Muharram and the Islamic New Year
The first of Muharram begins on the evening of Wednesday, June 25th 2025 according to the Fiqh Council of North America.
The Islamic New Year begins with Muharram, the first month in our Islamic calendar year. The Islamic New Year marks the hijrah (emigration) of Muslims from Mecca to Madina.
The significance of this event is marked by multiple other occasions and, according to the Quran, is one of the four sacred months.
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) [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 […]” (Quran 9: 36)
We are encouraged to increase our worship in these four months as the blessings of good deeds are multiplied. Give now to your local masjid and reap the rewards of Allah during this sacred month.
“The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is that of Allah’s month of Al-Muharram.” (Tirmidhi, 740)
Ashura: The Tenth of Muharram
July 5th insha’Allah will mark the 10th of Muharram, the Day of Ashura.
“[The Prophet ﷺ] was asked about fasting on the day of Ashura (10th of Muharram), whereupon he said: It expiates the sins of the preceding year. ” (Sahih Muslim, 1162b)
The fast on the day of Ashura is to celebrate the day Allah saved Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the children of Israel from Pharoah by parting the sea. At the time of the Prophet ﷺ, Jews would fast for this reason as well, but Muslims fast an extra day to distinguish ourselves from the Jews.
“When the Prophet ﷺ arrived at Madina, the Jews were observing the fast on Ashura, and they said, ‘This is the day when Moses (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) became victorious over Pharaoh.’ On that, the Prophet ﷺ said to his companions, ‘You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses’ (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.’”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, 4680)
So if one could not fast on the 9th and 10th, they can fast on the 10th and 11th if they wish. If you are able, you may choose to fast:
- July 4th and 5th (the 9th and 10th of Muharram), or
- July 5th and 6th (the 10th and 11th of Muharram).
It should not be forced on one to fast it as it is a sunnah, because the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Concerning the day of Ashura, it is not obligatory upon you to fast on it as I do. Whoever wishes may fast and whoever does not wish to is not obliged to do so” (Bukhari, 1893).
Who among us wouldn’t want their minor sins erased?
May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) enable us to see truth as truth and aid us in following it. Please remember to pray for our brothers and sisters all over the world who are suffering, and to enables us to change ourselves for the better. May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) accept the fasts and dua’s of all those who choose to fast. Ameen.
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