Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam. It holds immense religious and historical value for Muslims globally. The virtues and significance of Muharram in Islam are deeply rooted in the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic history, making it a spiritually enriching time for reflection, devotion, and remembrance.
When is Muharram 2025?
Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, which follows the lunar cycle. Each new month begins with the sighting of the new moon, making Islamic dates subject to slight variation depending on moon visibility. In 2025, Muharram is expected to start on Friday, 27th June 2025, although this may change based on the actual moon sighting.
This sacred month holds great spiritual significance. Good deeds performed during Muharram carry multiplied rewards, while sinful actions are considered more serious in this blessed time.
Importance of Muharram in the Islamic Calendar
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It is one of the four sacred months (Ashhur al-Hurum) mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36).
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Sins and good deeds are magnified in reward and consequence during this month.
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It sets the spiritual tone for the rest of the Islamic year.
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve… of which four are sacred.” – Qur’an 9:36
Historical Events in Muharram
Muharram is not only sacred but also historically rich:
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The Exodus of Prophet Musa (AS) and Bani Israel across the Red Sea happened on the 10th of Muharram.
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The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala occurred on Ashura (10th Muharram), marking a turning point in Islamic history.
These events make the virtues and significance of Muharram in Islam even more profound.
Top 10 Virtues of Muharram
Virtue 1: Ashura Falls in One of the Sacred Months
The day of Ashura (10th Muharram) holds immense value, not just due to historical events but also because it occurs in one of the four sacred months in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months—Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram—and Rajab, which comes between Jumadah and Sha’ban.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Acts of worship carry multiplied rewards in Muharram, while sins committed are graver in nature. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized its importance:
“The best fast after the month of Ramadan is the fast of Allah’s month of Muharram.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This is further supported by the Quran:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve… of them, four are sacred. So do not wrong yourselves therein…”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)
Virtue 2: Allah Saved Prophet Musa (AS) and Bani Israel on This Day
On the 10th of Muharram, Allah (SWT) miraculously saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Israelites from the tyranny of Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea. When trapped at the shore, Prophet Musa (AS) struck the sea with his staff, and by Allah’s command, it split—allowing safe passage for his people.
Virtue 3: Noah’s Ark Came to Rest on Mount Judi
According to a narration from Imam Ahmad (رحمه الله), the Ark of Prophet Nuh (AS) came to rest on Mount Judi on the day of Ashura. This marked the end of the devastating flood and Allah’s mercy upon the believers who were saved aboard the Ark.
Virtue 4: The Prophet (ﷺ) Fasted on Ashura Even Before Prophethood
Even before prophethood, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) observed fasting on the 10th of Muharram. The polytheists of Makkah, following the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), also observed this fast during the period of ignorance (Jahiliyyah).
Imam Malik narrates in Muwatta and Imam Al-Qurtubi explains that Quraysh likely inherited this practice from earlier divine laws.
Virtue 5: Fasting on Ashura Was Once Obligatory
Before the fast of Ramadan was made mandatory, fasting on Ashura was an obligatory act for Muslims.
A’isha (RA) said:
“The Prophet (ﷺ) ordered fasting on the day of Ashura. When Ramadan was made obligatory, fasting on Ashura became voluntary.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Virtue 6: The Prophet (ﷺ) Encouraged the Ummah to Fast on Ashura
When Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) migrated to Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on Ashura in gratitude for Allah saving Musa (AS). He said:
“We are closer to Musa than you.”
He then fasted on that day and encouraged Muslims to do the same.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Virtue 7: Fasting on Ashura Erases a Year’s Sins
Fasting on the 10th of Muharram carries a profound spiritual reward.
“I hope from Allah that fasting on the day of Ashura will expiate for the sins of the previous year.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Virtue 8: The Prophet (ﷺ) Gave Priority to Ashura
Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated:
“I never saw the Prophet (ﷺ) so keen to fast on any day and give it priority over others as he did for Ashura and for Ramadan.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Virtue 9: Spending on Family Brings Year-long Blessings
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever is generous to his family on the day of Ashura, Allah will be generous to him throughout the year.”
(Al-Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman)
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal reported from Sufyan ibn Uyaynah:
“I have practiced this for fifty or sixty years and have only seen good from it.”
Virtue 10: Fasting on the 9th and 10th is Recommended
To distinguish Islamic practice from that of the Jews, the Prophet (ﷺ) intended to fast on the 9th of Muharram alongside the 10th in the following year.
“If I live till next year, I will surely fast on the 9th as well.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Imam Nawawi noted that this was to create a distinction between Muslim and Jewish customs.
