The Islamic (Hijri) calendar is lunar-based, with months lasting 29 or 30 days depending on the moon. Its first month, Muharram, holds deep spiritual importance. Derived from “Haram” (forbidden), it marks a sacred time when warfare was traditionally prohibited. As the lunar calendar shifts about 11 days earlier each year, Muharram moves through all seasons, encouraging reflection, goal setting, and renewed faith. For Muslims, it signals a spiritually mindful start to the new year.
Muharram’s historical roots extend deep into both Islamic and pre-Islamic traditions. Even before the advent of Islam, the Arabs respected Muharram as a sacred month. With Islam, its importance became more profound through historical events and divine association. Muharram commemorates one of the most significant events in Islamic history: the Hijrah, or Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) journey from Mecca to Medina, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Moreover, key events such as the deliverance of Prophet Musa (Moses) from Pharaoh and the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussain in Karbala further elevate the historical gravity of this month. These events connect believers to a legacy of sacrifice, patience, and divine deliverance. Muharram is a commemoration of past events and a call to embody values of justice, resilience, and spiritual introspection. It is a powerful narrative bridge that links the Islamic ummah to their prophetic heritage and moral compass.
The Qur’an underscores the sanctity of four specific months, of which Muharram is one.
إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [in a year] in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them…“
Surah At-Tawbah (9:36)
Though the verse does not explicitly name Muharram, authentic hadiths clarify it as one of the sacred months. This Quranic affirmation elevates the month’s status, calling for heightened piety, moral restraint, and devotion. During these sacred times, acts of worship carry amplified reward, while sinful actions bear increased weight. The reference aligns Muharram with divine will, making it a unique spiritual window for Muslims seeking to draw closer to their Creator. It emphasizes peace, righteousness, and ethical discipline as core behaviors for this period.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) consistently emphasized the virtues of Muharram, particularly fasting. In Sahih Muslim, he is reported to have said,
أَفْضَلُ الصِّيَامِ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ، شَهْرُ اللَّهِ الْمُحَرَّمُ
The best fasting after Ramadan is in the month of Allah, Al-Muharram. [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1163]
The explicit mention of the month as “the month of Allah” is significant, as this designation is not commonly used for other months. It highlights the spiritual magnitude of Muharram. Fasting this month, particularly on the Day of Ashura, is an act of Sunnah that brings immense reward and forgiveness. The Prophet’s teachings encourage Muslims to seize the opportunity for spiritual cleansing and renewal. The hadith literature surrounding Muharram fosters a deeper appreciation for its sacredness, urging believers to increase their acts of worship, charity, and reflection during this blessed time.
The Day of Ashura, falling on the 10th of Muharram, holds profound religious and historical significance in Islam. “Ashura” refers to the tenth day of the first Islamic month and is derived from the Arabic word “Asharah,” which means ten.
قَدِمَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الْمَدِينَةَ، فَرَأَى الْيَهُودَ تَصُومُ يَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ، فَقَالَ: مَا هَذَا؟ قَالُوا: هَذَا يَوْمٌ صَالِحٌ، هَذَا يَوْمٌ نَجَّى اللَّهُ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ مِنْ عَدُوِّهِمْ، فَصَامَهُ مُوسَى، قَالَ: فَأَنَا أَحَقُّ بِمُوسَى مِنْكُمْ، فَصَامَهُ، وَأَمَرَ بِصِيَامِهِ
The Prophet (ﷺ) came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashura. He said, ‘What is this?’ They said, ‘This is a righteous day; it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy, so Musa fasted on this day.’ The Prophet said, ‘We have more right to Musa than you,’ so he fasted on that day and commanded [the Muslims] to fast on it.
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2004]
The Prophet acknowledged the significance of the day and declared that Muslims had a greater right to honor Musa, thus instituting the practice of fasting on Ashura. Over time, Ashura’s meaning expanded beyond Musa’s story, encompassing broader themes of divine intervention, justice, and sacrifice.
