Muharram: A Time to Reflect

As we progress through of the blessed month of Muharram, let us reflect on the virtues of the days that have passed and use the remaining time as an opportunity for a fresh start and a new beginning as we embrace the blessings of the new Islamic year. 

"Say, 'Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely." (Qur’an 9:51) 

Here are some spiritual goals you can set yourself as this blessed month progresses: 

Strengthening Taqwa (God consciousness): Establish this through daily prayers, offering them on time and consistently throughout the day. It is said that one of the most useful ways to improve one’s concentration (khushu’) is by learning and understanding the meaning of the recitation during salah. 

Recitation of the Qur’an: It is said that an hour of contemplation is better than a year of worship. Therefore, it is important that one strives to read a page or at least some verses from the Qur’an to derive wisdom and ponder about its relevance in real life situations. 

The above two points were beautifully expressed by Hazrat Ali Ibn Abu Talib (A.S), the fourth Caliph of Islam and cousin, son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) when he said,” When I want to talk to Allah (SWT), I pray (salah) and when I want Allah (SWT) to talk to me, I read the Qur’an.’’ Subhan’Allah! 

Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): “Verily in the remembrance of Allah, do hearts find rest”. (Qur’an 13:28). One does not even need to allocate a specific time to remember Allah (SWT), you could remember and praise Him (SWT) while watching the sun set, or the birds finding their sustenance, or even in the smile of a baby! Simply repeat Subhan’Allah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar whenever you get the chance. 

Charity and compassion: In this month of Muharram, follow the prophetic examples of generosity and dedicate a portion of your wealth to those in need. Penny Appeal facilitates such heartfelt desires through an array of meaningful appeals that can be found here. 

Self-reflection and Repentance: It is said that “every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future” which implies that irrespective of how sinful we’d consider ourselves at the moment, there’s always an opportunity to assess our actions, seek forgiveness for our shortcomings and make a sincere effort to abandon bad habits and cultivate positive traits. The beauty of repentance is mentioned in the Qur’an in which Allah (SWT) says: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Qur’an: 39:53) 

By setting realistic, achievable and meaningful goals, we can deepen our connection with Allah (SWT) and impact the world around us at the same time. Let this Muharram continue to be a month of discarding old, useless habits and embrace positive changes that affect not just the mind and body but can possibly beautify the only eternal thing about us - Our Souls, Insha’Allah! 

May Allah (SWT) accept all your efforts. Ameen!