Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and it marks the beginning of a new Hijri year.
It is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran, and the Prophet ﷺ called it “the month of Allah”, a title that shows its special status.
For many Muslims, Muharram passes quietly, without much awareness of its virtues.
Yet it carries great opportunities: the reward of fasting, the fast of Ashura which expiates the sins of the previous year and the chance to make a fresh start at the beginning of the year.
This article explains the virtues of Muharram: why it is sacred, the meaning of the Hijri calendar, the fast of Ashura and its history, recommended deeds during the month and practical ways for families to make the most of it.
Muharram in the Islamic Calendar
The first month of the year
The Islamic calendar is lunar, with twelve months based on the cycles of the moon.
Muharram is the first month, followed by Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Akhirah, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul-Qa’dah and Dhul-Hijjah.
The Hijri calendar
The Islamic calendar is called the Hijri calendar because it begins with the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah.
The Companions chose the Hijrah as the starting point of the calendar during the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab, because it marked the beginning of the Muslim community in Madinah.
Why Muharram is the first month
Although the Hijrah itself took place in Rabi al-Awwal, the Companions chose Muharram as the first month of the year.
Muharram follows Dhul-Hijjah, the month of Hajj, and many people began returning home and starting new plans at that time.
A lunar year
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, it is about eleven days shorter than the solar year. This means Muharram moves through the seasons over the years.
Why Muharram Is Sacred
One of the four sacred months
The Quran says that the number of months with Allah is twelve, and four of them are sacred. The Prophet ﷺ explained that these four are Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab.
Avoiding wrongdoing
In the same verse, Allah says, “So do not wrong yourselves during them.”
Scholars explain that while sins are always wrong, they are more serious in the sacred months, and good deeds carry greater reward.
The month of Allah
The Prophet ﷺ called Muharram “the month of Allah”. Attaching the month to Allah’s name shows its honour and significance.
The Virtue of Fasting in Muharram
The best fasting after Ramadan
The Prophet ﷺ said that the best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah’s month of Muharram. This makes Muharram a special time for voluntary fasting.
How much to fast
There is no fixed number of days.
Muslims can fast as many days as they are able, such as Mondays and Thursdays, the three white days (13th, 14th and 15th) or several consecutive days.
Balance
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged moderation in voluntary worship. It is better to fast a few days consistently than to overburden yourself.
The Day of Ashura
What is Ashura?
Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram. The word “Ashura” comes from the Arabic word for ten.
The history of Ashura
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah fasted on the tenth of Muharram.
They explained that it was the day Allah saved Prophet Musa and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, and Musa fasted it out of gratitude.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “We have more right to Musa than you,” and he fasted it and instructed the Muslims to fast it.
The reward of fasting Ashura
The Prophet ﷺ said that fasting the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year.
Scholars explain that this refers to minor sins, while major sins require sincere repentance.
Fasting the ninth as well
Towards the end of his life, the Prophet ﷺ said that if he lived until the next year, he would fast the ninth as well.
For this reason, it is recommended to fast the ninth and tenth of Muharram together. Some scholars also mention fasting the tenth and eleventh.
| Option | Days fasted |
|---|---|
| Recommended | 9th and 10th Muharram |
| Also acceptable | 10th and 11th Muharram |
| Fuller option | 9th, 10th and 11th Muharram |
| Minimum | 10th Muharram only |
Lessons from Ashura
- Gratitude: Musa fasted to thank Allah for salvation. We fast to thank Allah too.
- Hope: Allah saved Musa when the sea was in front of him and Pharaoh’s army behind him. No situation is hopeless with Allah.
- Connection between prophets: Ashura reminds Muslims that they honour all the prophets, including Musa.
Other Events Remembered in Muharram
The tragedy of Karbala
Muharram is also the month in which Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, was killed at Karbala in the year 61 after the Hijrah.
Muslims remember this tragedy with deep sadness and love for the family of the Prophet ﷺ. Mainstream Sunni scholars emphasise that the fast of Ashura was established long before this event, and that the appropriate response to grief is patience, dua and following the Sunnah.
A time of reflection
The start of a new year is a natural time to reflect on the past year and plan for the next.
Recommended Deeds in Muharram
1. Voluntary fasting
Fast as many days as you can, especially the ninth and tenth.
2. Sincere repentance
Begin the new year by seeking Allah’s forgiveness and turning away from sins.
3. Increasing Quran recitation
Set a Quran reading goal for the new year, such as a page a day, a juz a week or completing the Quran by the next Ramadan.
4. Charity
Giving charity in the sacred months carries great reward. Supporting family members and those in need is particularly virtuous.
5. Avoiding wrongdoing
Make a conscious effort to avoid sins, especially sins of the tongue, such as gossip and lying.
6. Setting goals for the year
Write down spiritual, family and personal goals for the year ahead.
7. Learning about the Hijrah
Study the story of the Prophet’s migration and its lessons of trust, sacrifice and planning.
A Fresh Start: Planning Your Islamic New Year
Reflect on the past year
Ask yourself:
- How consistent were my prayers?
- How often did I read the Quran?
- Did I improve my character?
- How did I treat my family and neighbours?
