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Muharram, محرم, is the first month of the Islamic calendar. But calling it just the “first month” almost feels like an understatement. It’s one of the four sacred months in Islam where battles were traditionally forbidden, and it’s marked by deep spirituality, remembrance, and renewal.
Whether you’re familiar with the month or just starting to explore its significance, Muharram is not just a date change on the Islamic calendar; it’s a chance to reframe your intentions, draw closer to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, and reconnect with the roots of your faith.
In 2025, Muharram is expected to begin on the evening of Wednesday, June 25, and will end on the evening of Friday, July 25, depending on the moon sighting. The Day of Ashura, also known as 10 of Muharram, will likely fall on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Dates may vary by region due to moon sightings. According to Islamic principles, every new day begins with sunset.
These first ten days are especially sacred. The 10th day, known as Ashura, carries powerful historical and spiritual significance in Islam. Ashura is a sacred day of fasting, remembrance, and resilience. It honours the triumph of truth over oppression, and calling us to spiritual renewal. We honour the sacrifices made by Prophet Musa (Moses) عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ.
Even if you’re not deeply immersed in Islamic history, there’s something incredibly moving about Ashura in Islam.
The Day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, is one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar. Its significance is rooted foremost in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who emphasized its importance through the act of fasting.
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Medina, he noticed the Jewish community fasting on the 10th of Muharram. They explained it was the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, a day of gratitude and divine victory.
Hearing this, the Prophet ﷺ responded:
“We have more right to Musa than them.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Out of love and reverence for Prophet Musa, the Prophet ﷺ fasted on that day and encouraged his companions to do the same. Later, he recommended fasting an additional day, either the 9th or the 11th of Muharram, to distinguish the Muslim tradition.
For many Muslims, Ashura is also a day of remembrance. It’s the day Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه), the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, was tragically martyred in the battle of Karbala. His unwavering stance for truth and justice, even in the face of death, continues to inspire generations to speak up against injustice and hold firmly to their principles.
If there’s one action encouraged during Muharram, especially on Ashura, it’s fasting.
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: وَصُومُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الْمَاضِيَةٞ
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate for the sins of the previous year.” – Sahih Muslim, 1162a
If you can, fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, it reflects both devotion and love for the Prophet’s teachings. A chance to seek forgiveness, reset our hearts, and draw closer to Allah. This year, 9th and 10th of Muharram is expected to be on weekends i.e., Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, Jul 6, 2025, which makes it an opportunity because of no work commitments, no school runs, just a peaceful weekend to dedicate to this great and rewarding Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him)
The start of a new Hijri year is an opportunity to renew your intentions, reconnect with the Qur’an, and strengthen your relationship with Allah.
Reciting daily adhkar (remembrances), like “SubhanAllah,” “Alhamdulillah,” or “Astaghfirullah,” can slowly transform your routine. Here are some du’aas for the Islamic New Year:
اللهم ادخله علينا بالامن والايمان والسلامة والاسلام
O Allah, let this year enter upon us with security, faith, safety, and Islam.
Much like people set resolutions at the start of the Gregorian New Year, Muharram is your chance to commit, quietly, personally, to small acts of growth. Maybe it’s giving more to charity. Or praying on time more consistently. Or even just taking ten minutes a day to sit with the Qur’an.
These aren’t lofty promises. They’re small beginnings. And they matter.
Muharram is the perfect time to start your year with generosity. Consider giving Sadaqah or a monthly donation to help someone in need. At Human Concern UK, we believe small acts of kindness build a bigger future. Your support provides food, water, shelter, and healthcare to those who need it most.
Engage in fasting, adhkar, du’aas, give sadaqah, and reflect on the lessons of justice and sacrifice from Islamic history.
Ashura marks the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people from Pharaoh. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted on this day in gratitude and encouraged Muslims to do the same. It’s also the day Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه), the Prophet’s grandson, was martyred in the battle of Karbala, a powerful reminder of sacrifice, justice, and standing up for what’s right.
It is not obligatory but highly recommended. Fasting on this day brings great rewards and expiates sins from the previous year.
So here we are, standing at the gates of a new Islamic year. It’s a fresh chapter, a new intention, a subtle nudge from the Divine: “Start again.” Muharram reminds us that history isn’t meant to stay in books. It’s alive, echoing in the lessons we carry forward and the choices we make today. Unlocking the blessings of the Islamic New Year.
Let this month be more than dates and rituals. Let Muharram be our chance to change and bring us light.
Human Concern UK is one of the leading Muslim relief organisations in the United Kingdom, committed to fighting poverty and providing aid to those in need.
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