Brethren, the new year of the Muslim lunar calendar (1448 AH) began on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Today, Friday, June 19, 2026, corresponds to Muharram 4, 1448 AH. Muharram is the first month of the Hijra calendar and one of the four sacred months concerning which Allah says, “Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein” (Qur’an 9:36).
Muharram is called so because it is a sacred (muharram) month, and to confirm its sanctity, Allah (SWT) says, “…so wrong not yourselves therein…” meaning that any form of aggression and hostility is forbidden in these sacred months. The four sacred months are Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. Sins committed during these months are more serious, and good deeds bring greater reward. Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to refrain from sins and increase their good deeds during these months.
The Significance of Ashura
What distinguishes Muharram from the other three sacred months is Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, during which Muslims are encouraged to fast. The tradition of Ashura fasting is ancient. The Prophet (PBUH) and his companions used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram while they were in Makkah (before the hijrah). It was a day on which the people of Makkah used to change the covering (kiswah) of the Ka`bah. Quraysh also used to fast on this day. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Medina, he found the Jewish community fasting on the Day of Ashura to commemorate the day that God saved Prophet Musa (AS) and Bani Israel from their enemies. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “We have more of a right to Musa than you,” and so he ordered the Muslims to fast on that day (Bukhari). This implies that whoever wishes to fast may do so, and whoever does not wish to fast will not be blamed. However, those who choose to fast should fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish themselves from the Jewish community, as recommended by the Prophet with the emphasis that, “Fasting the day of `Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the previous year” (Reported by Muslim).
The Story of Prophet Musa
The origin of the Day of Ashura is connected with the story of Prophet Musa (AS), which is prominent in the Qur’an and offers many lessons on dealing with struggles in human lives. The ruler of the time, Pharaoh, spread corruption, violence, and blasphemy. He even killed all first-born sons and declared himself a god. When Musa (AS) tried to convince Pharaoh to change his ways and worship Allah, Pharaoh responded with arrogance and violence. On the Day of Ashura, with the powerful Pharaoh and his army chasing Musa and Bani Israel, Musa was steadfast and trusted in Allah (SWT). At that moment, he called out to Allah with a powerful dua: “Truly my Lord is with me, He will guide me through” (Quran 26:62). Prophet Musa was rewarded and vindicated, as Allah parted the Red Sea so that they could pass to safety, and then submerged Pharaoh and his army in the sea.
The lesson here is that steadfastness during trials is vital for ultimate victory. Part of victory is belief in the unseen; we may not understand it, but we know it is real. If Allah (SWT) can split the sea for Prophet Musa (AS), surely He can ease our struggles too. Metaphorically, the wind may blow intensely, and there may be an army of demons in your path, but the wind will settle, and the demons will flee; your storm will soon reach its calm, and the sky will clear.
Prophet Musa's Staff: A Tool of Miracles
Before the final encounter at the Red Sea, Prophet Musa’s staff (Asa) was used in several miraculous instances to demonstrate divine authority:
- The Initial Sign at Mount Sinai: When Musa was first called to prophethood in the valley of Tuwa, Allah (SWT) commanded him to throw down his staff. It miraculously transformed into a moving serpent, serving as the first sign of the power granted to him.
- The First Demonstration to Pharaoh: Upon entering Pharaoh’s court to demand the release of the Israelites, Musa threw his staff down as a “clear sign.” The staff became a large, manifest serpent in front of Pharaoh and his ministers, intended to prove his divine mission.
- The Confrontation with the Magicians: Pharaoh challenged Musa to a public duel against Egypt’s best magicians. When the magicians threw their ropes and staffs, creating the illusion of snakes, Musa threw his staff. It transformed into a real serpent that swallowed all the illusions, leading the magicians to prostrate and believe in Musa’s God.
- Striking the Rock for Water: During the wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites suffered from thirst. Allah (SWT) commanded Prophet Musa to strike a rock with his staff. Upon doing so, twelve springs of water gushed out, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel (Quran 2:60).
- Everyday Uses: When Allah (SWT) first spoke to Musa at the burning bush, He asked what was in his hand. Musa replied that it was his staff, which he used to lean on, to beat down leaves for his sheep, and for “other uses” (Qur’an 20:18). This highlights that the staff was a humble, functional tool before it became an instrument of miracles.
- The Final Use at the Red Sea: When the Israelites, led by Prophet Musa, were trapped between Pharaoh’s advancing army and the Red Sea, Allah (SWT) commanded Musa to strike the water with his staff. This act parted the sea, creating twelve paths for the Israelites to cross safely while the pursuing army of Pharaoh was drowned.
Muslims are encouraged to observe fasting on Thursday, June 25, 2026, as it coincides with Muharram 10, 1448 AH. In fact, it will be a double blessing for those Muslims who have always observed fasting on Thursdays, following the recommendation of the Prophet: “A man’s deeds are reported (to the Almighty) on Mondays and Thursdays, and I prefer that I should be observing the fast when my deeds are reported” (Tirmidhi).
