New Year, Time to Prioritize Ibadah
Muharram is the initial month of the Islamic calendar. Also, it’s the beginning of the Islamic New Year. It is a fresh page, a quiet time for Muslim families to reflect about their bond with Allah and the way they spend their time.
Ibadah (worship) is more about prayer (salat) and fasting (sawm). It includes compassion, learning, patience, and assisting others. If Muslim families make ibadah a daily goal, they can have habits that increase their soul. This article is about Muslim families identifying the sacred months, benefits of the sacred months, strategies to prioritize ibadah by improving their family interactions, youth declaration of faith (shahadah), and achieve their worship goals (vows for ibadah).
Sacred Months
Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Q’ada, and Dhul Hijjah are the four holy months in Islam. Verily, they are established by Allah, affiliated with the creation of the universe, and organization of the regulations of time.
The Quran stated:
“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth—of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong one another during these months. And fight the polytheists together as they fight together against you. And know that Allah is with those mindful ˹of Him˺.”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)
Benefits of the Sacred Months
1. Multiplication of Reward
Good deeds performed during the sacred months have greater rewards, and committing sins is taken more seriously. Furthermore, Muslims are advised to avoid committing sins in the meantime.
2. Virtue of Fasting
Fasting during the sacred month is recommended, particularly in Muharram.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah Be Pleased With Him) reported:
Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said,
“The best month for observing Sawm after Ramadan is Muharram, and the best Salat after the prescribed Salat is Salat at night.”
(Riyad AS-Sit 1167)
3. Reminder of Divine Wisdom
Allah has specified these months for sacred intentions to remind His servants of the significance of arranging their lives in accordance with His rules.
Family Interactions
The sacred months remind Muslims to be nice at home. I have a small family (parents, an older brother, and I). I didn’t grow up with relatives because they resided in different countries.
Last Muharram, I requested my older brother to bring a laundry basket downstairs. He said he would, however later I noticed it was still sitting there. Usually, I would feel irritated and remind him sharply, but I stopped. I quietly carried the laundry basket downstairs. At that exact moment, I realized that occasionally I need to lower my expectations and choose patience over frustration.
Aisha (May Allah be Pleased With Her) reported in a hadith:
Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) said,
“Among the believers who show the most perfect faith are those who have the best disposition, and are kindest to their families.”
(Mishcat al-Masabi's 3263)
This hadith demonstrates that family interactions are a large part of our faith. For instance, a child offering to set the table, a parent arranging time to pray with their kids, or siblings forgiving each other are all forms of worship. Through little daily efforts, Muslim homes can become places of harmony and blessings during Muharram and afterwards.
Youth Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)
Youths are usually inquisitive and keen to gain more knowledge about their eman (faith). Muharram is a suitable time to encourage them to reflect on the shahadah:
“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.”
Shahadah (declaration of faith), salat (prayer), sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage) are the five pillars of Islam. The shahadah is the first pillar. Indeed, the shahadah is the foundation of Muslim’s faith and the beginning of Muslim’s journey in worship.
As youth grow up, they start to comprehend what it means to be a Muslim. They might want to pray independently, read the Quran, fast, or gain more knowledge about Allah and the Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them).
It was narrated from Jabir (May Allah Be Pleased With Him) that:
The Messenger of Allah said: “Ask Allah for beneficial knowledge and seek refuge with Allah from knowledge that is of no benefit.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3843)
This hadith means that Muslims are encouraged to focus on learning what brings us closer to Allah and increases their faith. For youth, comprehending the shahadah is one of the most significant kinds of knowledge. When they learn about Allah and the Prophets (May Allah Be Pleased With Them), it helps them have a strong foundation in their faith.
Vows for Ibadah (Worship Goals)
Muharram is a time for a fresh start. Several Muslims use this opportunity to have new worship goals. Here are some strategies that Muslim families can do during Muharram and the other sacred months:
Fasting: It is recommended to fast on specific days of these months. For instance, it is suggested for Muslims to fast on the 9th and 10th day of Muharram.
Prayer: Concentrate on extra prayers during the day and night prayers (Qiyam al-Lail). For example, making wudu (ablution) and prayed two extra rakats (units) at night.
Dhikr (Remembrance) and Seeking Forgiveness: Engage in continuous remembrance of Allah and seeking forgiveness. For example, reciting Astaghfirullah (May Allah forgive me) and Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) quietly to oneself after prayers.
Doing Good to Others: Strengthening community relations. For instance, volunteering at the masjid during events.
Seeking Knowledge: Gain more Islamic knowledge and share it with others. For example, youth can share Islamic stories and messages on social media to help raise awareness about Islam.
Muharram is more than the beginning of a new year. Truly, it’s an opportunity to return to Allah. Time flies, however worship brings harmony and purpose. Every small and consistent effort Muslim families make can become a path toward satisfying Allah and strengthening their faith. With hope and purpose, Muslim families can start the year ready to grow in faith.
Author Bio: Amanda Hasan is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Arts) and Humber College (Law Clerk). She is the author of Joyless, an Amazon novella that tells the story of a lonely teenage girl working at an amusement park. More recently, Amanda copyedited several children’s stories for Compass Books. She also worked with Muslim Network TV writing scripts, securing guest speakers, and preparing for interviews. Amanda is currently residing in the Greater Toronto Area with her family.
