Islamic New Year: What is Muharram?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, marking the start of the Islamic New Year. It holds a greater significance as one of the four sacred months in which warfare is forbidden.
Meanwhile, Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered a blessed month due to the significance of Eid ul-Adha and the multiplication of rewards for good deeds.
Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in Allah’s Record1 since the day He created the heavens and the earth—of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong one another during these months…
[9:36]
Thats why Muslims are encouraged to engage in increased worship and good deeds during these holy months.
When is Muharram 2024?
Sunday 7th July 2024 marks the beginning of Muharram.
How do you calculate the start of Muharram?
The sighting of a new moon determines the start of a new month.
Since the lunar year is shorter than the solar year, Muharram days differ in consecutive solar years.
What is the Hijri calendar?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, also known as the Lunar or Hijri calendar.
The Islamic calendar is based on 12 lunar months, with the sighting of a new crescent moon determining the start of a new month.
Hijri calendar upon Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration to Madina from Mecca.
The Islamic calendar is not tied to any season or time of the year, but rather to the event itself, ensuring that observances like Ramadan are shared equally by people in different locations around the world.
What is the importance of Muharram in Islamic Calendar?
Muharram is the first month of Islamic Hijri. It is one of the 4 blessed months that Allah prohibited fighting and the reward for good deeds is doubled.
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. That is the Right Way. So do no wrong to one another during these months...”
[Quran 9:36]
Muharram is given an honor that no other month is given as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) referred to it as the “Sacred month of Allah.”
While to many it's not as popular as Ramadan, the month of fasting or Dhul-Hijjah, the month of Hajj. According to hadith: the Prophet (PBUH) said fasting in it is better in it after Ramadan.
The most excellent fast after (fasting) in the month of Ramadan is the fast in Allah’s month: Muharram.”
[Sahih Muslim]
What is the historical importance of Muharram?
Historically Muharram has a lot of significance to Muslims because it has been a blessed month to various prophets.
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, dating back to the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 C.E., known as the Hijra. The Hijra- migration- marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, rather than the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or the first Qur’anic revelation.
When is the day of Ashura
10 of Muharram is known as the Day of Ashura. This year it will be on the 16 of 2024.
What is the Significance of Ashura?
- The day of Ashura is observed on the 10th of Muharram and is one of the most virtuous days of the Islamic year.
- It also marks the day when the Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israeel were freed by Allah from the Pharaoh and his army.
- It’s the day Prophet Nuh’s arc landed on Mount Juday.
- It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) in the Battle of Karbala.
Fasting on Ashura
- On the Day of Ashura, Muslims are encouraged to fast by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- It is recommended that you also fast on either on the 9th or the 11th of Muharram with the 10th as per sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).
How to make the most of Muharram?
- Muharram marks a time for Muslims to incorporate acts of Sadaqah Jariyah, nafl (voluntary) prayers, fasting, and Qur’an recitation.
- Muslims may reflect upon the new year by visiting the mosque, reflecting on the past Islamic (Hijri) year, and spending time with their loved ones.
Importance of charity, kindness, and self-reflection
- Muharram is a time of remembrance for hardships Prophets and Grandson of the Prophet (PBUH)) went through - thus there is an increase in giving to
- Muslims go out of their way to do acts of kindness for others to make the Islamic New Year full of barakah.
- Giving regular charity can help establish good habits and gain blessings all year round.
What are best duas to make in Muharram?
“One of the supplications that the Prophet ﷺ used to say was
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ, وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لاَ يُسْمَعُ, وَمَنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ, وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ
Allahumma inni a’uzu bika min ‘ilmin la yanfa’, wa min du’a-in la yusma’, wa min qalbin la yakhsha’, wa min nafsin la tashba’.”
“O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the knowledge that does not bring benefit, from a supplication that is not heard, from a heart that does not fear (You) and from a soul that never satisfies.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
DUA FOR COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY:
A short but most powerful Dua.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ
“O Allah, I ask You for well-being in this world and in the Hereafter.”
(Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 726)
Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib RA said that he requested the Messenger of Allah(PBUH) to teach him a supplication whereby he May request Allah(swt) for his needs. The Prophet (PBUH)said,”0 Abbas, ask Allah for aafiyah (security). After some days, he again met the Prophet ﷺ and asked,” Teach me a supplication to beseech Allah for my want.” He said, “O Abbas! O uncle of the messenger of Allah! Ask Allah for aafiyah (security) in this world and the next.”
As all of our acts of worship and good deeds are doubled during this blessed month, consider giving your support to orphans, as well as the beautiful people of Yemen, who need your urgent need of food and health care. You can also donate a dig-a-well, or your zakat to any of our other projects that qualify as zakat donations.
