Innovations and Superstitions Associated with the Month of Muharram

◈ It is commonly believed among some people that "one should not get married in the month of Muharram." This notion has no basis in Islamic Shariah.

◈ Specifically visiting cemeteries and graves during the month of Muharram is not established from the Quran and Sunnah. It should be noted that visiting graves to remember the Hereafter and death, and to pray for the deceased, is permissible at any time without any particular specification, provided that all forms of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and innovations are completely avoided.

◈ Regarding the fast on Ashura (the 10th of Muharram), the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:"

And I expect that the fast of the day of Ashura will

expiate the sins of the previous year."

[Sahih Muslim: 2746, 1162/196]


In another narration, it is mentioned:"

The best fasting after Ramadan is the month of Allah, Muharram."

[Sahih Muslim: 4755, 1163/40]


Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said:"

Oppose the Jews and fast on the ninth and the tenth."

[Musannaf Abdur-Razzaq 287/4, Hadith 7839, its chain is authentic, Al-Sunan Al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi 287/4]


◈ Muharram is one of the sacred months in which fighting is forbidden unless the disbelievers attack the Muslims. In the event of an attack, Muslims are to fully defend themselves.

◈ The Battle of Khaybar took place in Muharram, 6 AH.

[See Taqdim Tarikhi p. 2]

◈ On the 10th of Muharram, Sayyiduna Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) was martyred unjustly in Karbala. It is prohibited to cry loudly, tear one's clothes, or beat oneself in mourning over his martyrdom. Similarly, various rituals performed in grief, such as "Imam Zadeh" and setting up stalls, are not established from the Shariah.
 
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