Choose a few clear goals
| Area | Example goal |
|---|---|
| Prayer | Pray all five prayers on time |
| Quran | Read one page daily with meaning |
| Memorisation | Memorise five new short surahs |
| Character | Stop backbiting |
| Family | Weekly family Quran circle |
| Charity | Give a fixed amount monthly |
Track your progress
Use a simple monthly chart to track your goals. Review it at the beginning of each Islamic month.
Muharram for Families and Children
Tell the story of Musa
Share the story of Musa crossing the sea with children. Explain how Allah saved him and why we fast on Ashura.
Explain the Hijri calendar
Show children the twelve Islamic months and help them memorise their names.
Set family goals
Make a family poster with goals for the new year, such as learning a new surah or praying together.
Encourage children to fast part of a day
Older children can try fasting Ashura or part of it, if they are able.
Learn about the Hijrah
Tell the story of the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr in the cave of Thawr and their journey to Madinah.
Common Misconceptions About Muharram
“Muharram is an unlucky month”
There is no basis in Islam for considering any month unlucky. Some people avoid weddings or celebrations in Muharram, but the Sunnah does not prohibit them.
“Only Ashura matters”
While Ashura has special virtue, the whole month is sacred and fasting throughout it is recommended.
“Special prayers are required”
There are no specific prayers prescribed for Muharram or Ashura beyond the regular voluntary prayers. The main recommended act is fasting.
Lessons From the Story of Musa and Pharaoh
The fast of Ashura is connected to the day Allah saved Prophet Musa and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. This story, told many times in the Quran, carries timeless lessons.
Trust in Allah in impossible situations
When the Children of Israel reached the sea with Pharaoh’s army behind them, they cried, “We will surely be overtaken.”
Musa replied with certainty: “No! Indeed, my Lord is with me; He will guide me.” Allah then commanded him to strike the sea with his staff, and it parted.
Tyranny does not last
Pharaoh claimed to be a god and oppressed people for years, yet his power ended in a moment.
The story reminds believers that oppression is temporary and that Allah’s justice will prevail.
Gratitude through worship
Musa fasted on this day out of gratitude to Allah. The Prophet ﷺ fasted it too and said, “We have more right to Musa than you.”
Gratitude in Islam is expressed through worship, not only words.
The Islamic New Year and the Hijrah
The Islamic calendar begins with the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah.
The Companions, under Umar ibn al-Khattab, chose this event to mark the calendar because it represented the turning point in the establishment of the Muslim community.
Lessons from the Hijrah
- Sacrifice: The Companions left their homes and wealth for the sake of Allah.
- Planning and trust: The Prophet ﷺ planned carefully, yet relied completely on Allah.
- Brotherhood: The Ansar of Madinah shared their homes and wealth with the Muhajirun.
- A fresh start: The Hijrah shows that change is possible, even after years of difficulty.
Setting Spiritual Goals for the New Year
The start of Muharram is a natural time to set goals for the year ahead.
| Area | Example goal |
|---|---|
| Quran | Read one page daily and finish a full reading by year end |
| Prayer | Pray all five prayers on time, add sunnah prayers |
| Memorisation | Memorise one new surah each month |
| Knowledge | Study the translation of one juz |
| Character | Control anger and speak kindly |
| Charity | Give a small amount every week |
Write your goals down, review them at the start of each month and ask Allah to help you fulfil them.
Avoiding Innovations in Muharram
Some practices associated with Muharram in different cultures have no basis in the Quran or Sunnah.
The authentic practices are increased fasting, especially Ashura with a day before or after, and general good deeds in a sacred month.
Focusing on what the Prophet ﷺ taught keeps our worship pure and accepted.
Making the Most of the Sacred Months
Muharram is one of four sacred months, together with Rajab, Dhul Qa’dah and Dhul Hijjah.
Allah says in the Quran that there are twelve months, of which four are sacred, “so do not wrong yourselves during them”.
Scholars explain that sins in these months are more serious and good deeds more rewarded.
Use Muharram to repent sincerely, mend broken relationships, pay back debts where possible and increase in voluntary prayers, charity and Quran recitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ashura?
Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram. Its date in the solar calendar changes every year.
What does fasting Ashura forgive?
The Prophet ﷺ said it expiates the sins of the previous year. Scholars explain this refers to minor sins.
Can I fast only on the tenth?
Yes, but it is recommended to add the ninth, following the Prophet’s wish.
Is it allowed to marry in Muharram?
Yes. There is no prohibition on marriage in Muharram.
Why is Muharram called the month of Allah?
The Prophet ﷺ attributed the month to Allah to show its honour and special virtue.
How can children benefit from Muharram?
Through stories of Musa and the Hijrah, setting goals for the new year and trying a short fast.
Final Thoughts
Muharram is a blessed beginning. It is the month of Allah, one of the four sacred months and the start of the Hijri year.
It offers the best voluntary fasting after Ramadan and the fast of Ashura, which expiates the sins of the previous year.
Use this month as a fresh start.
Fast the ninth and tenth, seek forgiveness, set clear goals for your prayers and Quran reading and share the stories of Musa and the Hijrah with your family.
May Allah make this year one of growth, guidance and closeness to Him.
Begin the new Islamic year with a Quran reading goal.