Muharram and Ashura for Kids: Simple Lessons for Muslim Families
Listen to this article
8 min listen
Introduction
Many children know about Ramadan and Eid (Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha), but they may not know much about Muharram and infact we have observed that many children have completely misunderstood Muharram due to the widespread innovations and practices that are present today.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the sacred months that Allah mentions in the Qur'an. It is also the month in which we find the Day of Ashura, a day connected to the story of Prophet Musa عليه السلام and the believers who were saved by Allah.
In this article, we'll look at what Muharram is, why Ashura is important, and a few simple lessons that children can take from this special time of the year.
What Is Muharram?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the twelve months that Allah has created and one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur'an.
Allah says:
"Verily, the number of months with Allâh is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allâh on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islâmic calendar)" (Qur'an 9:36)
The four sacred months are Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab.
These months have a special status in Islam. Muslims should always try to obey Allah and stay away from sin, but the sacred months are a reminder to pay even more attention to our actions and our worship.
Just as some places are special, like Makkah and Madinah, and some days are sacred, like the Day of Arafah or the last days in Ramadan. Similarly, Allah has also made certain months sacred and Muharram is one of them.
Many people know Muharram as the beginning of the Islamic year. While that is true, Muslims also remember Muharram because of the Day of Ashura, which falls on the tenth day of the month.
This day is connected to an important event in the life of Prophet Musa عليه السلام, and it carries great lessons for both children and adults.
Why Is Muharram Special?
Muharram is special because Allah chose it to be one of the four sacred months. When Allah gives something a special status, a believer should pay attention to it and try to make the most of it.
The Prophet ﷺ also spoke about the virtue of this month. He said:
“The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah's month, Muharram.” (Sahih Muslim)
Notice how the Prophet ﷺ called it "Allah's month." Scholars have mentioned that this shows the importance and honor of Muharram.
This does not mean that every day of Muharram is treated like Eid, or that there are special celebrations connected to the beginning of the Islamic year. Rather, it is a month in which Muslims try to increase in worship and good deeds.
For families, Muharram is a good time to encourage children to do simple good deeds. This could be reading a few verses of the Qur'an, learning a new dua, helping around the house, or showing kindness to others.
Small acts of worship done regularly can have a big impact over time. Muharram is a reminder to begin the year with obedience to Allah and gratitude for His blessings.
What Is Ashura and Why Is It Important?
One of the most important days in the month of Muharram is the Day of Ashura. Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram and has a special place in Islam. Many Muslims know Ashura as a day of fasting, but children often ask a simple question:
"Why is Ashura important and why do we fast specifically on the day of Ashura?"
The story of Ashura goes back many years before the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Allah sent Prophet Musa عليه السلام to call Pharaoh and his people to worship Allah alone. Pharaoh was a ruler who was proud and oppressive. He refused to follow the truth and treated the believers unjustly.
Musa عليه السلام continued calling the people to Allah and remained patient through many difficulties. Eventually, Allah commanded Musa عليه السلام to leave with the believers.
As they travelled, they reached the sea. Behind them was Pharaoh and his army. In front of them was the water.
Some of the people became frightened when they saw Pharaoh approaching. Musa عليه السلام, however, placed his trust in Allah.
Allah says:
"Nay, verily with me is my Lord. He will guide me." (Qur'an 26:62)
Then Allah commanded Musa عليه السلام to strike the sea with his staff. By the permission of Allah, the sea split and a path opened for the believers. Musa عليه السلام and those with him crossed safely.
When Pharaoh and his army followed, Allah caused the sea to return and they were drowned.
This was a great victory that came from Allah alone. He protected Musa عليه السلام and the believers and saved them from a powerful enemy.
Many years later, when the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found that the Jews were fasting on this day. They explained that it was the day Allah saved Musa عليه السلام and his people.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"We have more right to Musa than you."-Sunan Ibn Majah
He then fasted on Ashura and instructed the Muslims to fast it as well.
This teaches our children an important lesson. Muslims believe in all of Allah's Prophets. We love them, respect them, and learn from their examples. The story of Ashura reminds us that Allah helps His believing servants and that trust in Allah is one of the greatest qualities a Muslim can have.
Lessons for children in the Story of Musa عليه السلام and the Firawn
Trust in Allah
When Musa عليه السلام and the believers reached the sea, the situation looked very difficult. The sea was in front of them and Pharaoh's army was behind them. Even in that moment, Musa عليه السلام trusted Allah completely.
Trusting Allah does not mean we stop trying. We do our best, ask Allah for help, and remember that He is in control of all affairs. Allah is always able to help His servants, even when a situation seems impossible.
Be Patient During Difficult Times
Musa عليه السلام spent years calling people to the truth and he was constantly met with opposition from Pharaoh and his followers. But he was patient and relied on Allah for help. Patience is an important quality for every Muslim.
Good things often take time, and patience is one of the qualities that Allah loves.
Muharram Activities and Worksheets for Kids
Below are some of the fun and informational Muharram worksheets for kids:
