“Indeed, those who have believed and those who have emigrated and fought in the cause of Allah — those expect the mercy of Allah. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 218

Introduction

Muharram is the most sacred and emotional month in Islam, especially for Shia Muslims who mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS). However, many myths, rumors, and misconceptions are widely spread every year. Below are the most searched and asked questions about Muharram, answered according to Fiqh-e-Jafariya with authentic historical and hadith references.

Complete FAQs Guide

Is Muharram an Unlucky Month in Islam?

Myth: Many people believe Muharram is an unlucky or cursed month.

Truth according to Shia belief: Muharram is not an unlucky month in Islam. It is a sacred month marked by mourning. Islam does not forbid normal lawful activities, but celebrating weddings or joyful events openly is discouraged out of respect for the tragedy of Karbala.

Is Marriage Allowed in Muharram?

Common doubt: Is it haram to get married in Muharram?

✅ Answer: Marriage (Nikah) is halal in Muharram. However, public celebrations during the first ten days are discouraged according to Shia etiquette.

Are Niyaz and Sabeel Bid’ah?

Myth: Some claim that Niyaz (food distribution in the name of Imam Hussain) is innovation.

✅ Shia ruling: Niyaz is permissible and a noble act if done with sincere intention and not considered obligatory.

Are Alam and Taziyah Shirk or Innovations?

✅ Clarification: Alam and Taziyah are symbolic practices to remember Karbala. They are not worship and are therefore permissible in Shia fiqh.

Is Matam and Zanjeer Zani Allowed in Shia Islam?

✅ Shia ruling:

• Chest beating (Sina-zani) is permissible
• Zanjeer Zani is allowed only if it does not cause serious harm, depending on one’s Marja’

What is the reward of praying two Rak’ahs on the night of 1st Muharram and fasting the next morning?

✅ Answer: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that whoever prays two Rak’ahs on the night of 1st Muharram and fasts the next morning, which is the first day of the year, will receive the reward as if they perform good deeds throughout the entire year. Their year will remain safe, and if death occurs, they will be protected from entering punishment.

— Mafatih Al-Jinan

What is the virtue of fasting on the 1st of Muharram?

✅ Answer: Fasting on the first day of Muharram is highly recommended (Mustahab). According to Imam Ali al-Ridha (AS) through Riayan bin Shubair, whoever fasts on 1st Muharram and asks Allah for something, their supplication will be accepted, just as Allah accepted the prayer of Prophet Zakariya (AS).

— Mafatih Al-Jinan

What is the ruling and merit of fasting the first nine days of Muharram?

✅ Answer: Sheikh Ath-Thani stated that fasting the first nine days of Muharram is recommended. However, it is advised not to eat or drink until Asr on Ashura (10th Muharram), and afterward, one may eat lightly. According to scholars like Shaykh Shafa, fasting throughout the month of Muharram protects a person from sins, except on Ashura, because fasting on Ashura is Makruh (disliked) or, according to some, Haram.

— Mafatih Al-Jinan

What is the virtue of fasting on the 3rd of Muharram?

✅ Answer: The 3rd of Muharram is the day when Prophet Yusuf (AS) was released from prison. Whoever fasts on this day:

• Allah makes their difficulties easy
• Removes their grief
• Their supplications are accepted

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that fasting on this day ensures that Allah answers the person’s prayers.

— Mafatih Al-Jinan

If There Is No Big Niyaz, Is the Majlis Not Accepted?

❌ This belief is completely false.

✅ Truth: The acceptance of a Majlis depends on sincerity, intention and remembrance of Imam Hussain (AS), not the size of food.

“Actions are judged by intentions.”

— Imam Ali (AS), Nahj al-Balagha

When and Who Stopped Water in Karbala?

✅ Authentic Shia history:

• Water was blocked on 7th Muharram, 61 AH
• By the order of Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad
• Implemented by the army of Umar ibn Sa’ad

Total Number of Martyrs of Karbala and Date of Shahadat

✅ According to Shia sources:

— Nafas Al-Mahmoum (Sheikh Abbas Qummi)

📅 Date of martyrdom: 10th Muharram, 61 AH

Is Fasting on Ashura Allowed in Shia Islam?

❌ Answer: Fasting on Ashura (10th Muharram) is considered Makrooh (strongly discouraged) in Shia fiqh, because Bani Umayyah promoted it as a day of celebration.

“Whoever fasts on Ashura resembles the enemies of Ahlul Bayt.”

— Imam Ali al-Rida (AS), Uyun Akhbar al-Rida

✅ However, remaining hungry and thirsty till Asr as a symbol of grief is considered Mustahab.

What is “Faqa” in Muharram and When Is It Broken?

