Embracing the Virtues of Muharram 🌙

As-Salamu Alaikum, Dear Minara Community,

As we step into the sacred month of Muharram, let’s explore its virtues and reflect on how we can strengthen our relationship with prayer.

This newsletter aims to provide insights and tips to help us make the most of this blessed time and enhance our spiritual practices.

Embracing the Virtues of Muharram 🌿

The Significance of Muharram

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds immense significance in Islam. It is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran, where good deeds are especially rewarded and sinful acts are more grievous:

🤲🏼 Sacredness of the Month: Muharram is a time for increased devotion and reflection. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) referred to it as the "Month of Allah," underscoring its special status.

✨ Fasting on Ashura: The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is a particularly blessed day. Fasting on this day is highly recommended as it expiates the sins of the previous year.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it" (Muslim).

The Day of Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, which is expected to be on 16th July 2024 this year.

Prayer Tip of the Week: Gaining Perspective on Salah 💖

Understanding Our Relationship with Prayer

One of the biggest hurdles to praying consistently is how we perceive prayer. To deepen our connection, we must reflect on our relationship with it:

- Reflect on Challenges: Identify and understand the underlying reasons that make it difficult to keep up with prayer. Is it time, place, or something deeper?

- Question and Understand: Don’t shy away from questioning why prayer is important. Understanding the meaning and depth behind Salah can help build a more intimate and personal connection with it.

- Find Value in Prayer: Recognise the intrinsic value of prayer in your life. It is not just a ritual but a meaningful conversation with Allah, filled with spiritual significance.

Ayah Reflection: Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6)

_فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا ۝ إِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًۭا_

“For indeed, with hardship, will be ease. Indeed, with hardship, will be ease.”

Tafsir Insights:

This beautiful verse from Surah Ash-Sharh offers profound comfort and hope. It assures us that every hardship comes with ease, emphasizing that difficulties are temporary and will be followed by relief.

The repetition of this promise reinforces Allah’s mercy and the certainty that ease will come. This week, let these verses remind you of Allah’s infinite wisdom and compassion during times of trial.

As we conclude this week’s newsletter, let us embrace the sacredness of Muharram by increasing our good deeds and fasting on Ashura.

Let’s also take this time to reflect on our prayer practices and strive to build a deeper, more meaningful connection with Allah.

May Allah grant us the strength to overcome our challenges and the wisdom to appreciate the ease that follows.

With gratitude,

The Minara Team 🌙