What is Awal Muharram & 4 good practices

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar (new year). This month offers Muslims an opportunity to increase their good deeds and devote themselves to Allah SWT. This article discusses 4 good deeds that one can practise during this month, giving guidance and inspiration to each individual who wants to take part in this special month, spiritually and morally. Let's explore these practices on what we should do in Muharram together for the betterment of ourselves and receive blessings from Allah.

Recite the end and the new year Doa

Doa recitation is an important part of worship for Muslims. By reciting Doa, we can appreciate the meaning and ask for Allah SWT’s blessings. Hence, what we should do in Muharram is to recite Doas when we approach the end of the year, and when we start the new year.

The reason why we recite these Doas is to ask for Allah SWT’s grace throughout the year before us. The meaning behind the end of year Doa includes asking for blessings of practice, asking for forgiveness and asking for mercy in Dunya (life on Earth) and Akhirah (afterlife). The new year Doa, however, includes Doa for abundance of sustenance, protection from Allah and maintaining the momentum for worship.

Giving to those who are in need

Start the new year by giving to those who are in need. Donations do not have to be in the form of money or cash. There are multiple ways that you can donate. You can help people who are in need by giving them food or drinks. For example, you may donate a few food packages to underprivileged students. Donating with a small quantity or within your means is also a good start.

This practice comes with a huge reward for us. Giving to those who are in need can strengthen our silaturrahim bond among us, regardless of race or religion. Remember that donating to others are written in the Quran, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, 261st sentence, “The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is as the parable of a grain growing seven ears, in every ear there are a hundred grains; and Allah multiplies for whom He pleases; and Allah is Ample-giving, All-knowing.”

Fasting on Asyura Day

Rasulullah S.A.W once said, “Fasting the day of ‘Ashura’, I hope, will expiate for the sins of the previous year.” [Sahih Muslim].

One of the sunnah practices that Rasulullah S.A.W did was fasting on the day of Asyura in the month of Muharram. When is Asyura day? Asyura day commences on the 10th of Muharram. Fasting on this day can atone for the sins of the year before. Additionally, it is also encouraged for Muslims to fast a day before and after Ashura, i.e. 9th and 11th Muharram, as well as 13th - 15th Muharram (White Days or Ayyam al-Bid). Other than that, it is important for us to know that these sunnah practices during the islamic new year (Muharram) differentiate Islam from other religions.

Visit those who are sick

As we step into the new year, let’s not forget those who are sick. In Islam, visiting the sick is one of the good and honourable practices. These visits can also help strengthen the silaturrahim bond and give moral & emotional support to them. Other than that, visiting the sick can cultivate a sense of gratefulness in ourselves, reminding us about our own good health and sustenance that Allah provided us.

Islam highlights the feeling of sympathy towards others, especially those who are sick. Show love to our brothers and sisters by visiting those who are sick, blessing our daily activities especially in the month of Muharram.

Muharram grants the opportunity to do good and receive blessings. By practising these four deeds, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah, as well as improve oneself as a Muslim.  This blessed month can be a starting point for us to continue our devotion to Allah, highlighting the importance of Muharram. Remember to always put in the effort to get blessings from Allah by taking care of our welfare. May all of our efforts during this month be accepted and blessed by Allah.