* Muharram Special

And call not those who are slain in the way of Allah "dead." Nay, they are living, but you do not perceive.
[02-154].

Muharram is the first month of Islamic Calender. Messenger Muhammad (saw) used to fast in this month. Also, many events unfolded after the death of Messenger Muhammad (saw). Muharram is one of four months that have been designated as holy according to the Islamic calendar, the other three being - Dhul-Qa'adah, Dhul-Hijjah and Rajab.

Fasting in the month of Muharram:
Fasting is advocated in the month of Muharram. The Prophet is believed to have said: "The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram." Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. Fasting on the tenth day of Muharram, called Ashura, is particularly important, as it supposed to lead to great rewards. A person does not have to fast for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit.

Here are some activities that are recommended for the day of Ashurah:

• To observe fast on this day.
• To give as much charity as you can afford.
• To perform Nafl Salat prayers.
• To recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times.
• To visit and be in the company of pious Ulema.
• To place a hand of affection on an orphan's head.
• To give generously to one's relatives. .
• To put surma in one's eyes.
• To take a bath.
• To cut one's nails.
• To visit the sick.
• To establish friendly ties with one's enemies.
• To recite Dua-e- Ashurah
• To visit the shrines of Awliyas and the graves of Muslims.

Muharram- an auspicious time:

The month of Muharram is also associated with many auspicious events in Islamic history. Allah is supposed to have created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this day He give His infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches of their enemies.

Allah created Hazrat Adam in this month and pardoned him of his mistake. Hazrat Noah's Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi during this time centuries ago. God is also said to have saved Hazrat Ibrahim from fire and rescued Hazrat Musa from the Pharaoh during the month of Muharram.

You must be wondering what there is to mourn about then? The tenth day of Muharram or Ashura is of supreme importance for Shia Muslims as they celebrate the death anniversary of Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.