Assalamu Alaikum,
The month of Muharram, the first month of the Muslim lunar calendar has already entered upon us. May this year prove to be a blessed year for all of us.

Muharram is one of the four sanctified months in Islam. We must make the most of this important month in the light of this hadith. Abu Huraira (RA) narrates that Rasul Allah (saw) said: "After Ramadan, the most excellent days for fasting are during Muharram which is the month of Allah." ( Muslim)
This does not mean that one has to fast the entire month but that each fast in Muharram holds a reward with Allah more than voluntary fasts in any other month.

Specially, the day of Ashura (10th Muharram) is a day of great importance.
Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) relates that Rasul Allah (saw) observed fast on 10th Muharram and commanded others to do likewise. People stated: "O Allah's Messenger! 10th Muharram is a very auspicious day among the Jews and the Christians. He (saw) stated: "If Allah wishes next year we shall observe fast on 9th Muharram (along with 10th)." But by next year, Rasul Allah (saw) passed away. ( Muslim)
Hence, one should combine another day with the Ashura and fast on either the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th in order to distinguish the Muslim way of fasting from that of the Jews.
When Rasul Allah (saw) had migrated to Madina, he had found the Jews observing fast on the 10th of Muharram as according to them on this day Musa (as) and his followers had crossed the sea and Pharaoh had drowned. Rasul Allah (saw) on hearing this said, "We are more closely related to Musa (as) than you," and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Ashura. (Abu Dawood)
We also know from a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of Ashura was obligatory for the Muslims. It was later when the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory that the fast on the day of Ashura was made optional. However, Rasul Allah (saw) used to fast on the day of Ashura even after fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory.
We must be careful to refrain from other fabricated or superstitious beliefs about this month and from any actions that Allah (swt) and his Rasul (saw) have condemned.
May this month and this new year take us closer to Allah ta'ala's pleasure and away from His displeasure, closer to Jannah and away from An-Naar. Ameen.

Wassalam,
Farhat

ML/08-Feb 06/06-Muharram/1427 AH