Introduction

The month of Muharram is the month of sadness for the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and their followers. In this respect, Imam al-Rida (AS) is reported to have said, “With the beginning of Muharram, my father (AS) would never smile at all. He would be dominated by depression for ten days. The tenth of this month would be the day of his misfortune, sadness, and weeping. He used to say that on this day Imam al-Husayn (AS) was slain.”

The First Night of Muharram

Sayyid Ibn Tawus, in Iqbal al-A’mal, has mentioned that a number of prayers should be advisably offered at this night. The Holy Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said that whoever offers this prayer at this night and observes fasting the next day, which is the first day in the new year, the new year will be wholly good for him, and he will be saved throughout the year, and if he dies, he will be allowed Paradise.

Sayyid Ibn Tawus has also mentioned a lengthy supplicatory prayer to be said at the sight of the new moon of Muharram.

Night Prayers (from Mafatih / Iqbal al-A’maal)

On the night before the first day of Muharram (after Maghrib), it is recommended to spend time in prayer and supplication:

1. 100-Rakat Prayer

Each rak’ah: Surah al-Fatiha followed by Surah al-Tawhid.

2. 2-Rakat Prayer

• 1st rak’ah: Surah al-Fatiha + Surah al-An’am
• 2nd rak’ah: Surah al-Fatiha + Surah Ya-Sin

3. 2-Rakat Prayer with Tasbih

In each rak’ah: Say Surah al-Fatiha once and recite Surah al-Tawhid 11 times.

Whoever offers these prayers on this night and fasts the next day (1st Muharram), Allah will make the year good for him.

The First Day of Muharram

Being the first day in the new year, there are two acts that are advisably practiced on the first of Muharram:

First: Fasting (Sawm)

It is recommended to observe fasting on this day. Rayyan ibn Shabib has reported that Imam al-Rida (AS) said, “Just as He responded to the prayer of Prophet Zachariah, Almighty Allah shall respond the prayer of one who observes fasting on this day and prays Him.”

Keeping fast on the 1st of Muharram is recommended. It is reported Imam al-Rida (AS) said:

“The prayer of Prophet Zakariya (AS) was accepted on this day, and likewise Allah responds to the supplications of one who fasts and prays on this day.”

Second: Two-Rakat Prayer (Like the Prophet PBUH)

Imam al-Rida (AS) is reported to have said that the Holy Prophet (SAW), on the first of Muharram, used to offer a two unit prayer.

After performing two rak’ahs, it is recommended to raise hands and recite a special supplication such as:

اَﻟٰﻠّﮭُ ﱠم اَﻧْتَ اﻻَْﺑَدِ ﱡی اﻟْﻘَدِﯾْمُ

Translation: “O Allah, You are Eternal and Ancient, and this is a new year; I ask You…”

Asking Allah for protection from Satan, strength against the commanding soul, and good deeds throughout the year.

Extra Recommended Amaal

Supplication at Sight of Muharram Moon

There is also a lengthy supplication narrated for recitation upon sighting the new moon of Muharram.

Ziyarat & Dhikr

Though not specific to the first day/night only, many also recite:

• Ziyarat Ashura — a powerful ziyarat for Imam Husayn (AS)
• Abundant Darud (Durood) and dhikr of Allah

(These are general meritorious acts encouraged throughout Muharram.)

Note: The specific 40-day Ziyarat Ashura amal is a devotional practice that many perform, but its timing and details vary by scholar; it can be started any time and isn’t limited to Muharram only.

Spiritual Lessons from 1st Muharram

1. Beginning with Awareness of Allah

The start of a new year reminds believers to reflect on their actions, renew intentions (niyyah), and seek Allah’s guidance. Just as the lunar year begins, it is spiritually a time to reset one’s spiritual life, asking Allah for guidance to stay on the straight path.

2. Preparation for Sacrifice and Patience

1st Muharram marks the beginning of the journey toward Karbala. This is a reminder of patience (sabr) and steadfastness (istiqamah) in the face of injustice, as demonstrated by Imam Husayn (AS).

Spiritual takeaway: Prepare oneself morally and spiritually before trials. Small steps of devotion (prayers, fasting, recitation of Ziyarat) strengthen the soul for bigger challenges.

3. Fasting and Night Prayers as Spiritual Discipline

Praying on the first night and fasting on the first day cultivates self-discipline, mindfulness, and closeness to Allah.

Lesson: Spiritual growth begins with small consistent acts, not grand gestures alone.

4. Reflection on Justice and Oppression

The month of Muharram, starting with the first day, reminds believers of standing for justice against oppression. Imam Husayn’s stand at Karbala teaches that even one person standing for truth can change the course of history.

Spiritual lesson: Identify personal and societal injustices and strive to correct them.

5. Renewal of Loyalty to the Ahlul Bayt

Reciting Ziyarat Ashura and sending blessings on the Ahlul Bayt from the first day onwards connects believers to the spiritual legacy of the Prophet’s family.

Lesson: True love for Allah is expressed through loyalty to His chosen guides (Ahlul Bayt). This strengthens faith and inspires moral courage in everyday life.

Practical Tips For Readers

1. Read or Listen to the Story of Karbala

Begin learning or revising the events that led to Karbala. Even reading a short passage daily helps connect the heart with the purpose of Muharram.

2. Adopt Simplicity and Modesty

Avoid celebrations, music, and unnecessary entertainment. Choose simplicity in clothing, food, and lifestyle as a sign of respect for the sanctity of Muharram.

3. Give Sadaqah and Help Others

Give charity on the first day of Muharram, even if small. Helping the needy, feeding others, or supporting religious causes brings blessings and protection for the year ahead.

4. Control the Tongue and Behavior

Make a conscious effort to:

• Avoid lying, backbiting, and anger
• Speak gently and respectfully
• Increase good character, following the akhlaq of Ahlul Bayt (AS)

5. Attend Majalis or Online Programs

If possible, attend Muharram majalis or listen online. Majalis soften the heart and deepen understanding of Imam Hussain’s (AS) mission.

6. Teach Children the Meaning of Muharram

Explain Muharram to children in simple words and teach them about truth, bravery, patience, and love for Imam Hussain (AS).

7. Make Dua for the Oppressed

On the first of Muharram, make special dua for:

• The safety of the Ummah
• The reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AJ)
• Relief for the oppressed around the world

8. Renew Your Connection with Imam Hussain (AS)

Say from the heart: “O Imam Hussain (AS), I begin this year with your remembrance. Guide me to live a life of truth and loyalty.”

خاتمة

The first of Muharram marks a spiritual beginning, reminding believers to renew their faith, purify their intentions, and prepare their hearts for the message of Karbala. It calls us to walk the path of truth, patience, and loyalty to the Ahlul Bayt (AS), starting the new year with remembrance, worship, and moral commitment.

Qur’anic Verse

ٰذَﻟِكَ وَﻣَن ﯾُﻌَ ﱢظمْ ﺷَﻌَﺎﺋِرَ ﱠِﷲ ﻓَﺈِ ﱠﻧﮭَﺎ ﻣِن ﺗَﻘْوَى اﻟْﻘُﻠُوبِ

Translation: “That is so. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah—indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.”

— Surah Al-Hajj, 22:32

This verse reflects the spirit of Muharram, where honoring the remembrance of Imam Hussain (AS) and the sacrifices of Karbala is an expression of true piety and devotion.

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