Friday khutba – 19 June 2026 (4 Muharram 1448 AH)
Muharram – The Sacred Month of Allah
All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek His help and forgiveness, and rely upon Him. We bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner, and that Muhammad (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) is His servant and Messenger.
Allah the Almighty says: “O you who believe! Fear Allah and speak words of truth and justice. He will rectify your deeds for you and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has indeed attained a great success.”
Dear brothers and sisters,
One of the greatest benefits for a believer is to reflect upon the stories of the prophets and the events of past nations—not merely to learn historical facts, but to derive lessons and guidance that strengthen faith and illuminate the path of righteousness. For this reason, the Qur’an repeatedly recounts the stories of earlier peoples and prophets. Allah says:
“Indeed, in their stories there is a lesson for people of understanding.” (Qur’an 12:111)
History, from the Islamic perspective, is a school of faith. It teaches us the consequences of belief and disbelief, patience and perseverance, justice and oppression. Among the most important lessons is that injustice ultimately leads to ruin, while justice is the path to salvation and success.
Therefore, every Muslim must avoid injustice in all its forms. One must not wrong oneself through sin, nor wrong others by violating their rights, taking their property unlawfully, harming their dignity, or spreading slander and false accusations. The Prophet (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) warned us that injustice will become darkness on the Day of Judgment.
The blessed month of Muharram and the Day of Ashura remind us of this reality. They renew in our hearts certainty that truth will prevail, no matter how severe the trials may be, and that falsehood is destined to perish, regardless of the power and influence of its supporters.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months honored by Allah. It is the only month specifically described by the Prophet (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) as “Allah’s month.” He said: “The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah’s month, Muharram.” (Muslim)
Although the Prophet (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) often fasted in Sha‘ban, scholars explain that he may have learned of the special virtue of Muharram later in his life, or that travel and other circumstances prevented him from fasting more during that month.
Among the most significant days of Muharram is the Day of Ashura. It was on this day that Allah saved Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel, and drowned Pharaoh and his army. This event remains a timeless sign of Allah’s support for His believing servants and a reminder that tyranny, no matter how powerful, will ultimately be defeated.
When the Prophet (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on Ashura. When he asked them why, they replied: “This is the day on which Allah saved Moses and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people.”
The Prophet (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) then said: “We have more right to Moses than they do.”
He fasted on that day and encouraged the Muslims to do the same.
Ashura is not merely a remembrance of a historical event. It is a living lesson for every generation. It teaches us that true strength does not lie in wealth, armies, or political power, but in faith in Allah and trust in His promise. Pharaoh possessed immense authority, yet it was of no benefit when Allah’s decree came. His downfall became a warning for every arrogant tyrant throughout history.
The story of Moses also reminds us that the struggle between truth and falsehood continues in every age. The people of truth may face trials, hardships, and difficulties, but Allah never abandons His sincere servants. Just as He parted the sea for Moses and his people, He is fully capable of opening doors of relief and victory for the believers whenever He wills.
For this reason, fasting on Ashura is an act of gratitude to Allah for His blessings and support. The Prophet (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) said: “I hope that Allah will expiate the sins of the previous year through fasting on the Day of Ashura.” (Muslim)
What a great mercy and immense generosity from Allah!
The observance of Ashura developed gradually. The Prophet (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) fasted on that day in Makkah and later encouraged it in Madinah. After the fasting of Ramadan became obligatory, fasting on Ashura remained a highly recommended Sunnah.
Toward the end of his life, wishing to distinguish the Muslim practice from that of the People of the Book, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “If I live until next year, I will fast the ninth day as well.” (Muslim)
Therefore, scholars recommend fasting either the ninth and tenth of Muharram together, or the tenth and eleventh.
Dear believers,
The month of Muharram is a precious opportunity to increase in worship, obedience, and closeness to Allah. The Day of Ashura combines the virtue of fasting with profound lessons of gratitude, patience, perseverance, and trust in Allah. It reminds us that truth will ultimately prevail, falsehood will ultimately vanish, and Allah’s help is always near for His believing servants.
We ask Allah, the Most High, to grant us the blessing of fasting during Muharram and on the Day of Ashura with sincere faith and devotion; to make us among the people of truth and justice; to protect us from oppression and wrongdoing; and to keep us steadfast upon the path of guidance until we meet Him.