✅ Meaning of Faqa: Faqa means voluntarily staying hungry and thirsty for some time to remember the thirst of Imam Hussain (AS) and the children of Karbala.

✅ When is it broken? There is no fixed Shariah time. It is usually broken:

• After Asr time, or
• Before Maghrib

It is not an Islamic fast but a symbolic act of mourning.

Is Wearing Black Clothes in Muharram Bid’ah?

Myth: Some people believe that wearing black clothes in Muharram is not allowed or is an innovation.

✅ Truth: Wearing black is permissible and is considered a recommended practice of mourning, as the family of Imam Hussain (AS), including Imam Zain-ul-Abidin (AS) and Bibi Zainab (SA), wore black as a symbol of grief.

Is Happiness Forbidden During Muharram?

Myth: Many people believe that smiling, laughing, or being happy during Muharram is completely haram.

✅ Truth: Normal happiness is not haram, but loud entertainment, musical gatherings, and disrespectful activities should be avoided out of respect for the tragedy of Karbala.

Is Doing Business on Ashura Haram?

Myth: Some believe that working or doing business on the day of Ashura is completely forbidden.

✅ Truth: Business is not haram on Ashura, but it is morally recommended to spend this day in mourning, remembrance and religious activities.

Does Drinking Water in Muharram Reduce Reward?

Myth: Some people believe that drinking cold water in Muharram is sinful.

✅ Truth: Drinking water is completely allowed. It is recommended to remember Imam Hussain (AS) and say “Salam upon Hussain” while drinking water.

Is Blood Donation Bid’ah in Muharram?

Myth: Some people believe that donating blood in Muharram is not allowed.

✅ Truth: Blood donation is a noble humanitarian act and is allowed in Shia Fiqh. If done with pure intention, it is considered a form of charity.

Is Cutting Hair and Nails Forbidden in Muharram?

Myth: People believe that cutting hair and nails during Muharram is not allowed.

✅ Truth: There is no Islamic prohibition. It is completely permissible.

Is Cooking Special Food on Ashura Haram?

Myth: In some cultures, people believe cooking certain foods on Ashura is forbidden.

✅ Truth: Cooking food is halal. However, turning food into a celebration is discouraged.

Is Wearing Aqeeq Ring or Black Thread Mandatory in Muharram?

Myth: Some believe that wearing specific items like Aqeeq rings or black threads is compulsory.

✅ Truth: There is nothing wajib about these practices. They are cultural or optional devotional acts.

What is the Day of Tasua?

✅ Answer: The 9th of Muharram is known as Yom-e-Tasua. According to Imam Jafar Sadiq (AS), on this day, the army of Yazid attacked Imam Hussain (AS) and his supporters, preparing people for their massacre.

What should be done on the day of Ashura?

✅ Answer: On the day of Ashura, one should abstain from eating and drinking without the intention of fasting. It is recommended to break the fast (Faqa) after Asr with a small amount of water, and avoid fasting for the rest of the day.

During this day:

• Avoid loud laughter and entertainment at home
• Refrain from unnecessary games or sports
• Recite Salam on Imam Hussain (AS) and curse upon the killers of Imam Hussain (AS)

Ashura is a day of mourning, reflection, and remembrance of the tragedy of Karbala, so all actions should honor the memory of Imam Hussain (AS).

Can a woman recite Ziyarat Ashura and perform its prostration (sajda) during her menstrual period?

✅ Answer: Yes, it is permissible for a woman to recite Ziyarat Ashura and perform its prostration during her menstrual period.

Can a woman enter the holy shrines of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) during her menstrual period?

✅ Answer: A woman can enter the courtyard and general area of the holy shrines during her menstrual period. However, as a matter of precaution, she should not enter the inner chamber (four-walled area) where the Zarih (shrine) is located. This ruling applies to the shrines of all the Imams (peace be upon them), including the shrines of Lady Fatima Masuma (AS) in Qom, Abdullah Shah Ghazi, Balad Syed Muhammad, and other similar shrines.

خاتمة

Muharram is not a month of superstition, fear, or false traditions. It is a sacred month of reflection, sacrifice, patience, and standing for truth. The tragedy of Karbala teaches us that Islam is not just a religion of rituals, but a path of justice, courage, and unwavering faith. Many myths and rumors have been attached to Muharram over time, but the true Shia teachings are based on the Qur’an, authentic Hadith, and the teachings of Ahlul Bayt (AS). By understanding the correct rulings of Fiqh-e-Jafaria, we can protect our faith from misinformation and keep the message of Imam Hussain (AS) alive in its true spirit.

If you wish to spend the sacred days of Muharram in Karbala to gain immense spiritual rewards and plan your trip according to your budget, contact us today to organize your journey.

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