One of the most referenced narratives associated with Ashura is the miraculous event where Allah saved Prophet Musa and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. According to Islamic tradition, Musa and his people were pursued by Pharaoh and his army, and by Allah’s command, the Red Sea parted, allowing the Israelites to escape safely. This divine act of deliverance is a cornerstone of Ashura’s spiritual resonance. When Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encountered Jewish tribes fasting in honor of this event, he affirmed the significance and declared that Muslims would also fast on this day.
The practice aligns with the Islamic principle of honoring previous prophets and their struggles. This occasion is a perfect example of how Ashura honors the victory of faith against persecution, as well as divine kindness and justice. It stands as a timeless reminder that with sincerity and patience, Allah’s help is always near, making it a powerful motivation for spiritual perseverance.
Ashura is most profoundly remembered for the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). In 680 CE (61 AH), Hussain (AS) and his small group of loyal companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala by the forces of the Umayyad Caliph Yazid. Refusing to pledge allegiance to an unjust ruler, Imam Hussain (AS) stood for truth, justice, and integrity. His stance, though resulting in martyrdom, left a lasting legacy of moral courage and sacrifice.
The pain and sorrow of Karbala are not just historical memories but living expressions of devotion, particularly among muslim communities. The story of Karbala inspires people across all Islamic sects to uphold truth and resist injustice, making Ashura a universally poignant day of remembrance.
Fasting on the Day of Ashura is a highly recommended Sunnah in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) practiced and encouraged fasting on this day to commemorate the deliverance of the Israelites. Later, he advised pairing it with a fast either on the day before (9th) or the day after (11th) to distinguish Islamic practices from those of the Jewish community. Known as Tasu’a and Ashura fasting, this practice reflects a prophetic tradition of spiritual devotion.
Fasting during these days is seen not only as an act of historical remembrance but also as a profound spiritual tool for self-purification and renewal. Believers are encouraged to prepare for these days with physical readiness, sincere intention, and heightened awareness of their inner state. The fast of Ashura provides an opportunity for atonement, humility, and increased connection with Allah. It sets the tone for a spiritually enriching start to the Islamic year.
Several authentic hadiths underline the immense virtues of fasting on Ashura. According to Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
سُئِلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ عَنْ صِيَامِ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ، فَقَالَ: يُكَفِّرُ السَّنَةَ الْمَاضِيَةَ
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about fasting on the Day of Ashura, and he said: ‘It expiates [the sins of] the past year.
[Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 752]
Other hadiths further reinforce the merit of fasting in Muharram as a whole, highlighting it as the most virtuous fast after Ramadan. Scholars emphasize that such rewards are not automatic but depend on the purity of intention and the avoidance of major sins. These prophetic traditions encourage Muslims to embrace Ashura not as a ritualistic fast but as a moment of deep inner reflection and transformation. The fast, thus, is both a personal purification and a communal expression of faith.
On the Day of Ashura, supplication becomes a deeply personal and emotional practice. Believers turn to Allah in humility and sincerity, invoking forgiveness, mercy, and guidance.
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي كُلَّهُ، دِقَّهُ وَجِلَّهُ، وَأَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ، وَعَلاَنِيَتَهُ وَسِرَّهُ
English:
“O Allah, forgive me all my sins — the minor and the major, the first and the last, the apparent and the hidden.”
— [Sahih Muslim]
اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْنِي وَاهْدِنِي وَعَافِنِي وَارْزُقْنِي
“O Allah, have mercy on me, guide me, grant me well-being, and provide for me.”
[Sahih Muslim]
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
“There is no deity except You; glory be to You! Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”
[Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:87]
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debt and from being overpowered by men.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
الْـحَمْـدُ للهِ الَّذِي نَجَّانَا مِمَّا كَانُوا فِيهِ
“All praise is due to Allah who saved us from what they were suffering from.”
