The Sacred Month of Islam "Muharram"

First Month of Islamic Calendar:
Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar (Hijri) Calendar.

Sacred Month:
It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran Says (what means): (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)[Quran 9: 36]

Fasting During the Month:
On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit.The Noble Prophet(PBUH)said:"The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram."

The Day of Ashura:
They said: “This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.”

Extra careful about "SINS":
Due to its sacredness, any bad deeds done during the sacred months are WORSE than in other months.

Do Extra "GOOD DEEDS"on this Month:
Similarly, good deeds during this month bring a greater reward than in other months.

Importance of Ashura:
"Ashura" is a highly important day for both sects of Islam,the Shias and the Sunnis. The Shia muslims believe that Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, became a martyr at the Battle of
Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram in 61 AH(680 AD).

Black Clothes:
As Muharram approaches, the Shias sects put on black clothes, as black is regarded as a color of mourning.

Parade to Karbala:
They parade the streets holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people, who fell at Karbala.

Expression of their grief on Ashura day:
Some Shia sects observe "Ashura" by beating themselves with chains in public, cutting themselves with knives and sharp objects and holding mournful public processions.