By Prof. Dr. Faid Mohammed Said
Muharram marks the gateway to the Hijri year, carrying profound significance and momentous events that have indelibly shaped human history. Within the collective memory of Muslims, it embodies the values of patience, sacrifice, and faith. Its significance transcends the historical realm, extending to ethical, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions.
The Prophetic Bond and the Philosophy of Unity
Foremost among the events commemorated in this sacred month is the Day of Ashura, which marks the salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and his people from Pharaoh and his army. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ highlighted a profound theological philosophy in his interaction with the Jews of Madinah who observed the fast on that day. He declared, “We are more entitled to Moses than you,” and commanded the observance of fasting on this day (narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim). This stance reveals an authentic Islamic worldview grounded in the unity and continuity of divine revelation. It regards all prophets—from Adam to Muhammad ﷺ—as bearers of a singular, interconnected message, forming a universal conception of belief in God (Qur’an, Al-Baqarah 2:285).
Spiritual Victory and the Philosophy of True Strength
The salvation of Prophet Musa is not merely a historical event, but rather a philosophical lesson that redefines the meaning of strength and victory from an Islamic perspective. According to the Qur’anic narrative, true victory is not determined by military might or material power, but by the strength of faith, patience, and steadfastness upon truth:
“Moses said to his people: Seek help from Allah and be patient. Verily, the earth belongs to Allah. He grants it to whom He wills of His servants, and the end is for the righteous” (Qur’an, Al-A‘raf 7:128).
This deeper understanding of victory is also evident in the prophetic biography, such as the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, which—despite appearing as a concession—was described in the Qur’an as a “clear conquest” (Qur’an, Al-Fath 48:1–3).
The Prophetic Migration: Perseverance Amidst Tribulation
The Hijrah (Prophetic migration) was not merely a chronological milestone, but a foundational moment established upon immense suffering and noble sacrifice. In Makkah, Muslims endured severe persecution at the hands of Quraysh: Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) was tortured on burning sands, Sumayyah bint Khayyat (may Allah be pleased with her)—the first martyr in Islam—was slain, and her son ‘Ammar ibn Yasir (may Allah be pleased with him) was subjected to brutal torture (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah).
The adversity escalated with Quraysh’s imposition of a three-year siege upon Muslims in the Valley of Abu Talib, where hunger and deprivation became so dire that it led to the death of Lady Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet’s beloved wife, due to lack of food and medicine (al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Umam wa al-Muluk).
After such immense trials, the decision to emigrate represented an even greater sacrifice. The Prophet ﷺ and his companions left behind their homes, possessions, families, and livelihoods purely for the sake of Allah and His Messenger. This migration became a living example of patience and reliance upon God, embodying Islam’s philosophy in confronting hardship through faith and resilience (Ibn Ishaq, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah).
Imam al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him): Sacrifice and Courage in the Face of Injustice
The month of Muharram also commemorates the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him), the beloved grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, at the Battle of Karbala. This tragic event, in which Imam Husayn, his sons, and his nephews were slain, epitomizes the profound spirit of sacrifice, courage, and steadfastness in confronting oppression.
Surviving this ordeal was Imam Ali Zayn al-‘Abidin (may Allah be pleased with him), the son of Husayn, who became renowned for his magnanimity and purity of heart, free from resentment or hatred. He dedicated his life to serving people and alleviating their suffering, thus embodying a noble message: that sacrifice must not breed vengeance, but rather inspire compassion and benevolence (Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah).
The Hijri Calendar: ‘Umar’s Vision and a Civilizational Philosophy
The establishment of the Hijri calendar during the caliphate of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) was a landmark decision reflecting deep civilizational insight. When the growing Islamic state required an organized system for tracking dates and public affairs, ‘Umar consulted his companions. They agreed to begin the calendar with the Hijrah, as it marked a pivotal rebirth of the Muslim community (Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari).
This choice demonstrates Islam’s profound vision of time—not as a mere sequence of days, but as a sacred medium for renewal, spiritual growth, and cultural advancement.
Conclusion: The Philosophy of Self-Reckoning
The Hijri calendar is not merely a set of dates we live by; it is a continual call to self-reflection and accountability. As ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) famously stated: “Take account of yourselves before you are held to account” (narrated by al-Tirmidhi).
Indeed, our lives, in essence, are a living Hijri record, urging us to evaluate our deeds and prepare for the inevitable reckoning before Almighty God.
We ask Allah the Exalted to make us among those who listen to words and follow the best of them, and to grant us sincere repentance and upright accountability. May blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, his family, and all his companions.
