Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam. It is a time of reflection, remembrance, and spiritual devotion.
Muharram 2025
What is Muharram?
Muharram marks the commencement of the Islamic lunar year and is among the four months declared sacred in the Qur'an. Its name, meaning "forbidden," highlights the prohibition of conflict during this time. As one of Islam’s holiest months, it calls believers to deepen their spiritual devotion, embrace peace, and reflect on faith with greater sincerity.
When Will Muharram 2025 Begin?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and follows the lunar system. Each new month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. In 2025, Muharram is expected to begin on Thursday 26th June, although the exact date may vary depending on local moon sightings. This sacred month carries great spiritual value, where good deeds earn multiplied rewards and sinful actions are considered more serious.
Key Dates to Remember in Muharram
1st Muharram – Welcoming the New Islamic Year
The first day of Muharram signals the beginning of a new Islamic year. While there are no specific religious rituals tied to this date, it offers a meaningful opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the sacrifices, challenges, and triumphs of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions as they laid the foundation of the Islamic faith.
10th Muharram – The Day of Ashura
The 10th of Muharram (Ashura) marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) at Karbala and the deliverance of Prophet Musa (AS) from Pharaoh — symbolizing sacrifice, justice, and divine mercy.
Fasting on Ashura
Fasting on the Day of Ashura is highly recommended. Many also choose to fast on the 9th of Muharram alongside the 10th, in keeping with the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ). If one misses the 9th, the 11th may be observed to accompany the fast of Ashura.
Why Do Muslims Commemorate Muharram?
Muharram is not just the first chapter of the Islamic calendar — it’s a sacred month, directly honored by Allah (SWT). Known as “the month of Allah,” Muharram holds a status unmatched by any other month except Ramadan. It is one of four months declared sacred in the Qur’an, during which Muslims are urged to avoid wrongdoing and increase in worship.
Though all twelve months in the Islamic calendar have their importance, Muharram is often less understood compared to Ramadan or Dhul Hijjah. Yet its significance is profound. It marks the Hijrah, the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers to Madinah, which laid the foundation for the first Islamic state.
Muharram also reminds us of deep spiritual lessons. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"The best fasting after Ramadan is in the month of Allah, Al-Muharram."
(Ibn Majah)
Allah Himself states in the Qur’an:
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve... of which four are sacred... so do not wrong yourselves during them..."
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)
Muharram is a time to remember sacrifice, strengthen devotion, and renew spiritual commitments. It’s more than just a new year, it’s a divine invitation to reflect, fast, and honor the sacred.
How Do Muslims Observe Muharram?
Spiritual Reflections and Acts of Worship
Muharram is one of the four sacred months chosen by Allah (SWT), making it an ideal time for Muslims to engage in acts of devotion and generosity. While it isn’t marked by festive celebrations, believers use this period to perform voluntary prayers, read the Qur’an, fast, and give Sadaqah Jariyah — continuous charity that carries long-lasting rewards.
It’s also a meaningful time to visit the mosque, reflect on the year that has passed, and set intentions for the year ahead. Families may gather for prayer and remembrance, using the Islamic New Year as a moment of spiritual renewal.
Why Muharram Holds Special Importance
Muharram is steeped in deep religious and historical value. It marks the Hijrah — the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) migration from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE — which also begins the Islamic calendar. More notably, the month carries the memory of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the Prophet’s beloved grandson, and his companions at the Battle of Karbala.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred: Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab."
(Bukhari)
What Happens in Muharram?
- Muharram marks the start of the Islamic New Year, but it is not celebrated with joy and festivity.
- Instead, it is observed as a time of reflection, remembrance, and spiritual growth.
- The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is especially significant in Islamic history.
- On this day, Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and many of his family members were martyred in the Battle of Karbala.
- Their stand against oppression is remembered with deep reverence across the Muslim world.
Fasting in Muharram – Especially on Ashura
- Fasting on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) is a highly recommended Sunnah.
- It not only marks the tragedy of Karbala but also commemorates the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh’s tyranny.
- The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advised fasting an additional day along with Ashura:
"If I live to see the next year, I will also fast on the 9th."
(Muslim) - Another Hadith highlights the significance of Ashura fasting:
"I never saw the Prophet so eager to fast any day and give it priority over other days like the Day of Ashura and the month of Ramadan."
(Bukhari) - Fasting on either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th is preferred to distinguish Islamic practice from that of Jews and Christians.
Virtues of the Sacred Month
Muharram is one of the four sacred months chosen by Allah (SWT), and it carries immense spiritual opportunity:
- Good deeds are multiplied, and sins are more serious during this time.
- Muslims are encouraged to adopt Sunnah practices and make the most of its blessings.
Recommended Acts in Muharram:
- Fast on the 9th and 10th, or 10th and 11th of Muharram
- Recite Qur’an and engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
- Give Sadaqah (charity) regularly and establish good spiritual habits
- Reflect on the lessons of Karbala, such as standing for truth, showing patience, and upholding justice
Muharram Resources
What is Muharram?
Is Muharram a time of celebration?
No, Muharram is not celebrated with joy or festivity. It is observed with solemnity, prayer, fasting, and remembrance, particularly on the Day of Ashura.
Is fasting on Ashura obligatory?
Fasting on Ashura is not obligatory but is highly recommended (Sunnah). It carries great reward and was practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
What lessons can we learn from Muharram?
Muharram teaches us the values of patience, standing up against injustice, faithfulness, and the importance of moral courage, all embodied in the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA).
Why is the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) significant?
The 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) at the Battle of Karbala. It is also the day when Allah (SWT) saved Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers from Pharaoh’s tyranny.
What are the recommended acts during Muharram?
Muslims are encouraged to fast on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th), engage in extra prayers, read the Qur’an, give charity, and reflect on the values of sacrifice and justice.
Can I give charity during Muharram?
Yes, giving Sadaqah (charity) is highly encouraged during Muharram, especially as a form of Sadaqah Jariyah, ongoing charity that continues to benefit others.
Can non-Shia Muslims observe Muharram?
Yes. All Muslims, regardless of sect, recognize the spiritual importance of Muharram and the virtues of fasting and remembrance during this sacred month.