Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam. It holds immense spiritual, historical, and emotional value for Muslims worldwide. From the start of the Islamic New Year to the Day of Ashura, Muharram is marked with remembrance, mourning, and reflection.
In this article, we will explore the most important dates and events in Muharram, understand their significance, and learn how they are commemorated across the Muslim world.
What is Muharram?
Muharram (المحرّم) means “forbidden” in Arabic. It is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an where warfare and conflict were historically prohibited. It is also the beginning of the Hijri calendar, which started after the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah.
Significance of this month in Islam
- First Month of the Hijri Calendar
- One of the four sacred months in Islam (along with Rajab, Dhul-Qa’dah, and Dhul-Hijjah)
- Fasting on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) is highly recommended
- Deep connection to the tragedy of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S.)
Important Dates in
1. 1st Muharram – Islamic New Year
The Islamic calendar starts with 1st Muharram. While not celebrated like the Gregorian New Year, it is a moment of reflection, prayer, and resolution for Muslims. It marks a time to renew faith and seek blessings for the coming year.
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve… of them four are sacred.” – Surah At-Tawbah (9:36)
2. 9th & 10th Muharram – The Days of Ashura
Yawm-e-Ashura
One of the most important days in the Islamic calendar, Ashura is commemorated for multiple reasons:
- Fasting on Ashura was practiced by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is encouraged in Sunni tradition.
- It is the day when Prophet Musa (A.S.) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by Allah.
- Most significantly for Shia Muslims, Ashura marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (A.S.), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
Tasua
The day before Ashura, known as Tasua, is observed with deep mourning and remembrance of the events leading to the massacre at Karbala. Many Muslims fast on both 9th and 10th Muharram for extra reward.
3. 7th to 10th Muharram – Siege of Imam Hussain’s Camp
In the lead-up to Ashura, Imam Hussain (A.S.), along with his family and companions, were denied water by the army of Yazid. This 7th marks the beginning of this cruel blockade.
4. 11th to 13th Muharram – Aftermath of Karbala
After the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions:
- The women and children of the Prophet’s household were taken as prisoners.
- Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (A.S.), the son of Imam Hussain, carried forward the message of Karbala through speeches in Kufa and Damascus.
Global Observance in this month
- Shia Muslims observe Muharram with mourning processions, majalis (gatherings), and recitations to remember Karbala.
- Sunni Muslims often fast on Ashura and reflect on its historical background.
- In countries like Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, India, Lebanon, and Bahrain, Muharram is a public observance with massive processions and religious gatherings.
- Arbaeen, the 40th day after Ashura, is one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the world, with millions walking to Karbala.
Key Lessons from this month
- Standing for truth and justice even in the face of tyranny, as shown by Imam Hussain (A.S.)
- Sacrifice and patience in adversity
- Unity, compassion, and remembrance of Islamic history
Final Thoughts
Muharram is not only the beginning of a new Islamic year but also a time for Muslims to reflect on the sacrifices made for Islam. The events of Karbala remain an eternal lesson in courage, resistance, and devotion.
By understanding and observing the important dates in this month, Muslims across sects and regions keep alive the legacy of faith, resistance, and righteousness.