Sabr and Servitude: Muharram 2024

The month of Muharram is one of the four most sacred months within the Islamic year. Being the first month of the new year, it holds immense significance in terms of spirituality and self-contemplation that helps one to understand our purpose in life. 

It is a month that exemplifies patience, courage, and the determination to support those who need it the most. The grandeur of Muharram is such that it is also known as the sacred month of Allah (SWT) in which miracles have occurred in the lives of esteemed prophets like Hazrat Adam (AS), Musa (AS), Yaqoob (AS) and many others, all of which serve us as rays of hope in seeking mercy from the Lord of the Worlds-Rabbul A’alameen! 

Muharram also follows the month in which allegiance was pledged to the Prophet (ﷺ) following his emigration (Hijrah) to Madinah, this pledge of allegiance was one of the introductory acts of emigration. Upon arrival in Madinah our noble Prophet (ﷺ) continued to receive divine revelations from Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and set about building the followers of Islam.  

As we approach the sacred month of Muharram, our hearts and minds are drawn to reflection, remembrance, and acts of profound compassion. It is a time when we commemorate the noble stand of the beloved grandson of our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Imam Hussain (AS), who sacrificed everything to uphold the principles of justice and truth. He, along with 72 of his companions, including his brother, sons and nephews were martyred on the scorching plains of Karbala in a state of extreme hunger and thirst. This month encourages us to reflect on our own lives, understand our values, purpose and to consider how we can uphold the impeccable values of Imam Hussain (AS). 

One of the most profound ways we can honour his legacy is by supporting those who are less fortunate. The month invites us to remember the sacrifices made, to draw closer to our faith, and to extend our hand to those who depend on the nobility of our actions. 

It is said that water is known as the elixir of life, which reminds us of the word of our noble Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), “The best charity is to give water to drink,” (Ahmad). Your donation towards our Thirst Relief appeal can make a world of difference in the lives of many. It can be the difference between a child suffering from a water borne disease and a child thriving in school, carving their own future. It can help a mother stay at home to care for her family instead of walking miles, carrying buckets of water daily, in a bid to quench the thirst of her children. 

In this world of rapid technological advancements, there are still approximately 4 billion people, representing two thirds of the world's population, who experience water scarcity during at least one month of the year. For us at Penny Appeal, our mission is to alleviate such suffering by providing sustainable water solutions to communities in need. Our Thirst Relief projects offer a powerful way for us to channel the spirit of Muharram through tangible actions. By the grace of Allah (SWT) and your generosity, we have built an astonishing 43,000 wells and water systems, and counting, Alhamdulillah!  

This Muharram, we invite you to make a difference through your donations towards our Thirst Relief appeal and help us build water wells and water systems to those who are in dire need. One small act of charity can create ripples of change, bringing relief and joy to those who need it most, because every drop of water you help to provide will act as a testament to the enduring power of faith and humanity. 

Your donation is more than charity; it is a beacon of hope, compassion, and a profound act of servitude towards the creations of our Creator.  

To learn more about Muharram and our Thirst Relief projects across the world, click here