What is Muharram in Islam – The True Meaning by Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj

Tarun jha July 01, 2025

Introduction

The month of Muharram holds a significant place in Islam, especially for Muslims around the world. It is considered the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months in which warfare is forbidden. However, the depth of the events associated with Muharram, particularly the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, carries intense emotional and religious importance.

Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, a true spiritual leader and an enlightened saint, explains the actual essence of Muharram with scriptural evidence and divine knowledge. His teachings challenge blind rituals and focus on the path of true devotion according to the Holy Scriptures of all religions.

This article will delve into the meaning of Muharram, the events associated with it, and the true spiritual insights offered by Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj.

What is Muharram?

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The word "Muharram" literally means "forbidden" or "sacred." According to Islamic belief, it is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran during which warfare is prohibited. The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is especially significant.

Importance in Islam

Sacredness: According to the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36), Muharram is one of the four months declared sacred by Allah.
Fasting: Prophet Muhammad is reported to have observed fasting on the day of Ashura.
Martyrdom of Imam Hussain: The battle of Karbala occurred on the 10th of Muharram, 680 AD (61 AH), where Imam Hussain and his 72 companions were martyred.

The Incident of Karbala: A Tragedy Remembered

What Happened?

In 680 AD, Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, stood against the tyrant ruler Yazid who claimed the Islamic caliphate. Imam Hussain refused to submit to Yazid’s unjust rule, leading to the tragic battle of Karbala. Surrounded by Yazid’s army, deprived of water and food for days, Imam Hussain and his companions were mercilessly martyred.

Why Is It Remembered?

The event of Karbala symbolizes the fight against injustice, tyranny, and falsehood. Muslims across the world commemorate this event by mourning, organizing processions, and performing rituals to honor the sacrifices made by Imam Hussain and his family.

Rituals in Muharram

Common Practices

Mourning Processions (Matam): Followers express grief by beating their chests and chanting "Ya Hussain".
Recitations of Karbala Martyrdom: Emotional storytelling sessions (Majlis) are held.
Tazia Processions: Replicas of Imam Hussain's tomb are carried in large gatherings.
Fasting: Many fast on the 10th of Muharram to gain blessings.

The Viewpoint of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj

Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj has brought revolutionary spiritual understanding through evidence-based discourses from the Quran, Bible, Vedas, and Guru Granth Sahib. He provides answers that address the core of true worship and salvation.

1. Blind Faith versus True Worship

Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasizes that rituals performed during Muharram, such as self-flagellation and mourning, are acts of blind devotion. While the intentions may be pure, these actions are not supported by the Quran or any holy scripture as a means to attain salvation.

He says, “Crying and mourning do not help the soul of Imam Hussain. Instead of just expressing sorrow, one should walk the path Imam Hussain stood for – truth, justice, and real devotion to the Supreme God.”

2. Who is the Real God in Islam?

Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj explains from the Quran Sharif that Allah Kabir (Kabir Sahib) is the Supreme God. Surah Furqan 25:52-59 clearly mentions that the Prophet was told to trust the same God who created the heavens and earth in six days and who sits on the throne. That God is Kabir, not formless, and He even met Prophet Muhammad.

The real worship, according to Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, is that of Allah Kabir, who grants salvation.

3. The Real Meaning of Sacrifice

The battle of Karbala is not about just martyrdom but a symbol of standing against falsehood. Imam Hussain stood for justice, truth, and righteousness, even at the cost of his life. However, the message is not to mourn his death forever but to follow his courage and devotion in our lives.

Saint Rampal Ji says, “Martyrdom is not for remembrance with tears; it’s for learning how to live with truth.”

4. Quran Does Not Promote Mourning Rituals

The Quran never instructs believers to harm themselves, mourn for the dead, or hold processions. These practices are man-made traditions that have entered Islam over centuries.

Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj reveals that true worship must be done by chanting the correct naam (mantra) provided by a Complete Saint, not by performing rituals not mentioned in holy texts.

5. Message for Today’s Muslims

Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj urges all Muslims to:

Understand the real teachings of the Quran.
Identify the Complete Saint (Tatvdarshi Sant) mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al Furqan 25:59).
Receive true worship (Satbhakti) that leads to moksha (salvation).
Leave rituals that have no spiritual benefit.
Accept the guidance of Kabir Saheb, who is the real Creator.

Muharram and the Need for True Knowledge

In today’s world, people are divided into sects and traditions, often without understanding the real aim of human life. Muharram teaches us about sacrifice and standing for righteousness, but the spiritual goal should be to attain God, which cannot be achieved through mourning or traditions.

Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, through Kabir Vaani and all holy books, has shown that true worship is beyond rituals. It is scripture-based devotion (Satbhakti) that connects the soul with the Supreme Power.

Proofs from Quran Sharif

Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj gives Quranic references that show the real nature of Allah:

Surah Al Furqan 25:59: Talks about finding a Tatvdarshi Saint who can guide towards Allah Kabir.
Surah Ash-Shura 42:1-2: Only those who are granted wisdom understand the truth.
Surah Zukhruf 43:4-5: Clear knowledge is in the Mother Book with Allah.

Thus, Saint Rampal Ji reveals that the real path is not in emotional devotion but in scriptural worship.

What Should Be Done During Muharram?

According to Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, instead of mourning:

Read the holy scriptures carefully.
Seek a Complete Saint who can grant correct mantras.
Chant the Satnam and Saarnaam as given by the Complete Saint.
Lead a moral and truthful life, resisting injustice like Imam Hussain did.
Promote peace, love, and true knowledge.

The Ultimate Message of Muharram

Muharram is a reminder of the fight between truth and falsehood. Imam Hussain sacrificed everything for righteousness. Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that such sacrifice becomes meaningful only when it inspires us to:

Renounce falsehood in worship,
Follow true spiritual knowledge,
Escape from the cycle of birth and death through real devotion.

Conclusion

Muharram is a sacred month with deep spiritual lessons. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain should be a source of inspiration, not just grief. Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj provides the most logical, scripture-backed, and divine explanation of Muharram.

His teachings uplift the soul from mere rituals to the real purpose of life — attaining salvation through Satbhakti of Supreme God Kabir.

Let this Muharram be a turning point — not just a ritual of sorrow, but a revolution of truth in our hearts. Accept the guidance of a Complete Saint, understand true devotion, and walk on the path of real righteousness — just like Imam Hussain did, but this time, with true knowledge and God's grace.