The First Month: Muharram
The first day of Muharram 1447 AH begins with the sighting of the new moon, expected around June 26 or 27, 2025. This marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, which follows a lunar calendar of twelve months.
Name and Origin
The name al-Muḥarram comes from the Arabic root ḥ‑r‑m (ح‑ر‑م), which conveys meanings such as “forbidden,“ sacred, or inviolable. The month was considered sacred even in pre-Islamic Arabia and is one of the four months during which fighting was traditionally prohibited, a practice confirmed in the Quran.
In the old Arab calendar, this period was sometimes called Muḥarram Ṣafar to distinguish between two consecutive months, one sacred (Muḥarram) and one not (Ṣafar). Over time, Muḥarram stood alone as the name of the first month.
Although pre-Islamic Arabs observed a lunar calendar and treated Muḥarram as the first month, they had no unified system for counting years. That changed in 17 AH under the second Caliph ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, when the Hijri calendar was established, beginning from the year of the Prophet’s ﷺ migration (Hijrah) to Madinah.
Though the Hijrah occurred in the month of Rabīʿ al-Awwal, the companions selected Muḥarram to mark the beginning of the Islamic year, as it followed the sacred month of Ḥajj and symbolized a fresh spiritual beginning.
Religious Significance
The most significant day in this month is Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. According to authentic hadith, when the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on this day to commemorate the parting of the Red Sea and the rescue of Prophet Mūsa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. The Prophet ﷺ said
“We have more right to Moses than them,”
and fasted on that day. He also instructed his followers to do the same.
Later, he recommended fasting also on the 9th of Muharram (known as Tāsuʿā) to distinguish the Muslim observance from that of the Jews. It is also permissible to fast the 11th instead of the 9th if necessary. Fasting on Ashura is not obligatory but strongly encouraged.
Other events mentioned in hadith as having occurred on the day of Ashura include:
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The Ark of Nuh (Noah) coming to rest on Mount Judi
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Allah’s forgiveness of Prophet Ādam (Adam)
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The release of Prophet Yūsuf (Joseph) from prison
These associations make the day one of immense spiritual meaning. Along with fasting, it is recommended to increase acts of worship, including charity, prayer, and expressions of gratitude.
Events from the Seerah
During the early days of Islam in Madinah, the direction of prayer (qiblah) was toward al-Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. According to some historical reports, this instruction was first given around 16 Muharram. Muslims continued facing Jerusalem in prayer until Allah revealed the command to change the qiblah toward the Ka‘bah in Makkah (Qur’an 2:144). This shift marked an important milestone in establishing the spiritual identity of the Muslim community.
A Sacred Start
Muharram sets the tone for the rest of the Islamic year. Its sacred status, connection to key prophetic events, and emphasis on remembrance and worship make it a month of spiritual reflection and renewal.
