What Is Muharram and When Does It Start
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of four sacred months in Islam. It's a time for reflection, worship, and giving.
As the Islamic New Year begins, Muharram invites us to pause and start fresh with faith, purpose, and compassion.
When Is Muharram 2025?
Muharram 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, June 27, 2025, and end on Sunday, July 27, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon.
This marks the beginning of the new Islamic year: 1447 AH.
What Does Muharram Mean in Islam?
The word Muharram comes from the Arabic root ḥ-r-m, meaning "sacred" or "forbidden."
It's one of the Ashhur al-Hurum, the four months made sacred by Allah in the Qur'an.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"The year is twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them are in succession: Dhul-Qa'da, Dhul-Hijja and Al-Muharram, and (the fourth being) Rajab Mudar... which stands between Jumad (ath-thani) and Sha'ban."
(Bukhari)
During this month, acts of injustice were forbidden, and acts of worship and mercy were multiplied.
Why Is Muharram a Sacred Month?
Muharram is special for many reasons:
- It reminds us of the Hijrah, the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ migration to Madinah
- It includes the Day of Ashura when Prophet Musa (Moses) was saved from Pharaoh
- It marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the Prophet's ﷺ grandson, in the Battle of Karbala
Fasting during this month is highly encouraged, especially on the 9th and 10th days of the month.
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months... of these, four are sacred."
[Surah At-Tawbah 9:36]
What Can Muslims Do During Muharram?
Muharram is a time to reconnect with our faith. While it doesn't involve celebration, it's a chance to reset and renew your intentions. Many Muslims use this time to:
- Fast, especially on the 9th and 10th
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“If I live till next year, I will certainly fast on the 9th day (of Muharram).”
(Muslim)
- Increase prayer and dhikr
- Reflect on the lives of the Prophets
- Give charity and support those in need
- Begin the year with good deeds
You can start the Islamic New Year by giving to a cause that brings lasting benefits.
👉 Give Sadaqah now and begin 1447 AH with blessings.
Virtues of Muharram
- Fast on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th)
- Give regular Sadaqah or set up a monthly donation
- Spend time in Qur’an recitation and dhikr
- Reflect on the Hijrah and sacrifice of Imam Hussain
- Pray extra voluntary (nafl) prayers
- Begin the year with a new Islamic habit
Why Giving in Muharram Matters
The Islamic New Year isn't about celebration. It's about reflection and action.
When you give during Muharram, you're doing more than helping someone in need. You're making the kind of difference that lasts.
- Your donation can build a Tube Well or Community Well in a village where families walk miles for water
- It can help an orphan go to school with uniforms and supplies
- It can feed a family struggling through a crisis
"The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if small."
(Bukhari)
Every gift you make now can be a Sadaqah Jariyah, a charity that continues to give.
👉 Honor the New Year by giving clean water.
FAQs About Muharram and the Islamic New Year
What is Muharram, and why is it important?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months. It's a time of worship, fasting, and remembering the Hijrah and Ashura.
When does Muharram 2025 start?
It's expected to begin on Friday, June 27, 2025, depending on the moon sighting.
What are the key dates in Muharram 2025?
- 1st Muharram: Islamic New Year
- 9th Muharram: Optional fast
- 10th Muharram (Ashura): Day of fasting, Karbala, Musa (AS)
- 11th Muharram: Optional fast if 9th missed
What is the Islamic New Year?
The Islamic New Year begins on the first of Muharram. It's a chance to renew your faith, reflect, and set the tone for the months ahead.
What happened on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura)?
Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers were saved from Pharaoh, and Imam Hussain was martyred at Karbala. It's a day of both reflection and fasting.
Should I fast during Muharram?
Yes. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged fasting on Ashura and also on the 9th day to distinguish it from other traditions.
What good deeds should I do during Muharram?
Fast, pray, give charity, remember Allah, and start the year with intention. You can also begin a long-term act of giving, like building a well or sponsoring a child.
Start the Year with the Intention
The new Islamic year is an opportunity to start anew with faith, reflection, and action.
Every fast. Every prayer. Every donation. It all counts.
👉 Give now to make the most of this sacred beginning.
