Islamic New Year – Muharram

What is Muharram?

Muharram is the first month of Islamic calendar month, this marks the start of the Islamic New Year. Muharram also holds a greater significance – we know from the holy Qur’an that Muharram is one of the four sacred months. The meaning of Muharram is forbidden, referring to the fact that it is one of the four sacred months in which warfare is forbidden. Muslims are encouraged to engage in increased worship during this holy month.

What happens in Muharram?

Although Muslims celebrate the coming of the new Islamic Year in Muharram  seeing it as another opportunity for them to gain nearness to Allah, Muharram is also a time of remembrance for the Muslim Ummah. 

On the 10th Muharram (Day of Ashura) in the 61st year of the Islamic Calendar, the Battle of Karbala took place. This was fought between a small army of the supporters and family of the Prophet (PBUH) and the army of Yazid, the Ummayad Caliph who had a significantly larger army. 

Imam Hussain (AS), the beloved grandson of the Prophet (PBUH) was brutally martyred, alongside the majority of the male members of the Prophet (PBUH)’S family. 

What are the celebrations of Muharram?

Muharram is one of the sacred months ordained by Allah. Therefore, it is a good time for Muslims to incorporate acts of charity known as Sadaqah Jariyah, nafl (voluntary) prayers, fasting and Qur’an recitation. 

Muslims may also reflect upon the new year by visiting the mosque, reflecting on the past Islamic (Hijri) year, and spending time with their loved ones.  

Virtues of Muharram

The sacred months offer us the opportunity to seek the mercy and favour of Allah SWT. Thus, there is an opportunity to gain more reward every day; but also, the danger of gaining more sins with our bad deeds.

There are many virtues of Muharram and simple things we can do to take advantage of the benefits of the sacred month. Here are some recommended actions or Sunnah during Muharram. 

Fast: Keep a fast on the 9th and 10th Muharram (the Day of Ashura) , or on the 10th and 11thMuharram. Fasting expiates sins.

Read the Qur’an: If you are unable to fast, reading the Qur’an or doing Dhikr can help you to feel the blessings of Muharram. Remember, any gathering for the sake of Allah SWT will also be filled with barakah and the Angels will join you.

Give regular Sadaqah: Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, so it’s the perfect time to make resolutions and establish good habits like giving regular charity, so that you can gain blessings all-year round.