Muharram Fasting and Islamic Unity: An Evaluation on Traditionalism and the Neglect of Obligations

Islam is the final religion sent by Allah as guidance for humanity, and its foundation is based on the Qur’an. At this point, it is necessary to approach the fundamental principles of the religion through the Qur’an, which is its primary source. However, throughout history, additions contrary to the spirit of Islam have been made, and traditional practices have been prioritized over the core teachings of the religion.
In this article, the place and importance of traditional acts of worship—especially the fast of Muharram—will be examined, while also emphasizing the importance of Islamic unity, which the Qur’an has made obligatory.
The Qur’an is the sole source of Islam, and the form or acceptance of acts of worship gains meaning only if they are explicitly stated in the Qur’an. However, the fast of Muharram is a bid‘ah (innovation) that is not mentioned in the Qur’an. This fast is a practice that passed into Islamic society from Judaism. In Judaism, it is known that fasting was observed on the Day of Ashura, commemorating the day when Prophet Moses overcame Pharaoh. This traditional practice was later carried into Islamic societies under the name of the Muharram fast.
The Qur’an clearly prescribes fasting:
> “O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become mindful (of Allah).” (Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
The fasting mentioned in this verse is an obligatory act of worship specific to the month of Ramadan. Apart from this, no other specific day or month for fasting is mentioned.
Hadiths were fabricated after the death of Prophet Muhammad. During the period of the Four Caliphs, hadith writing was prohibited, and particularly during the era of Muawiyah, fabrication was allowed for political interests. It is also reported within hadith literature that the Prophet prohibited the writing of anything other than the Qur’an, saying, “Do not write anything from me except the Qur’an.” (Muslim, Zuhd, 72)
In this context, it is evident that the hadiths regarding the Muharram fast were also fabricated. It should be understood that Allah has made only the Ramadan fast obligatory, while other fasts can be considered personal acts of worship.
The Qur’an makes it obligatory for Muslims to remain united. This is a fundamental requirement for the salvation of Muslims both religiously and politically. Islamic unity is vital not only for Muslim countries but also for the peace and well-being of all humanity. Allah commands unity in the Qur’an:
> “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Aal-e-Imran, 3:103)
This verse commands Muslims to unite by holding onto the rope of Allah (the Qur’an). However, in today’s Islamic world, instead of unity, divisions, sectarian conflicts, and personal interests are prevalent.
Islamic unity is not only a religious duty but also a political and economic necessity. The Western world has gained its power through collective action. Similarly, Muslim countries can become a global force when they unite. This could ensure not only the liberation of Muslims but also that of oppressed nations.
The Qur’an clearly warns about this:
> “And fight them until there is no more oppression and religion is for Allah. But if they cease, then there is to be no hostility except against the wrongdoers.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:193)
This verse indicates that Muslims must unite to eliminate oppression and establish justice.
Traditionalism means neglecting obligatory duties while reviving secondary practices. Ignoring the obligation of Islamic unity while prioritizing practices that have no basis in the Qur’an is an example of this. Those who focus on and promote the Muharram fast while failing to address the obligation of Islamic unity fall into a major contradiction.
What people will be held accountable for before Allah is whether they fulfilled the obligatory duties.
> “With clear proofs and scriptures… And We revealed to you the Reminder so that you may explain to people what has been sent down to them, so that they may reflect.” (An-Nahl, 16:44)
This verse clearly shows that the Qur’an is the guiding source for Muslims and that no additional sources should be introduced into the religion.
Practices such as the Muharram fast originate not from the fundamental sources of Islam but from cultural influences. The Qur’an is a sufficient guide regarding the form and principles of worship, and there is no need for additions.
As Muslims, our most important responsibilities are to establish the Islamic unity that Allah has made obligatory, to hold firmly to the Qur’an, and to stay away from traditionalism. In this direction, we must organize our acts of worship in accordance with the Qur’an and make Islam a way of life.
It should not be forgotten that the only religion accepted in the sight of Allah is Islam:
> “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is submission.” (Aal-e-Imran, 3:19)