What are the significance of Muharram and Ashura in Islam?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. According to the Qur’an (9:36), it is considered one of the four sacred months in which even engaging in battle is regarded as unlawful, except in defense against aggression or in retaliation for violations by enemy forces. The month of Muharram is of special significance because it was in Muharram that Prophet Muhammad settled in Madinah after migrating from Makkah. This migration is referred to as the hijrah and marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. (We are now in the year 1423 of the hijri calendar.) It also marks the establishment of the first Islamic city-state in Madinah. ‘Ashura refers to the 10th day of the month of Muharram. This year, that day falls on March 24. This day carries a significance all its own, the outstanding features of which have been referred to and supported by many reliable sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. Among the authentic prophetic traditions that have been documented is that Allah saved Pr
