Why is Muharram Identical to Orphan Children? This is the History and Importance

JAKARTA - For Muslims, the month of Muharram is not just a marker for the change of year in the Hijri calendar. The first month in the Islamic calendar is also known as one of the noble months that are encouraged to increase charitable deeds and social concern. In Indonesia, Muharram is often referred to as the Orphan Month or also known as Idul Yatama (Orphan's Day), especially on the 10th of Muharram.

At that moment, various activities for orphans were held by mosques, social institutions, and community groups. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation and has become part of the culture of Indonesian Muslims. However, why is Muharram so synonymous with orphans? Is it just a tradition, or does it have a foundation in Islamic teachings?

Muharram is one of the four haram months (holy months) mentioned by Allah Swt in the Qur'an. In this month, Muslims are encouraged to increase worship and good deeds as a form of submission to Allah Swt.

Attention to orphans themselves has a very special place in Islam. The Qur'an repeatedly reminds Muslims to take care of, protect, and treat orphans with love. As stated in Surah Ad-Dhuha:

"So do not treat the orphans arbitrarily." (QS. Ad-Dhuha: 9)

In the tradition of the Indonesian Muslim community, the spirit of honoring orphans is then stronger in the month of Muharram, especially on 10 Muharram or Ashura Day. From here comes the term Lebaran Anak Yatim or Idul Yatama, namely a momentum to share happiness with children who have lost their parents.

Not a few people take advantage of this moment to hold condolences, give gifts, invite orphans to educational tourism, to just take the time to listen to their stories and needs. This tradition is a reminder that caring for them is not only about material assistance, but also about presenting sincere love and attention.

The Prophet is known as a figure who loves orphans very much. In fact, he himself grew up as an orphan from an early age. Therefore, attention to orphans is one of the important values in the teachings of Islam.

In a hadith narrated by Bukhari, the Prophet said, "I and the one who takes care of an orphan will be in heaven like this," while gesturing with his index finger and middle finger pressed together.

The hadith shows how great the priority is for anyone who takes care of, educates, or helps meet the needs of orphans. Not only in the form of compensation, but also attention, education, accompaniment, and affection that helps them grow into independent and capable individuals.

A number of scholars also explained that honoring orphans is part of noble morals that can soften hearts and cultivate gratitude. Therefore, Muharram is the right momentum to strengthen the values of empathy and social solidarity in daily life.

However, concern for orphans should not stop at annual ceremonial activities only. As stated in the West Java Ministry of Religion's writing, attention to orphans needs to be realized through access to education, development of potential, and equal opportunities so that they can grow and achieve a better future.

The spirit of Muharram actually teaches Muslims to migrate to a more caring person. One form of migration is to bring happiness to orphans who need support and attention from the surrounding environment.

The goodness given does not always have to be in the form of money. Taking orphans to shop for school supplies, providing skills training, accompanying the learning process, or just being a friend to share stories can be a very meaningful form of attention for them.

Through various empowerment and mentoring programs for orphans, Dompet Dhuafa continues to strive to bring hope to orphan children in various regions. Programs such as Gifts for Orphans, Shopping with Orphans, to assistance for orphans in crisis areas are part of the effort to bring a better future for them.

Muharram is a reminder that orphans not only need temporary assistance, but also the opportunity to grow, learn, and achieve their dreams. Therefore, let's make this holy month a momentum to spread ongoing love and care.

Let's present happiness and hope for more orphans through donations for orphans, trying to emulate the Prophet ﷺ. Because every good that is entrusted today can be a path for them to achieve a better future.