EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — Royan Utsani, a member of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah’s Council for Religious Opinion and Reform, encouraged Muslims to make the month of Muharram a time for self-improvement. According to him, Muharram is one of Islam’s sacred months. This particular month is full of historical lessons and opportunities for increased worship.
He delivered these remarks during a study session on Riyādhuṣ Ṣāliḥīn at KH Sudja Mosque in Yogyakarta on Thursday (25/6).
Significant Events in the Month of Muharram
Royan explained that Muharram is associated with many important events in the history of the prophets.
Among the most significant is the salvation of Prophet Musa and the children of Israel from the Pharaoh’s pursuit on the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura. This event forms the basis for the recommendation to observe the Ashura fast.
He recounted that when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw the Jewish community fasting on that day, he declared that Muslims had a greater claim to Prophet Musa. Consequently, the Prophet encouraged fasting on the 10th of Muharram and expressed his intention to also fast on the 9th of Muharram (Tasu’a) to distinguish the Muslim practice from that of the Jews.
In addition to the story of Prophet Musa, Royan mentioned several narrations that associate Muharram with the acceptance of Prophet Adam’s repentance, the salvation of Prophet Nuh after the great flood, and the deliverance of Prophet Yunus after his supplication inside the belly of the whale.
According to him, these stories all convey the same enduring lesson: Allah’s help always comes to his servants who remain faithful, patient, and constant in remembering Him.
Perbanyak Puasa Sunnah di Bulan Muharam
Royan explained that Muharram is one of the four sacred months honored by Allah, as mentioned in QS. at-Taubah ayat 36.
He also quoted the Prophet Muhammad:
أَفْضَلُ الصِّيَامِ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ شَهْرُ اللَّهِ الْمُحَرَّمُ
“The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting during Allah’s month of Muharram.” (Narrated by Muslim)
According to Royan, the Prophet’s description of Muharram as Shahrullah (“the Month of Allah”) highlights its special status, encouraging Muslims to increase their acts of worship throughout the month.
He further reminded the audience that fasting on the Day of Ashura carries immense virtue, serving as an expiation for the minor sins committed during the previous year.
In closing, Royan urged the congregation to seize the opportunity presented by Muharram by increasing voluntary fasting, engaging in dhikr, seeking Islamic knowledge, and performing other righteous deeds as a means of strengthening their faith.
“May we all be able to make the most of the month of Muharram through our best deeds and attain the rewards promised by Allah and His Messenger,” he concluded.
