How to Make the Most of Muharram | A Spiritual Benefits | AWF

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, presents a significant opportunity for spiritual growth. As one of the four sacred months, Muharram is a time for Muslims to reflect, pray and increase their good deeds as it honours various historical events. Let us discuss five areas of focus to make the most of this blessed month and the spiritual benefits of charity in Muharram. 

 

How to Make the Most of the Month of Muharram?

To make the most of the blessed month of Muharram, here we have a few suggestions to consider to reap maximum rewards:

 

Embrace the Benefits of Charity in Muharram: 

One of the most powerful ways to gain the rewards that come with Muharram is through acts of charity as the benefits of charity in Muharram helps to purify one’s wealth. We know that the Prophet (PBUH) said that “charity does not in any way decrease wealth (Muslim), but the question we should ask ourselves is do we live by this? Muharram, and the Day of Ashura, is a great time to give to charity. 

Not only will your rewards be multiplied, if you’re seeking the mercy of Allah (SWT) this month, one of the best ways to achieve this is by being merciful to others and ensuring we donate in Muharram. 

 

Gaining Multiple Rewards

The sacredness that comes from the month of Muharram amplifies the rewards of good deeds and this includes charity. The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) highlighted that Allah increases the rewards for actions performed during these sacred months. Therefore, the benefits of charity in Muharram are specifically significant. 

 

Seeking Allah’s Mercy and Blessings

Another profound benefit of charity in Muharram is gaining the pleasure of Allah (SWT). Acts of charity are beloved to Allah (SWT) and when done with a sincere intention, it can act as a tool to bring us closer to Him. The benefit of charity in Muharram is highly rewarded by Allah (SWT). 

You can donate you Zakat and Sadaqah during this blessed month to different charities like Al-Wahab Foundation to provide clean drinking water, cooked food, food packs, help build a Masjid, or provide Musallah for mosques. The more you extend a helping hand during Muharram, the greater you are going to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness in this world and hereafter. 

 

Spending Money on Family:

Spending on your family in Muharram and the day of Ashura is said to bring many blessings. 

Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) is reported to have said that

“One who generously spends on his family on Ashura. Allah (SWT) will be generous with him for the entire year” (Al-Bayhaqi, Shu’ab Al-Iman). 

This highlights the importance of 10th Muharram in Islam and the benefits one can have from spending on family during this sacred period.

 

Engage in Reciting Quran and Making Supplication:

Quran recitation is one of the immensely rewarding acts to practise during the month of Muharram. Due to hectic routine, many people find it difficult to balance worshipping with the daily pressures of life. Note that Muharram is the time when you can gain multiple rewards for every ayat of the Quran you will recite. 

Make it a common practice to make a dua in Muharram after Quran recitation and worshipping. Create realistic goals to achieve and base them around your commitments. 

 

Increase in Prayer and Tahajjud:

The importance of prayer cannot be overstated, especially in Muharram. Salah is crucial but also adding extra prayers like Tahajjud can really help enhance your spiritual well-being. Tahajjud, the voluntary night prayer, is a time when the doors of mercy are wide open, and prayers are readily answered. 

We should make an intention to dedicate a portion of our nights during Muharram to offer Tahajjud to seek Allah’s blessings.

 

Seeking Knowledge and Wisdom:

The historical events that have taken place during Muharram and the day of Ashura highlight the importance of seeking knowledge. Reflection is a key way we can work towards the goal of learning and seeking understanding. 

Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, is a day on which we can ponder the actions of  Hazrat Imam Hussain’s (RA) actions that demonstrate a level of wisdom and insight to decision making that are truly remarkable. It emphasises the importance of knowledge and its role in guiding our actions, hence, we should dedicate time during Muharram to grow and align yourselves with the teachings of Islam. 

Another important thing we cannot ignore from the story of Muharram is the time when Hazrat Imam Hussain’s family had to face extreme thirst due to lack of water. It reminds us and gathers our attention towards the matter that in today’s world, we have many people around us who have been dealing with water scarcity. 

Considering it a lesson from the battle of Karbala, we need to contribute to provide clean drinking water to those in desperate need through charities like Al-Wahab Foundation, working diligently towards alleviating the water shortage. 

 

Concluding Remarks:

Muharram is a month filled with opportunities for religious growth. In aligning ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and practices of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), we can experience the spiritual rejuvenation that the blessed month of Muharram offers. We can do this by focusing on the benefits of charity in Muharram, fasting in Muharram and increasing worshipping to make the most of this time.