Muharram is the first month in the Islamic Calendar and holds immense significance in Islam. It is so sacred that no other month has the honour of being called the month of Allah (SWT). While the importance of Muharram is emphasised in many Hadiths, it is equally vital to seek Allah’s (SWT) mercy and strengthen your faith throughout the entire year. Allah (SWT) loves when His believers remain steadfast in worship, supplicate with sincerity, and strive to improve their deeds consistently.
When discussing what is Muharram, it is essential to understand that it is one of the four sacred months in Islam during which good deeds carry more weight, and sins are magnified. The other sacred months are Rajab, Dhul Qa’dah, and Dhul Hijjah. Muharram serves as an opportunity to draw closer to Allah through worship, fasting, and charity.
The first day of Muharram marks the Islamic New Year and commemorates the Hijrah which is the emigration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE, where the first Islamic state was established.
Many people ask, when is Muharram 2025? The Islamic calendar is lunar, so dates vary each year. Muharram in 2025 is expected to begin on 27 June 2025, depending on the moon sighting, and end at sundown on 26 July 2025. This sacred time provides an ideal moment for reflection, renewal, and deeper spiritual engagement.
A crucial part of this month is the 10th of Muharram, also known as the Day of Ashura. So, what happened on 10 Muharram? It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who stood against injustice and was killed by the forces of the tyrant Yazid. Along with him, many of his family and companions were brutally killed after being denied food and water for days. This marks the importance of 10th Muharram in Islam, particularly for its historical, spiritual, and emotional significance.
But the virtues of Muharram extend beyond Ashura. Several other events are said to have occurred on this day, such as the salvation of Musa (AS) from Pharaoh, the rescue of Yunus (AS) from the whale, and the birth of Isa (AS). These remarkable stories highlight what happened in Muharram and why it is a time of immense reflection for Muslims worldwide.
Fasting is highly recommended during Muharram, especially on the 10th day. It is Sunnah to fast either the day before or after as well, to distinguish from the Jewish tradition. Fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year and is a means of earning Allah’s (SWT) mercy.
There are various ways in which you can strengthen your faith this Muharram. Take for instance the simple act of increasing your worship. Praying will help relieve your soul from distress, following the removal of anxiety and worry, so you can navigate through life peacefully.
Another way in which one can observe Muharram is to give charity in a generous manner. By helping those that can benefit from your support, may it be financially or through your acts of service, you can multiply your rewards by simply choosing to help someone.
Repentance during this sacred month is vital. Allah (SWT) is the most merciful and the most beneficent, it is important to remind yourself to seek his forgiveness as saying Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah) will keep the tongue moist in supplication whilst simultaneously proving in favour of your hereafter. Did you also know that on the day of judgement, Dhikr (remembrance) will weigh very heavy on the scales? So, take this time to build a conscious habit of incorporating Dhikr into your life.
We want to reinforce that good deeds are multiplied, so too are sins if committed, so take extra care in your actions. Muharram offers a spiritual gateway to reflect, repent and make lasting positive changes in our lives.
Start the Islamic New Year by giving in charity. Let Muharram 2025 be the beginning of consistent good deeds. Donate today and support our ongoing humanitarian efforts. Visit our website to find out how you can help.
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