Muharram-ul-Haram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and signifies the beginning of a new Islamic year. Muharram 2022 will begin on the evening of July 29, 2022. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) referred to the month of Muharram as the ‘Sacred Month of Allah,’ making it the only blessed month to have Allah’s name particularly attached.
The importance of the month of Muharram is hinted at by its name. ‘Muharram’ literally means ‘forbidden,’ signifying that this month is so sacred that some actions that could disrupt its sanctity are forbidden during it. Muslims are also advised to practice good deeds, recite the Holy Quran, and offer nawafil in abundance during this month.
In this article, we will highlight some Quranic prayers (Quranic duaein) and nawafil that are recommended for the month of Muharram, especially on the 9th and 10th Muharram. But before that, let’s discuss what makes this holy month so special and important for Muslims.
What Makes Muharram-ul-Haram So Special?
The importance of the month of Ramadan is often highlighted; however, we usually neglect the other three sacred months, one of which is Muharram. These months provide ample opportunities to ask for Allah’s mercy and favor, and the reward of ibadah during these months surpasses any other month.
It is mentioned in Surah Taubah:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion [i.e., way], so do not wrong yourselves during them….” (Quran 9:36)
Muharram is among the four sacred months mentioned in this Ayat. This signifies that Allah has particularly chosen Muharram-ul-Haram to be special and commands us not to ‘wrong ourselves‘ during the sacred month. This essentially implies that we must keep pure intentions, practice righteous behavior, and must not be tempted to sin.
We must be extra careful about how we act, personally and professionally, and be mindful of our worship, time management, and even how we look after ourselves. With pure intentions, even a small action can yield a huge reward.
How to Take Advantage of the Month of Muharram 2022
Even though the entire month of Muharram is blessed, the 10th of Muharram (commonly known as Ashurah) holds many significant and distinctive qualities. On this day, Allah Al-Mighty created the earth and the heavens, created Hazrat Adam (AS) and forgave him for his disobedience, safely landed Hazrat Noah’s (AS) ark on Mount Judi, protected Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) from fire, and saved Hazrat Musa (AS) and his followers from the Pharaoh.
Hence, praying on the eve and day of Ashura holds immense significance and reward for Muslims. Here are 10 adhkaar and nawafil that you can recite for seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings.
Nawafil for the 1st of Muharram
1. Two rakaʿāt Nafil Salah
In each rakaʿāt, recite Surah Ikhlaas three times after Surah Fatiha.
After saying Salam, ask Allah for his blessings and forgiveness and to keep you away from sinful acts and guide you towards good deeds.
Nawafil for the Eve of Ashurah (Night of 9th Muharram)
Recite the following nawafil after Isha namaz for forgiveness from sins and protection from hellfire:
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Four Rakaʿāt Nafil Salah
In each rakaʿāt, recite:
- Surah Fatiha (one time)
- Ayat-al Kursi (three times)
- Surah Ikhlas (10 times)
After saying Salam, recite Surah Ikhlas 100 times and ask Allah for forgiveness for your sins.
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Four Rakaʿāt Nafil Salah
Alternatively, you can also recite four rakaʿāt salah by reciting the following in each rakaʿāt:
- Surah Fatiha (one time)
- Ayat-al Kursi (three times)
- Surah Ikhlas (three times)
After saying Salam, recite Surah Ikhlas 100 times and ask Allah for forgiveness for your sins.
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Four Rakaʿāt with Darood Sharif
In each rakaʿāt, recite:
- Surah Fatiha (one time)
- Surah Ikhlas (five times)
After saying Salam, recite:
- Darood Sharif (70 times)
- Astaghfaar (70 times)
5. Eight Rakaʿāt Nafil Salah (i.e. 2x2x2x2 Rakaʿāt)
In each rakaʿāt, recite:
- Surah Fatiha (one time)
- Surah Ikhlas (25 times)
After saying Salam, recite:
- Darood Sharif (70 times)
- Astaghfaar (70 times)
Nawafil for the Day of Ashurah (10th Muharram)
Recite the following nawafil before Zuhr namaz for forgiveness from sins and protection from hellfire:
6. Four Rakaʿāt Nafil Salah
In each rakaʿāt, recite:
- Surah Fatiha (one time)
- Surah Zilzaal (one time)
- Surah Kafiroon (one time)
- Surah Ikhlas (one time)
After saying Salam, recite Darood Sharif 70 times and ask Allah for mercy and forgiveness.
7. Four Rakaʿāt Nafil Salah
In each rakaʿāt, recite:
- Surah Fatiha (one time)
- Surah Ikhlas (15 times)
After saying Salam, pray on behalf of Hazrat Imam Hassan, Hazrat Imam Hussain, and their companions for their sacrifices in the Battle of Karbala.
