What You’re Missing This Month in Muharram

Why Most Muslims Miss Out on One of the Best Months of the Year

Have you ever looked at the Islamic calendar and realized you had no idea which month it was?

If you’re like most of us, the only months that truly stand out are Sha’baan, Ramadaan, and Shawwaal. We know when Ramadaan is coming because everyone is talking about preparing for it. We know when it ends because ‘Īd is in full swing. But outside of that, many of us live unaware of the spiritual gold hidden in the other months.

One of the greatest losses is letting Muharram pass by without action. This month isn’t just another name on the calendar – it’s an opportunity for tremendous reward.

Let’s fix that today, in sha Allah.

What Makes Muharram So Special?

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“The best fast after Ramadaan is the fasting of the month of Allah, Muharram.” — Narrated by Muslim from Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه)

Think about that. The best fast after the month of Ramadaan isn’t from Dhul-Ḥijjah, or from Shaʿbaan – it’s from Muharram.

So how can we let this month slip through our fingers?

Action Step: Fast as Much as You Can

Many scholars recommend fasting as much of Muharram as possible, even if you can’t fast the entire month. Even a few days counts, and the reward is immense.

But if there’s one day you shouldn’t miss…

Don’t Miss the Tenth: Yawm ʿAshura

The tenth day of Muharram, known as ʿAshura, holds unique virtue.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Fasting the day of ʿAshura, I hope that Allah will expiate for it the sins of the previous year.” — Narrated by Muslim from Abu Qataadah (رضي الله عنه)

A single fast that wipes out a year of sins? That’s not something we want to overlook.

Be Different – Add the Ninth or Eleventh

When the Prophet (ﷺ) was told that the Jews also fasted ʿAshura, he said:

“If I live until next year, in sha Allah, we will fast the ninth as well.”
— Narrated by Muslim from Ibn ʿAbbaas (رضي الله عنهما)

The Prophet (ﷺ) passed away before the next year came, but this shows us his intention to fast two days – to distinguish the Muslim practice.

Some scholars also mention fasting the eleventh, based on the narration:

“Fast the day of ʿAshura, and differ from the Jews; fast a day before it or a day after it.”
— Narrated by Aḥmad from Ibn ʿAbbaas (رضي الله عنهما)

Though scholars differ on the strength of this report, many recommend fasting either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th.

So What Should You Do?

If you’re able to fast multiple days – do it. If not, then at least plan for the 10th of Muharram. Mark it on your calendar. Prepare your schedule. Talk to your family and community.

And if you genuinely cannot fast, remind others. Share the knowledge. Help someone else gain the reward.

Why?

Because the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever guides to good will have a reward like the one who does it.” 
— Narrated in Ṣaḥiḥ Muslim

That’s double the blessing – for you and the one you helped.

Final Thoughts

Muharram is not just the first month of the Islamic year – it’s one of the four sacred months and one of the greatest opportunities for forgiveness and renewal.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Fast what you can. Share what you know. And walk into the new year with a heart renewed and sins forgiven, bi’idhnillah.

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