Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, and it marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. But it’s more than just the start of a new year—it’s a deeply spiritual time filled with historical meaning and opportunity for worship. For Muslims who want to grow closer to Allah, understanding Muharram and the Day of Ashura can open the door to immense blessings and reflection.
The Prophet ﷺ referred to Muharram as “the month of Allah,” highlighting its special status. Fasting, praying, and doing good deeds in this month are especially rewarded. It’s a time to renew your connection with Allah, look back at what you’ve done, and step forward with sincerity. While there are no specific rituals tied to the new year in Islam, beginning it with repentance, intention, and remembrance is a beautiful way to seek Allah’s mercy.
At the heart of Muharram is the Day of Ashura, which falls on the 10th day of the month. It’s a powerful day with rich history and deep meaning. Long before Islam was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Ashura was observed by the Prophet Musa (AS) and the Israelites. It was the day Allah saved them from Pharaoh by splitting the sea and granting them freedom. In gratitude, Musa fasted on this day.
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on Ashura, he said, “We have more right to Musa than they do,” and he encouraged Muslims to fast as well. He also recommended fasting a day before or after—on the 9th or 11th—to distinguish it from other traditions. Fasting on Ashura is not obligatory, but it is highly recommended. The Prophet ﷺ said that fasting on this day expiates the sins of the past year.
Beyond fasting, the Day of Ashura is a time to reflect on faith, freedom, and trust in Allah. It’s also a day tied to deep emotional history for many Muslims, as it marks the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (RA), the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, in the tragic Battle of Karbala. His stand for justice, even in the face of oppression, reminds us of the cost of truth and the value of steadfastness. While Sunni and Shia Muslims may observe the day differently, both remember it as a moment of loss, courage, and principle.
Muharram is not a time of celebration, but a time of reverence. It’s an opportunity to purify the heart, do good, and begin the year with Allah’s remembrance. You can use this sacred month to make more dua, give charity, reconnect with the Quran, or even commit to small positive changes in your daily life.
The beauty of Islam is that it gives us these moments throughout the year to reset and realign. Muharram and Ashura are among those moments—a chance to remember the past, honor the sacrifices of the righteous, and step into the future with renewed faith.