Oleh Luthfi Muhammad Abduh|Mahasiswa Semester IV Prodi komunikasi Dan Penyiaran Islam, STAI Al-Fatah
Muharram is one of the most sacred months in Islam. However, among Javanese communities, this month—especially the night of 1 Suro—is also associated with a strong mystical aura. Local traditions and beliefs accompany the arrival of this month, sometimes even overshadowing the spiritual values emphasized by Islam.
So, what is Islam’s actual view of the month of Muharram? Is there any connection between the Javanese beliefs about the night of 1 Suro and Islamic teachings?
In the Qur’an, Allah affirms that out of the twelve months of the year, four are considered sacred or haram months:
"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." (Qur’an, At-Taubah: 36)
These four sacred months are Dhu al-Qa'dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. They are called haram because during these months, Muslims are commanded to refrain from sin, maintain peace, and increase good deeds. During this time, rewards are multiplied, and sins carry greater consequences.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the virtue of Muharram:
"The best fasting after the fasting of Ramadan is fasting in the month of Allah, Muharram." (Hadits, Muslim no. 1163)
The Prophet ﷺ even referred to Muharram as Syahrullah (the month of Allah), highlighting its immense sanctity. The peak of its virtue is on the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram), where the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Fasting on the day of Ashura, I hope from Allah that it will expiate the sins of the previous year."(Hadits, Muslim no. 1162)
In Javanese tradition, the night of 1 Muharram is known as the night of 1 Suro and is considered a night filled with mystical energy. Many Javanese believe that on this night, “the veil between the human world and the spirit world becomes thin,” prompting people to stay indoors to avoid misfortune or disturbance from supernatural beings.
Some families even observe rituals such as tirakat (spiritual retreat), topo bisu (silence), and cleansing heirlooms in sacred water. These customs have been passed down through generations as a way of honoring nature and ancestral spirits.
However, in Islamic teachings, there is no authentic basis for the belief that the night of 1 Muharram is spiritually dangerous. Islam does not teach that any mystical portal opens or that stepping outside brings bad luck. On the contrary, Muharram is a month of blessing, not misfortune.
The Prophet ﷺ and his companions never discouraged people from going out on the night of 1 Muharram. Instead, they encouraged increased worship, remembrance (dhikr), and fasting. As Muslims, we don’t need to completely reject ancestral traditions. Many Javanese customs contain noble values such as reflection, humility, and spirituality. But we must discern which traditions align with Islamic teachings and which contradict them.
If the 1 Suro tradition is used as a moment of reflection and spiritual closeness to Allah, then it aligns with the spirit of Muharram. But if it involves superstition, baseless fear, or seeking protection from anything other than Allah, then it must be gently corrected.
Muharram marks the beginning of the Hijri year. This is a powerful moment for self-renewal, leaving behind sin, and migrating toward a life closer to Allah.
Instead of spending the night of 1 Suro in fear based on unfounded beliefs, it is better to fill it with worship, introspection, and prayers for goodness. For indeed, Allah is the best protector and the ultimate source of guidance.
May we enliven the month of Muharram with the spirit of faith, not fear without foundation. And may Allah grant us the strength to walk into this new Hijri year with better steps forward. Aamiin. []