10 Recommended Acts of Worship in Muharram for Muslims

Muharram is one of the most significant months in the Islamic calendar. Besides marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year, it is also one of the four sacred months honored by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala. The arrival of Muharram presents a valuable opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their faith, increase their acts of worship, and reflect on their spiritual journey.

As the first month of the Hijri calendar, Muharram is often viewed as a time for new beginnings. Many Muslims use this period to renew their intentions, improve their relationship with Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, and establish positive habits that can continue throughout the year.

So, what are the recommended acts of worship in Muharram? Let's explore them below.

Why Is Muharram Special in Islam?

Muharram is one of the four sacred months (Al-Ashhur Al-Hurum) in Islam, alongside Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Rajab. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says:

"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred." (Qur'an, Surah At-Tawbah: 36)

The virtue of Muharram is also highlighted in a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah RA. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah's month, Muharram." (Sahih Muslim)

Because of its elevated status, Muslims are encouraged to increase their worship and perform more righteous deeds throughout the month.

10 Recommended Acts of Worship in Muharram

Increase Voluntary Fasting
One of the most highly recommended acts during Muharram is observing voluntary fasts. The Prophet Muhammad SAW described fasting in Muharram as the best voluntary fasting after Ramadan.
Muslims may fast on various days throughout the month according to their ability. Beyond earning rewards, fasting helps cultivate self-discipline, patience, and greater consciousness of Allah.
Observe the Fast of Ashura (10 Muharram)
The Fast of Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, carries immense rewards. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
"I hope from Allah that fasting on the day of Ashura will expiate the sins of the previous year." (Sahih Muslim)
For this reason, many Muslims eagerly observe this fast as an opportunity to seek forgiveness and draw closer to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.
Observe the Fast of Tasu'a (9 Muharram)
In addition to Ashura, Muslims are encouraged to fast on the 9th of Muharram, known as Tasu'a.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW expressed his intention to fast on the ninth day to distinguish the Islamic practice from that of the Jewish community, who traditionally fasted only on the tenth day. As a result, many scholars recommend fasting on both Tasu'a and Ashura together.
Increase Dhikr and Seek Forgiveness
Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and istighfar (seeking forgiveness) are acts of worship that can be performed at any time, including during Muharram.
Reciting phrases such as Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, and Astaghfirullah can help bring peace to the heart while strengthening faith. Muharram is an ideal time to seek Allah's forgiveness for past mistakes and begin the new year with renewed sincerity.
Read and Reflect on the Qur'an
Muharram is an excellent time to strengthen one's relationship with the Qur'an. Beyond recitation, Muslims are encouraged to understand and reflect upon its meanings.
For those who have struggled to maintain a consistent Qur'an reading routine, the beginning of the Hijri year can serve as the perfect moment to establish this beneficial habit.
Give Charity Generously
Charity (sadaqah) is among the most beloved acts in Islam. Helping those in need not only benefits others but also purifies wealth and brings blessings into one's life.
Charitable acts can take many forms, including financial assistance, food donations, educational support, or simply offering kindness and compassion to others.Today, acts of kindness can also be carried out conveniently through digital platforms. For example, users can support charitable causes through the Hijrah Amal feature available on Muamalat DIN.
Strengthen Family Ties and Relationships
Maintaining strong relationships with family, relatives, and friends is highly emphasized in Islam.
Muharram provides an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, repair strained relationships, and strengthen bonds that may have weakened due to distance or busy schedules. Even a simple phone call or message can become an act of worship when done with sincere intentions.
Engage in Self-Reflection and Make More Du'a
The Islamic New Year is an ideal time for muhasabah or self-evaluation.
Take time to assess various aspects of life, including worship, personal character, family responsibilities, and relationships with others. Reflection helps identify areas for improvement while fostering gratitude for the countless blessings Allah has already provided.
At the same time, increase your supplications and ask Allah for guidance, protection, and success in both this world and the Hereafter.
Set Meaningful Spiritual and Personal Goals
The spirit of hijrah—the migration that inspired the Islamic calendar—serves as a reminder that positive change is always possible.
Your goals do not have to be grand. Small but consistent improvements often have the greatest impact. Committing to praying on time, reading the Qur'an daily, giving regular charity, or improving family relationships can lead to lasting transformation.
Increase Social Awareness and Community Support
Islam encourages believers to care for one another and contribute positively to society.
Muharram is a meaningful time to strengthen empathy and social responsibility by supporting community initiatives, helping neighbors in need, participating in charitable projects, or contributing to humanitarian causes.

Things to Avoid During Muharram

While increasing good deeds is highly encouraged, Muslims should also avoid actions that diminish the value of worship and spiritual growth.

Some behaviors to avoid include:

Committing sins and knowingly disobeying Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.
Spreading hatred, slander, gossip, or conflict.
Neglecting obligatory acts of worship.
Following superstitions, myths, or rituals that have no basis in the Qur'an or authentic hadith.

As one of Islam's sacred months, Muharram should inspire believers to become more mindful of their actions and more committed to righteousness.

Make Muharram the Beginning of Positive Change

Muharram is far more than the start of a new year in the Islamic calendar. It is a precious opportunity to renew intentions, strengthen faith, and increase righteous deeds.

Whether through voluntary fasting, dhikr, Qur'an recitation, charity, self-reflection, or community service, every act of worship performed in Muharram can become a stepping stone toward a more meaningful and blessed life.

The spirit of hijrah that defines the Islamic New Year can also inspire positive transformation in every aspect of life, including financial planning and long-term goals. With thoughtful financial management based on Islamic principles, individuals and families can pursue their aspirations with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Bank Muamalat is committed to supporting that journey through a range of Islamic financial solutions designed to help Indonesians embrace a more meaningful and purposeful path toward a better future.

10 Recommended Acts of Worship in Muharram for Muslims

Baca Juga :