8. Six Rakaʿāt with Three Salams (i.e. 2x2x2 Rakaʿāt)
After reciting Surah Fatiha, recite:
- Surah Shams (one time) in the first rakaʿāt
- Surah Qadr (one time) in the second rakaʿāt
- Surah Zilzaal (one time) in the third rakaʿāt
- Surah Ikhlas (one time) in the fourth rakaʿāt
- Surah Falak (one time) in the fifth rakaʿāt
- Surah Naas (one time) in the sixth rakaʿāt
After saying Salam, recite Surah Kafiroon (one time) while in Sajda and ask Allah for his infinite blessings and to fulfill your heart’s desires.
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Dua-e-Ashurah
On the 10th of Muharram (which falls on July 30th, 2022 in Muharram 2022) between sunrise and sunset, read this dua 70 times:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّـهُ مِلْءَ لْمِيْزَانْ وَمُنْتَهَى العِلْمَ، وَمَبْلَغَ الْرِضَا، وَزِنَةُ الْعَرْش، لَا مَلْجَاءَ وَلَا مَنْجَا مِنَ اللهِ اِلَا اِلَيْهِ. سُبْحَانَ اللهِ عَدَدَ شَفِيعْ وَالْعَرْشِ، وعَدَدَ كَلِمَاتِ رَبِّنَا التَامَّاتِ كُلِهَا،أَسْأَلُكَ السَّلَامَةَ، بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينْ. وَلَا حَوْلَه وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَا بِاللهِ الْعَلِيِ الْعَظِيْمِ. وَهُوَ حَسْبُنَا اللَّـهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ. نِعْمَ الْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ النَّصِيرُ. وَصَل اللهُ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ. وَ عَلَي آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ اَجْمَعِينْ.
Transliteration:
SubhanAllahu mil al Mizan wa muntaha ‘ilma, Wa mablaghal rida, Wa zinatul ‘arsh, la malja-a wa la manja minAllahi illa ilayhi. SubhanAllahi ‘adada shaf’i wal ‘watri, Wa ‘adada kalimati Rabbina taammati kulliha. As alukas Salamata bi Rahmatika Ya Arhamar Rahimeen, Wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahil ‘Aliyyil ‘Azheem. Wa huwa hasbun Allahu wa ni’mal wakil, Ni’mal Mawla wa ni’man Naseer. Wa Sallallahu ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadin wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma’in.
Translation:
Glorious is Allah, as much as what is in His great scale, and as far as His knowledge extends, and to such a degree as it attains His pleasure, and to whatever weight may be His Throne; there is no refuge and no safety from Allah except in Him. Glorious is Allah (He is declared so) as many as there be even (numbers) and as many as there be odd, and as many as there be perfect words of His; glory be to Him for them all. We ask of You (our Lord) for safety, by Your mercy, O You who is the most merciful of all those who show mercy. Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs. The very best master and the very best help! And there is no power and no strength except in Allah, the High, the Great! May the grace of Allah, the Exalted, be upon our Master Muhammad and upon his family and his companions, and upon the believers’ men and women, and upon those who submit (in Islam), as much as there be atoms in existence and as much as there be things known to Allah; and all praise is due to Him, Lord of the Worlds.
10.Adhkaar for the Day of Ashura
Recite this Quranic verse (70 times) anytime on the 10th of Muharram while in Wazu:
حَسْبُنَا اللَّـهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ نِعْمَ الْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ النَّصِيرُ
Transliteration:
Hasbun Allahu wa ni’mal wakeel, ni’mal Mawlaa wa ni’man Naseer.
Translation:
Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs. The very best master and the very best help
Other Practices for 10th Muharram
Here are some other blessed practices you can carry out in the sacred month of Muharram to earn Allah’s blessings:
- Be the first to greet everyone with Asalam-o-Alaikum and a smile. This simple action can earn you countless blessings and forgiveness.
- Give sadaqah regularly. Since Muharram is the first month of the Islamic New Year, it is the ideal time to formulate resolutions and start practicing good habits to reap the rewards all year round.
- Look after your health and make positive changes to your lifestyle; eat cautiously, exercise more, and sleep better. This is a reward-worthy action since your body is an ‘Amanah’ (trust) from Allah.
- Just like prayers, sins carry more weightage in Muharram, so seek forgiveness regularly during this month.
- Recite the Qur’an as much as possible since it is the best way to become closer to Allah during His chosen sacred month.
Conclusion for the 10 Adhkaar and Nawafil for Muharram 2022
Muharram 2022 is just around the corner, so make sure to include nafil prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran in your daily routine. Don’t forget that even the slightest of good deeds will be heavily rewarded in this month, so make sure to smile and greet everyone, be helpful to elders and children, give sadaqah and zakat, and most importantly, promise to lead your life in light of Islamic teachings.
