Muharram Mubarak....

With the sighting of the new moon the Islamic new year has started. The first month Muharram, is a month of great reward and virtue. Muharram itself means 'sacred'.

Muharram has been blessed with certain specific virtues: Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) said "The best of the fasts besides the month of Ramadan is the fasting of the month of Muharram (Muslim).

"The one who keeps a fast in the month of Muharram will receive the reward of thirty fasts for each fast (in this sacred month)" (Tabarani).

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, the one who fasts in these days out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Almighty Allah.

Although the month of Muharram is a sacred month as a whole, the 10th of Muharram is the most sacred among all days. The day is named 'Ashura'. It is one of the most important and blessed days in the Islamic calender.

Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) has exhorted and encouraged the Ummah to fast on this day -- "This fast is a compensation for the (minor) sins of the past year" (Muslim).

" Observe the fast of Ashura and oppose the jews -- fast a day before it or after it" (Bayhaqi).

It is important to either fast on the ninth and the tenth or the tenth and eleventh of Muharram. To fast only on the day of Ashura is Makruh (disliked).

Let us resolve to observe this great month and through its blessings -- rest of lives in His obedience and try our best to earn His pleasure and refrain from all actions which will  bring His displeasure and deprive us of His blessings.

May Allah guide us all upon the straight path and save us from every action which brings His displeasure, ameen.