Spiritual Virtues of Muharram
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Highly Rewarded Worship: Acts such as prayer, dhikr, charity, and fasting are especially highly rewarded.
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Forgiveness of Sins: Fasting on the day of Ashura is said to expiate sins of the previous year.
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Peaceful Reflection: A month of patience, reflection, and internal purification.
The Significance of the Month of Muharram in Islam
The sacred month of Muharram holds a highly esteemed position in Islam, as affirmed by both Allah (Subḥānahu wa Taʿālā) in the Qur’an and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in authentic Hadith. Its significance is deeply rooted in divine command and Prophetic tradition.
Muharram – One of the Four Sacred Months
Allah has designated four months as sacred, during which warfare and injustice are especially prohibited. These months are:
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Dhul Qa’dah
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Dhul Hijjah
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Muharram
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Rajab
Collectively, these months are referred to as “Al-Ashhur Al-Ḥurum” (the Sacred Months).
Allah (SWT) states in the Qur’an:
“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)
Hadith Affirming the Sacred Months
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) identified these months in a hadith:
“The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months—Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram—and Rajab, which comes between Jumaada and Sha’ban.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Sahih narration)
This hadith highlights Muharram as one of the four months divinely marked for sacredness and reflection.
Why Fighting is Prohibited in Sacred Months
Based on the Qur’anic verse and scholarly interpretations, initiating warfare during these months is haram (forbidden) unless in self-defense. This prohibition emphasizes the seriousness of preserving peace and justice, especially in these sacred times.
Qatadah (RA), a renowned early Islamic scholar, commented:
“Wrongdoing during the sacred months is more serious and carries a greater burden of sin than at other times. While wrongdoing is always a grave matter, Allah magnifies the consequences in whichever matters and times He wills.”
(Tafsir Ibn Kathir)
Exception: Self-Defense is Permissible
Though initiating aggression is forbidden, if non-Muslims or idolaters start hostilities during these months, Muslims are permitted to defend themselves. This is consistent with the Quran’s guidance on justice and measured response.
Fasting in Muharram: A Rewarded Act
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting Allah’s month of Muharram.” – Sahih Muslim
Recommended fasting days:
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9th Muharram (Tasu’a)
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10th Muharram (Ashura)
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Optional: 11th Muharram (to avoid resemblance to other religious groups)
Benefits of Fasting:
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Spiritual purification
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Expiation of past sins
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Following the Sunnah
The Day of Ashura: Meaning and Lessons
Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, is a day of:
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Deliverance: Celebrating Prophet Musa’s deliverance from Pharaoh.
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Martyrdom: Honoring Imam Hussain’s ultimate sacrifice for justice and truth.
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Reflection: A time to draw lessons in faith, resilience, and courage.
How Muslims Observe Muharram Today
Muslims around the world observe Muharram in various ways:
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Fasting on Ashura and the surrounding days
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Holding majlis or gatherings to commemorate the tragedy of Karbala
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Reading the Qur’an and offering voluntary prayers
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Engaging in charity and helping those in need
Misconceptions About Muharram
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It’s not a celebration of the Islamic New Year. Islam doesn’t prescribe special rituals for New Year’s Day.
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Mourning is cultural, not obligatory. While many mourn Imam Hussain’s martyrdom, mourning rituals are not required in mainstream Islamic practice.
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No self-harm is sanctioned. Islam strictly forbids self-flagellation or causing physical harm in any form.
Virtues and Significance of Muharram in Hadith
The Hadith literature strongly supports the sanctity and spiritual benefits of Muharram.
“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate the year that came before it.” – Sahih Muslim
“Muharram is the month of Allah.” – Sahih Muslim
This shows that the virtues and significance of Muharram in Islam are deeply connected to Allah’s mercy and guidance.
Read more: Muharram: History, Significance, and Observances in Islam
Conclusion
The month of Muharram is a sacred, spiritual period for Muslims. It encourages deeper faith, reflection on sacrifice, and a commitment to righteousness. From the historical events of Karbala to the act of fasting on Ashura, the virtues and significance of Muharram in Islam offer lessons that remain timeless and universal.
FAQs
What is the importance of Muharram in Islam?
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam. It is a time of increased spiritual reward, and many key Islamic historical events occurred in this month.
Why do Muslims fast on Ashura?
Fasting on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and expiates sins of the previous year.
Is Muharram a happy or sad occasion?
It’s a mix of both. Spiritually, it’s a blessed month. Historically, it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), which is observed with solemnity and reflection.
Can we wish “Happy Islamic New Year” in Muharram?
While it is not a religious requirement, exchanging good wishes is permissible as a form of goodwill, provided no un-Islamic rituals are practiced.
