In this blessed month, all our rewards of carrying out good deeds are multiplied. We should not take acts of good deeds for granted; on the other hand, we should strive to make the most of the beginning of the new Islamic year!
The Beloved Prophet S.A.W. said, ‘The best fasting after Ramadhan is the sacred month of Allah (Muharram)…’ (Muslim)
Unlike Ramadan, fasting on Ashura is not compulsory for any Muslim.
However, the blessings and rewards that accompany the act of fasting are bountiful.
It is a highly recommended act to fast as much as possible during the sacred month of Muharram.
In a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim, Prophet S.A.W. made dua to Allah to forgive the sins, committed in the previous year, for all who fast on the day of Ashura.
“Fasting on the Day of Ashura, I hope will expiate the sins of the previous year.” (Sahih Muslim)
The Day of Ashura (10th Muharram) is one of the best days of the year for us to fast.
According to Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, there are three levels of fasting on Ashura, with the first one being ‘the best’ and most complete, followed by the other degrees accordingly:
This Muharram, don’t miss out on the opportunity for redemption and let’s take up our fast this month with reverence and remembrance.
With a new year, comes renewed intentions and resolutions. Improve your health by eating better and being conscious of your eating habits. Also, one good way to be fitter is to exercise more often – or at least start! And one important habit that we all tend to take lightly is having a good sleeping routine.
Remember, taking care of your health is a rewardable action too! Our body is an amanah (trust) from Allah S.W.T. When we make lifestyle changes that will make us stronger, we will also be able to carry out our worship better.
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you (in favour) (Quran 14:7)”
Being grateful is another form of worship that we tend to overlook – but it’s one of the simplest acts we can do constantly! Take the time to ponder and think about everything that you have, and say Alhamdulillah (all praise is due to Allah S.W.T.)
With Muharram being the start of the Islamic New Year, what better time to make new resolutions for yourself!
It’s the perfect time to instil new habits so that you can reap the rewards for the whole Islamic year.
Remember, no amount is too small.
The Prophet S.A.W told us, ‘…the best deeds are those deeds regularly, even if they are few.’ (Ibn Majah)
As part of celebrating the new Islamic year, GER is raising funds to give a new beginning to vulnerable communities around the world who don’t have access to water. Check out our Care for Clean Water projects to find out how you can give a life-changing gift of water to these people in need!
