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Learn MoreMuharram is the month of the Hijri New Year, known as the Islamic New Year. It is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds great significance in Islam. The Quran outlines this importance and deems Muharram as one of the four sacred months. It stands for peace amongst communities and translates to forbidden in English. The month forbids war at any point and is a time for increased worship and spiritual growth.
Muslims should reflect, pray and transform themselves during this month to feel refreshed and stronger in their faith for the rest of the lunar year. Muharram is not just the beginning of another year; it is an opportunity to reconnect with faith, honour Islam’s history, and give to those in need. Acts of worship are highly encouraged throughout the New Year while remembering the purpose of Islam- unity and following the Holy Quran. Explore the importance of Muharram and what it stands for in Islam to understand this sacred month and welcome in the new year with endless blessings.
Many wonder when is Muharram 2025? This year, Muharram is expected to begin on the evening of June 26th in the Gregorian calendar, with the first full day of the New Year being June 27th. As the Islamic calendar is based on the twelve lunar months, these dates are subject to the moon sighting.
The 10th of Muharram is a deeply spiritual time. It is called Ashura, which marks spiritual reflection and remembrance of historical events. Muslims observe Muharram fasting on this day and reflect and remember spiritually. For many believers, it is a reminder of the faith and resilience of the Muslim community. This day is also when Muslims are encouraged to give to those less fortunate as a way to share their blessings with them.
So, when is the 10th of Muharram 2025? Ashura is expected to take place on July 6th or 7th, depending on the sighting of the moon. The exact date for you will also depend on your location, until the moon of Muharram can be seen in your country or the nearest Islamic country to you. It is best to check with your local mosque closer to the time to see when the Day of Ashura begins for you.
It can be difficult to understand what happened on the 10th of Muharram. Ashura holds many pivotal historical events that have never been forgotten in Islam. These events are remembered on the 10th of Muharram and have given Muslims worldwide a chance to follow the great examples set in Islamic history. The most significant events that occurred on Ashura were the battle of Karbala, the story of Musa, and the story of other Prophets on Ashura.
One of the most vital events that happened on Ashura was the Battle of Karbala. This took place in 61 AH. It was a war that was fought between a small army made up of the family and friends of Imam Hussain (AS)- the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They fought against a larger army that was sent by Yazid ibn Muawiyah- the Umayyad Caliphate (leader of the first dynasty) at the time.
The battle occurred because Imam Hussain (AS) rejected the allegiance to Yazid ibn Muawiyah. Yazid had taken up the Muslim leadership by himself after the death of his father. He was steering the people in the wrong direction and was a tyrant. Unfortunately, Imam Hussain (AS) was brutally killed by the enemy camp. This makes the day much more significant for believers as Imam Hussain (AS) and 72 others, who were mainly male members of the family of the Prophet (PBUH), nobly sacrificed their lives to protect Islam from oppression.
Many Muslims worldwide mourn the death of Imam Hussain (AS), particularly Shia Muslims. This school of thought observe the day with mourning rituals to honour and remember the sacrifice Hussain and his companions made.
In the time of the Prophet Musa (AS), Allah (SWT) saved him and Israel from the oppressive Pharaoh. This event occurred on the Day of Ashura and is another spiritual event to remember.
The Pharaoh in power at the time was violent and corrupt. He spread blasphemy and declared himself as God. The Prophet Musa (AS) objected to following his lead and tried to encourage him to worship Allah (SWT). However, the Pharaoh didn’t accept the fact that there was a mightier power than him. Because of this, he sent an army to destroy the Prophet and his followers. During the 10th of Muharram, Musa (AS) and his followers were being chased by the army. They were in trouble but believed that Allah (SWT) would protect them. So much so that the Prophet Musa (AS) made the famous dua to ask for protection:
“Truly my Lord is with me, He will guide me through.” [Quran 26:62]
Because he was patient and showed his faith in Allah (SWT) by asking Him for help, Allah rewarded him by parting the Red Sea. This allowed Musa (AS) and his followers to pass through to safety, escaping the Pharaoh’s army. The army was punished by Allah (SWT) as they were submerged into the sea.
Ashura is extremely important for other stories that occurred in the lifetimes of other prophets. Included in this is the Prophet Nuh (AS). On the Day of Ashura in his lifetime, some narrations determine that Allah (SWT) returned his arc back to dry land once the flooding stopped. This ended up becoming a day of celebration for the Prophet and his followers.
In the early times of Prophet Adam (AS), the 10th of Muharram was a day of significance. It is believed in some narrations that Adam (AS) repented to Allah (SWT) after eating the forbidden fruit and was forgiven by him. On top of this, it is thought that Ashura was the day Prophet Yunus (AS) was released from the belly of the whale and Allah (SWT) forgave his people.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is Muharram important?”, then Charity Meals is here to help you understand the significance of Muharram. The first month of the lunar calendar holds very high importance for every Muslim as it is one of the four sacred months. Alongside this, there is a rich Islamic history within this month.
The main part of the importance of Muharram is that it’s known as the month of Allah (SWT). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) declared this himself:
“The most virtuous of the sacred months is the ‘Month of Allah’, Muharram.” [Hasan al-Basri]
It is also the time when the Hijrah took place. This was when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers migrated in 622 CE. They migrated from Mecca to Yathrib (Medina) due to the need to escape persecution. It was also the Battle of Karbala where Imam Hussain (AS) and other family members of the Prophet (PBUH) sacrificed their lives to protect Islam.
Muslims take this time to get close to Allah (SWT) during the month, and it is also a time of reflection and remembrance for the ummah (community). Believers are encouraged to grow their spirituality in various ways, depending on the school of thought they follow. They carry out acts of worship to strengthen their faith, ready for the rest of the lunar year.
Fasting is seen as an encouraged act in Muharram. Due to this, it can be confusing to know when to fast in Muharram. Traditionally, Ashura is seen as a day for Muharram fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that fasting on the day of Ashura will expiate the sins of the previous year. It is a very powerful act of worship that shows humility, gratitude and solidarity with those who suffered and struggled for truth.
It is also recommended by many scholars of Islam to fast on the 9th of Muharram, as well as the 10th of Muharram. This is based on evidence from a Hadith:
“When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) fasted on the day of ‘Ashura and told the people to fast, they said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.’ The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, ‘Next year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.’ But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had passed away.” [Muslim]
Fasting on the 10th of Muharram and the 9th allows Muslims to eradicate their past sins for the year, starting the new year afresh. It also gives them the chance to cleanse and gain increased empathy for those less fortunate.
Muharram is one of the best times for generosity in the Islamic calendar. As it is a new year, it is an ideal time to make resolutions and begin good, positive habits like giving Sadaqah. Doing this can give you multiplied blessings throughout the new lunar year and connect you closer to Allah. Donate to Charity Meals to give the less fortunate sustenance through healthy meals and reap blessings from Allah (SWT).
