message of peace. Consider, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) who was a complete embodiment of peace-maker. There are handful of stories about how he suffered by the hands of his own city’s inhabitants. Mocked, and even driven out from the brilliant city of Makkah, Prophet (S.A.W.) still stayed steadfast on Islam. What’s more, he added a higher economical value to Madina. He also made peaceful negotiations in the form of Treaty of Al-Hudabiyah. Thus, Islam adheres to peace first than violence.

5.    Leadership

The human world has always been in chaos. However, it only added in enhancing the idea of peace. Yet, this stability is the one of the hallmark qualities of a fine leader. It is quite visible attribute of all the God’s chosen ones. Prophet Musa (A.S.) parted the Red Sea and guided his followers to shores of safety. It is no less than a miracle that his companions followed him in such a situation just like the split of sea.

The same applies to every other Muslim leader. They always enquired if their followers wish to participate in the battle or not beforehand. And yet, it was their leadership which pushed their followers to stand beside them in firm faith. Another aspect of Muharram to be taken as a great lesson. Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A.) led 72 men against 4000. Again, only a true leader could succeed in doing so in such a dire situation.

6.    Selflessness

Nothing is stronger display of selflessness than sacrifice. Sacrifice is one powerful word that opens the ultimate doors of suffering upon an individual. However, the believers do not stay away from it despite the pain. Islamic history is full of heart-wrecking instances of sacrifices. Nonetheless, the last Messenger of God (S.A.W.) and his descendants form the perfect example of it. Therefore, Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A.) raised the banner of justice, showcasing immense selflessness.

It is said that Karbala in Muharram marks the worst of civil wars. It was where the Caliph Imam Hussain’s (R.A.) men were trapped out of the blue by Yazid’s tranny. Yet, their bravery led them all to their martyrdom. Primarily, the terrible heat of the dessert made things worse when their camp’s water and food supply was cut short. Then, gradually, the pious caliph’s family members attained martyrdom.

The Islamic caliph saw to his family’s deaths rather than bowing down. However, the first was Qasim, his young nephew who died from the stampede of horses when he fell off his own. Second was the caliph’s brother, Abbas who lost his arms while fetching the water. Lastly, Ali Asghar (caliph’s son) died after which his father was beheaded as well. Thus, Karbala’s events showcase greater sacrifices that were ever made.

Conclusion

In short, Muharram is a sacred month in Islam. It teaches every Muslim a handful of qualities that make-up the traits of best believers. Furthermore, it taught us these beneficial lessons for life through the most painful instances. Consider the parting of Red Sea, the migration of Muslims from Makkah, and finally the events of Karbala. Looking closely, one finds the elements of spiritual cleansing, inner strength, honor, peace’s value, leadership, and selflessness.