Muharram
The word "Muharram" means "Forbidden." Even before Islam, this month was always known as a scared month (al ashhur-al-hurum) in which all unlawful acts were forbidden, prominently the shedding of blood.Muharram can also mean "sacred",concerning which it is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an:
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion [i.e., way], so do not wrong yourselves during them ..." [At-Tawbah 9:36]
Abu Bakr may Allah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said:
"The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred; the three consecutive months of Dhu'l-Qi'dah, Dhu'l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab, which comes between Jumaada and Sha'baan." (Bukhari).
In another hadeeth, Ibne Abbas radhiyallahu anhu reports that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said:
"He who fasts on the day of Arafah (9th Zil Hijjah), his fast will be a compensation for the sins of two years and the one that keeps a fast in the month of Muharram will receive the reward of thirty fasts for each fast (in this sacred month)". Tabraani Targheeb WatTarheeb
10th MUHARRAM
The word "Aashura" is derived from Ashara, which means ten. The observation of this day dates back to Prophet Moosa (AS). In a Hadith related by Ibn Abbas (RA) when the Messenger of Allah (SAW) came to Madina, he found the Jews fasting on the day of Aashura. He inquired why they were doing so. They replied that it was a good day, the day on which Allah delivered Prophet Moosa (AS) and the children of Israel from Pharaoh. As gratitude Moosa (AS) fasted that day. The Holy Prophet (SAW) responded "I have more right to Moosa than you." He fasted the day and commanded the believers to fast. [Bukhari and Muslim]. The idea underlying this event is to stress the affinity amongst the messengers of Allah and to show that religious devotion is a constant flow from one generation to another. The Prophet (SAW) came not to abrogate all the earlier religious practices but to codify and preserve them for all times to come in ideal forms.
In a hadith it is reported by Aisha (RA) that the Holy Prophet (SAW) ordered:
" the observance of the fast of Aashura. However, when the fast of Ramadan became compulsory, then whosoever wished, kept this fast and whosoever desired did not observe this fast." (Bukhari)
Abu Qataada (RA) has related that the Prophet (SAW) has reported to have said:
"It is my thought that by fasting on the 10th of Muharram Allah (SWT) will pardon the sins of the past year". (Tirmidhi)
Ibn Abbas related when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) observed the day of Aashura and commanded his followers to observe it, they asked him "O Messenger of Allah (SAW) this is the day the Jews, and Christians respect and honor." The Prophet (SAW) promised them that "Next year Allah willing, we shall fast the 9th of the month, along with the 10th." By the following Muharram, the Prophet (SAW) had already passed away.It is therefore, recommended that one observes the fast of the 9th or 11th of Muharram together with that of the 10th to safeguard this deed from resemblance with the non-Muslims who fast only on the 10th of the month. To fast only on the day of Aashura is Makrooh. Ibn Abbas (RA) stated:
"When Rasulullah (SAW) observed the fast of the day of Aashura and ordered (his Companions) to fast, they said: `O Rasulullah! It is a day revered (glorified) by the Jews and Christians.' Thereupon Rasulullah said: "The coming year, if Allah wills (I remain alive), I will for surely fast on the ninth (also)." (Muslim)
The Holy Prophet (SAW) said:
"Observe the fast of Aashura and oppose the Jews.Fast a day before it or a day after." (Baihaqi)
