Special Acts of Worship in Muharram

Question

Are there special acts of worship prescribed in the month of al-Muharram?

Bottom Line

Al-Muharram is one of Allah’s sacred months, and fasting on the day of Ashura carries great virtue.

Quick Answer

Al-Muharram is the first month of the Hijri calendar and one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged fasting in this month. While the whole month is blessed, the day of Ashura (10th of Muharram) is especially emphasized.

Key Points

• Al-Muharram is one of the four sacred months
• Wrongdoing in these months is more severe; good deeds are multiplied.
• The Prophet ﷺ described Muharram as “the month of Allah,” a title of honor.
• The best voluntary fasts after Ramadan are in Muharram, especially Ashura.

Detailed Answer

Al-Muharram is a month singled out by Allah for its sanctity. Allah says:

“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve… of them four are sacred. That is the right religion, so do not wrong yourselves therein.” Surah at-Tawbah 9:36

The Prophet ﷺ explained that these months are Dhul-Qa‘dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab Sahih al-Bukhari 2958.

 Sins in these months carry greater weight, but good deeds also bring greater reward.

Ibn ‘Abbas (RA) noted that Allah emphasizes their sanctity, making sins heavier and deeds more valuable. Qatadah (RA) added that just as Allah chooses His Prophets, His angels, and His places of worship, He also chooses certain times, like Muharram, for extra blessings.

The Prophet ﷺ called Muharram “the month of Allah,” a unique honor not given to any other month. He said:

“The best fast after Ramadan is the month of Allah, al-Muharram.” Sahih Muslim 1982

This hadith encourages increased fasting, though the Prophet ﷺ never fasted an entire month outside Ramadan. Its meaning is that fasting abundantly in Muharram is meritorious, with Ashura (the 10th) being most emphasized.

Scholars like al-‘Izz ibn ‘Abd al-Salam explained that the virtue of certain times lies in Allah’s generosity: He multiplies the reward for acts like fasting during these days, making them opportunities for spiritual renewal.

What This Means for You

Al-Muharram is a time to reset your year with worship, especially fasting and repentance. Treat it not as just another month, but as a divinely chosen opportunity to realign with Allah.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Surah at-Tawbah 9:36: Four months declared sacred.

Hadith

2. Sahih al-Bukhari 2958: The year has twelve months, four of them sacred.
3. Sahih Muslim 1982: The best fast after Ramadan is in al-Muharram.

Secondary Sources

4. Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, commentary on 9:36.
5. An-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim, explanation of Muharram fasting.
6. Al-‘Izz ibn ‘Abd as-Salam, Qawa‘id al-Ahkam, 1/38.