Muharram

Muharram

Muharram  is the first month of the Islamic, Hijrah calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which Allah says, 'The number of months in the sight of Allah are twelve (in a year). So ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; Of them four are sacred: That is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves therein.' (QUR'AN 9:36)

Aashura

The tenth of Muharram, known as the day of Aoshura, is a very significant day in the Islamic calendar. Rasoolullah ( Sal-la-laahu alayhi Wa sal-lam )has exhorted the Ummah to fast on this day. Ayesha  (Radhi Allaahu Anha) reports that Rasoolullah (Sah-lal laahu akyhi Wa sal lam) ordered the observance of the fast of Aashura. However, when the fast of Ramadhan became compulsory, Rasoolullah (sal lal aahu alayhi Wa sal lam) left the fast of Aashura (i.e. the compulsion). Thereafter, whosoever desired kept this fast and whosoever desired, (not to keep it) did not observe this fast.' (BUKHARI )

Fast of Aashura
Ibn Abbaas (Radhi Allaahu Anhu) narrates that when Rasoolullah (sal-lal-laahu alayhi wa sal-lam) came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting on the day of Aashura, he inquired, 'What is the significance of this day on which you fast?' They replied, 'This is the day Allah saved Moosa (Alayhis-salaam) and his followers and drowned Fir' oun and his army, thus Moosa (Alayhis- salaam) fasted on this day as a token of thanksgiving. Therefore we too fast on this day.' (MUSLIM )

Roolullah (Sa-lal-laahu alayhi Wa sal-lam) said, 'We are more worthy of Moosa (Alayhis-salaam) and nearer to him than you.' Thereafter, he fasted on this day and ordered the Sahabah (companions) to fast on this day. (MUSLIM )

One should fast for two days: Either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th. To fast only on the 10th of Muharram is Makrooh.

Virtue of the Fast

With regard to the blessing of this fast, Rasoolullah (sal-al-laahu alayhi Wa sal-lam) was asked regarding it's virtue. He answered, 'It is a compensation for the sins of the past year.' i.e, the sins of one year that has just gone by will be forgiven.(MUSLIM )

Note: Only minor sins are forgiven. For the forgiveness of major sins, Towbah (repentance) is a prerequisite.

Ref : Gift for Muslims Book, page no. 240,241

(I read propely )