16/06/2026
IMPORTANCE OF MUHARRAM: THE FIRST MONTH OF THE ISLAMIC NEW YEAR
As the first month of the Islamic calendar, the importance of Muharram is profound. The Hijri calendar is lunar and consists of 12 months. Four of these twelve months are sacred: Dhul Qaeda, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab.
“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth—of which four are sacred.” [Qur’an 9:36]
Narrated Abu Bakr: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Time had come back to its original state when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth; the year is twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them are in succession; Dhul-Qaeda, Dhul-Hijjah and Al-Muharram, and (the fourth being) Rajab Mudar (named after the tribe of Mudar as they used to respect this month), which stands between Jumad (al Thani) and Sha’ban.”
In the month of Muharram, we are encouraged to increase worship, especially fasting. Fasting is the only action we do that keeps us in a constant state of worship from sunrise to sunset.
Abu Hurairah narrated that: the Messenger of Allah said: “The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is Allah’s month Al-Muharram.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 740]
The 10th of Muharram – Day of Ashura
The day of Ashura shows the importance of Muharram. The word “Ashura” literally means ‘tenth.’ Derived from that is a term used when camels were kept from water for ten days, then allowed to drink. Similarly, we receive goodness on this day after being spiritually dehydrated, especially during days of celebration.
Events that Occurred on the Day of Ashura
The Day of Ashura is significant to Muslims for many reasons. It was a day of rejoicing when Allah saved our Prophets from their hardships. It is a day of reward after conviction in Allah was tested.
The day Musa (as) said,
“Truly my Lord is with me, He will guide me through.” [Quran 26:62]
Ibn’Abbas (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) arrived in Medina and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said to them: What is the (significance) of this day that you observe fast on it? They said: It is the day of great importance when Allah delivered Moses and his people and drowned the Pharaoh and his people, and Moses observed fast out of gratitude, and we also observe it. Upon this, the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: We have more right, and we have a closer connection with Moses than you have; so Allah’s Messenger (saw) observed fast (on the day of Ashura) and encouraged Muslims to follow. [Sahih Muslim 1130c]