(This is a reflective dua attributed to Musa (AS) in spirit of his deliverance from Pharaoh.)
Charity on Ashura is a way to show gratitude for Allah’s blessings and emulate the Prophet’s concern for the poor. Generosity purifies wealth and softens the heart. Some scholars cite reports that increasing generosity on Ashura invites year-long barakah (blessing), although the specific narrations are weak, the general merit of charity is well established in Islam.
“Whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged.“
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:272)
Ashura is a powerful day of reflection on divine justice and mercy. Reciting the Qur’an brings calmness and insight, especially when reflecting on stories like the deliverance of Musa (Moses) and the destruction of Pharaoh (Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:60–68). This enhances one’s connection to Allah and strengthens moral resolve.
“And We certainly sent Moses with Our signs, [saying], ‘Bring out your people from darkness into the light and remind them of the days of Allah.'”
Surah Ibrahim (14:5)
Ashura is a day of divine forgiveness; believers are encouraged to forgive others and seek reconciliation. Mending broken ties aligns with the Prophet’s teachings, who said, “Shall I not tell you about a deed better than fasting, prayer, and charity?” They said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘Reconciling between people.’” [Abu Dawood, 4919]
Restoring relationships on this sacred day opens the door to mercy and personal peace.
Engaging in acts of compassion, such as visiting the sick or elderly, reflects the values of empathy and care demonstrated by prophets. These acts earn great reward, as mentioned in the hadith:
“When you visit a sick person or a brother in Islam, you are walking in the gardens of Paradise.“
— [Sahih Muslim, 2568]
On Ashura, such visits can deepen gratitude and mindfulness of life’s blessings.
With Muharram 2025 expected to begin around June 26–27, Muslims around the world are preparing to observe the sacred month and the Day of Ashura. Being aware of the key dates and engaging in meaningful practices can help individuals maximize the spiritual benefits of this holy period. As always, the actual start of the Islamic month will depend on local moon-sighting, so it’s important to follow announcements from trusted religious authorities in your area.
According to astronomical calculations and regional data, Muharram is likely to start on June 27th, 2025, in the UK, though this is subject to moon sighting. The Day of Tasu’a (9th Muharram) will fall on Saturday, July 5, and the Day of Ashura (10th Muharram) will be July 6, 2025. It is advisable to monitor local religious announcements.
Preparation for Muharram and Ashura involves more than logistical planning—it calls for mental, emotional, and spiritual readiness. Setting intentions and structuring your days around devotion can elevate your experience of the sacred month.
Planning these fasts in advance ensures better physical and spiritual preparedness. Begin adjusting your eating schedule a few days earlier, especially your pre-dawn meals (suhoor). Keep meals nutritious and hydrating to sustain energy. Sharing the intention to fast with family or friends can create a supportive environment, encouraging everyone to participate fully in this act of worship. Using a calendar or reminder app can help organize these days efficiently.
Spending time in quiet reflection, Quranic recitation, and dhikr deepens your spiritual experience. Consider journaling your spiritual goals and emotions during Muharram. Allocate a portion of your daily expenses—no matter how small—to charity. Supporting causes that align with the values of justice and compassion, as embodied by Imam Hussain, makes your observance more impactful. Whether you donate food to the hungry, support local charities, or help a struggling neighbor, these acts enhance the spiritual light of the month.
Respect and mindfulness are vital when participating in community events during Muharram. If attending a mosque, majlis, or public procession, follow the local customs and etiquette, such as dressing modestly, maintaining silence during sermons, and refraining from disruptive behavior. Non-Muslims or members of other Islamic sects who attend should do so respectfully, recognizing the spiritual significance of these gatherings. Accept invitations to iftars or religious talks graciously, as these are opportunities to foster interfaith and intra-faith unity. Above all, maintain humility, focus on spiritual growth, and uphold the values of sincerity and empathy throughout the month.
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