Muharram Ul Haram- What Does The Holy Quran Say About Mourning?

First of all, it is important to know that Muharram is the first month of the Islamic year. It is a sacred month for several reasons, and people often keep fasts to pay respect to the martyrdom of many Islamic leaders in the battle of Karbala. 

The most pious and beloved grandson of our Prophet ﷺ and his loyal companions were held up for ten days without food and water. Allah (SWT) mentions in the Holy Quran, surah 9, verse 36:

‘..Four of them are sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves in them....’

It is Allah (SWT) who controls our hearts and emotions. It is clearly mentioned in the Holy Quran in English in the surah An Najm, verse 43:

‘And that He it is who maketh laugh, and maketh weep.’

Thus, we come to know that weeping within the limits of the Shariah is permissible and acceptable.

If you ponder upon the English translated Quran, you will learn how excessive weeping leads to white eyes and eventually blinding! It is mentioned in Surah Yousuf, verse 84:

‘And he turned away from them and said: Alas, my grief for Joseph! And his eyes were whitened with sorrow that he was suppressing.’

Pondering through the authentic Quran transliteration book will make you aware that excessive weeping might be the cause of some major illnesses, and one of them is turning blind!

Always take out time from your busy schedule to study the English version of the Quran. Some people often correlate mourning and self-torturing as a mark of repent in the first ten days of Muharram. Allah (SWT) states in the Holy Quran in surah Maidah, verse 83:

‘Whenever they listen to that which hath been revealed unto the messengers, thou seest their eyes overflow with tears because of their recognition of the Truth. They say: Our Lord, we believe. Inscribe us as among the witnesses.’

The Lesson Of Karbala:

If you look closely, the learned Islamic scholars who are well versed in understanding the full Quran in English will tell you details about Karbala and its significance. It teaches us to dwell in peace, humanity, harmony and stand against evil and corrupt-minded people.

There are many schools of thought when it comes to talking about the ways and manners of mourning during the holy month of Muharram, which marks the beginning of the new Islamic year. Mourning and grieving to the extent that is permissible as per the Shariah is acceptable. Fasting and sending durood to the shaheeds is also greatly recommended during the first ten days of the month of Muharram.

And Allah Knows The Best!