Where to Donate Sadaqah in Muharram?

Muharram is one of the four most sacred months in Islam. It marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Its profound religious, historical, and cultural importance resonates deeply across the Muslim world. Muharram is observed as a period of sober reflection in the Muslim world, due to the tragic events of the Battle of Karbala. However, the importance of Muharram predates the Battle of Karbala. In this article, we will discuss the history of Muharram, exploring its diverse meanings and understanding why Sadaqah in Muharram is particularly meaningful for Muslims during this month, especially on the tenth day, known as Ashura.

The History of Muharram Before the Battle of Karbala:

Muharram’s sanctity predates Islam. Even in pre-Islamic Arabia, the month of Muharram was considered sacred. Arabs refrained from warfare and bloodshed during the month of Muharram. Following the inception of Islam, Muharram continued to be a sanctified month. The Quran tells us:

“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him].” (Surat At-Tawbah, 9:36)

The Tradition of Fasting during Muharram

The sanctity of Muharram was established in the time of the Prophet (ﷺ). According to the Hadith, the tenth of Muharram, the Ashura day, was observed with fasting: 

“’A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had ordered to observe fast (on ‘Ashura) before the fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory. But when it became obligatory, then he who wished fasted on the day of Ashura, and he who wished did not observe it (on that day).” (Sahih Muslim, 1125d)

According to a hadith, the Ashura day was observed to remember the day when Allah (SWT) gave victory to Hazrat Musa (AS) and His followers over the Pharaoh:

“Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that when Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) came to Medina, he found the Jews observing the fast on the day of Ashura. They (the Jews) were asked about it and they said: It is the day on which Allah granted victory to Moses and (his people) Bani Isra’il over the Pharaoh and we observe fast out of gratitude to Him. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: We have a closer connection with Moses than you have, and he commanded to observe fast on this day.” (Sahih Muslim, 1130a)

Fasting during Muharram is a Sunnah and is still practiced by many Muslims. Traditionally, Muslims observe two days of fasting, either on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or the 10th and the 11th of Muharram. This differentiates the Islamic fasting practices from those of the Jews. 

Muharram is a Blessed Time for Charity

Commemorating the Battle of Karbala And Its Martyrs:

Muharram, and specifically the Day of Ashura, acquired a profoundly different meaning following the Battle of Karbala. On October 10, 680 CE, the Battle of Karbala took place between Imam Hussain (AS) and Yazid Bin Muawiyah.

Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Prophet (ﷺ), refused to pledge allegiance to the tyrannical rule of Yazid. Imam Hussain (AS) and his 72 companions stood resolutely against the tyrant’s forces, estimated to be between 4,000 and 30,000. On the Day of Ashura, they took their final stand and were martyred.

The sacrifices of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions are commemorated by Muslims worldwide.

How is Ashura Observed in the Muslim World?

While Shia Muslims observe mourning on the Day of Ashura, Sunni Muslims fast and give Sadaqah in Muharram However, Muharram in general, and the day of Ashura specifically, is observed with great reverence. In Pakistan, both practices are prevalent on the Day of Ashura.

Charity is often observed locally through the act of cooking and sharing local food. Clean drinking water and Sherbert are also provided in abundance to remember the thirst of the martyrs of Karbala and commemorate their sacrifice.

How to  Donate Sadaqah in Muharram

Giving Sadaqah on the day of Muharram is an excellent way of honoring the martyrs of Karbala. However, we should remember that Sadaqah is prescribed to be a regular practice for Muslims. It shouldn’t be bound or ascribed typically to a specific occasion. However, many Muslims remember the events of Karbala and commemorate the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions. The best way to achieve that is to understand Islam and practice it in the right spirit. Giving charity is one of Islam’s primary teachings. 

According to a Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)  said: “Indeed charity extinguishes the Lord’s anger and it protects against the evil death.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 664)

In another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Sadaqah does not decrease property and Allah increases the honor of him who forgives and no one will humble himself for Allah’s sake except that Allah raises his status.” Related by Muslim. (Bulugh al-Maram)

Hence, giving Sadaqah should be a regular feature in the lives of Muslims who can afford to do so. While choosing how to donate your Sadaqah, remember that you can help create a profound impact on the lives of people battling with diseases.

Save lives in Muharram for Blessings

Where to Donate Sadaqah in Muharram?

Consider Transparent Hands for your Muharram Sadaqah because we have left an indelible mark on the lives of 250,000 individuals since our inception in 2014. Transparent Hands is an online crowdfunding organization that provides free medical and surgical care to deserving patients in Pakistan. We also arrange free medical camps in low-income areas to accommodate deserving patients. Our medical camps offer free check-ups, diagnostic tests, and high-quality medicines. We also arrange preventive healthcare sessions. All of that is possible due to the generous support of our donors and sponsors. We collect Zakat and Sadaqah in accordance with Sharia rulings. 

This Muharram, donate to Transparent Hands to make a life-changing impact on the lives of deserving patients. Donate now.

Conclusion:

In this article, we discussed why Muharram is one of the most revered months in the Islamic calendar. While Muharram and Ashura are related to the events of the Battle of Karbala, the month was significant even in pre-Islamic Arab society. The importance of Muharram is also mentioned in the Quran and the Hadith. Fasting in Muharram was encouraged for believers till Ramadan fasting became obligatory. Many Muslims still fast on the Day of Ashura to follow the Sunnah and to commemorate the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions. Giving Sadaqah is recommended by the Quran and the Hadith. It should be a regular practice for believers who can afford it. Giving Sadaqah in Muharram, especially on the Day of Ashura, is a traditional practice among many Muslims. Supporting needy patients is another excellent form of charity. Donate to Transparent Hands today.

Read More: 

The Battle of Karbala and Its Lessons

What is Ashura and Its Importance?