5 Virtues of Muharram and Recommended Sunnah Practices According to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

The beginning of a new year is often seen as the perfect time for reflection, renewal, and setting fresh intentions. For Muslims around the world, this spiritual moment aligns with the arrival of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic Hijri calendar.

But Muharram is more than just a marker of time—it holds a deeply sacred status in Islam. It is known as Syahrullah, or “the Month of Allah”, a title that underscores its divine significance. During this blessed month, Muslims are encouraged to increase their good deeds, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their connection with Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.

What makes Muharram truly special? And how can we maximize its blessings in a way that aligns with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW? Let’s dive deeper into the virtues and recommended practices of this holy month.

1. One of the Sacred Months (Ashhurul Hurum)

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, alongside Dhu al-Qa’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, and Rajab. These months are mentioned in the Qur'an as special periods when good deeds are multiplied and sins carry greater consequences.

Allah SWT says in Surah At-Tawbah (9:36):

“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. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them...”

This verse is a reminder to prioritize acts of worship and avoid wrongdoing during Muharram, making it a time for spiritual discipline and self-restraint.

2. The Best Voluntary Fasting After Ramadan

If you're looking to enhance your worship through fasting, Muharram is the perfect time. The Prophet Muhammad SAW emphasized the importance of fasting during this month, saying:

“The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting in the month of Allah (Muharram), and the best prayer after the obligatory ones is the night prayer.”
(Hadith - Muslim)

This hadith highlights that voluntary fasting in Muharram is highly rewarded, making it a golden opportunity to draw closer to Allah SWT.

3. Ashura: A Day of Historical Significance

The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is a day filled with deep historical meaning. It marks various pivotal moments in the lives of prophets and is strongly recommended as a day of fasting.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW encouraged Muslims to fast on Ashura and also on the day before it—Tasu’a (9th Muharram)—to distinguish Muslim practices from those of the Jews, who also honored the 10th.

4. A Month of Victory and Divine Mercy

Ashura is not only a day of fasting, but also a day that witnessed major divine interventions. Among the significant events believed to have occurred on this day:

Prophet Musa (AS) and his people were saved from Pharaoh when the Red Sea was miraculously parted.
Prophet Nuh’s (AS) ark came to rest on Mount Judi after the flood.
Prophet Yunus (AS) was released from the belly of the whale after his sincere repentance.
Prophet Adam’s (AS) repentance was accepted by Allah SWT.

These stories reflect Allah’s immense mercy and power, offering spiritual motivation for reflection and renewed faith.

5. Deeds Are Multiplied

As one of the sacred months, Muharram offers multiplied rewards for righteous actions. The Prophet SAW likened the sanctity of sacred times to that of sacred places. This means every good deed—no matter how small—has greater value in the eyes of Allah SWT during this month.

It’s a powerful encouragement to increase your ibadah (worship) and make the most of this sacred time.

Recommended Sunnah Practices in Muharram

To truly benefit from the blessings of Muharram, here are some sunnah practices that the Prophet Muhammad SAW encouraged:

Fasting on Tasu’a and Ashura (9th & 10th of Muharram). The most emphasized act is fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. Fasting on Ashura alone can wipe out the sins of the previous year. Fasting on Tasu’a is added to differentiate Muslim practice from that of other traditions.
Give Charity and Provide for Your Family. While not as strongly emphasized as fasting, several scholars recommend increasing sadaqah (charity) and being generous to one’s family on the day of Ashura. There is a narration suggesting that whoever expands provisions for their family on this day will have their sustenance expanded by Allah SWT throughout the year.
Increase Dhikr, Du'a, and Istighfar. Use this sacred time to reconnect with your Creator. Recite more dhikr, read the Qur’an, make heartfelt du’a, and engage in istighfar (seeking forgiveness) for past mistakes. Muharram is the ideal time for spiritual cleansing and renewal.
Avoid Sin and Misdeeds. As stated in Surah At-Tawbah, we are advised not to “wrong ourselves” during the sacred months. That includes staying away from all forms of sin, both major and minor. Protecting ourselves from misdeeds is a form of worship in itself.

Embrace Muharram as a Time of Renewal

Muharram is more than just the start of a new year—it is a time to reset your spiritual compass and invest in actions that bring long-term blessings. By understanding its significance and practicing what the Prophet SAW taught, we can use this month as a launchpad for lasting positive change.

Let’s also carry this momentum into real acts of kindness, especially through giving and sharing. One simple way is to use the Zakat, Infak, and Sadaqah (ZIS) features in your Muamalat DIN mobile banking app, making it easier and more trustworthy to give.