Muharram & Ashura: A Beautiful Beginning in the Islamic Year

What is Muharram?

Understanding the First Sacred Month with a Gentle Heart

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It’s kind of like January in the regular calendar — it’s when the Muslim New Year starts!

But wait — Muharram is not about fireworks or parties. It’s a quiet and special time, full of remembering, praying, and learning from the past.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) called Muharram “the sacred month of Allah.” That means it’s one of the four most holy months in Islam. During this month, Muslims try to do more good things and stay away from anything wrong — like fighting, lying, or being mean.

Think of it as a peace month — a time to clean your heart, do kind things, and be close to Allah.

🕊️ Why is Muharram So Special?

There are many reasons why Muharram is amazing, but here are some easy ones:

1. It starts the Islamic year – a fresh beginning!
   
2. It reminds us of brave and kind people from history who loved Allah.
   
3. The 10th day of Muharram is called Ashura — a very important day!
   

📅 What is Ashura?

Ashura means “the tenth” in Arabic — it’s the 10th day of Muharram. On this day, many important things happened in Islamic history.

One of the big stories is about Prophet Musa (Moses). Long ago, Allah helped Prophet Musa and his people escape from a very bad king called Pharaoh. The sea even split open to help them escape!

When the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) heard this, he was so happy that Allah saved Musa. So he fasted on the day of Ashura to say thank you to Allah — and told Muslims to do the same.

🌟 How Do Sunni Muslims Celebrate Ashura?

For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is a happy and peaceful day of worship.

Here’s what many Muslims do on Ashura:

• They fast from morning until evening (like in Ramadan, but just for one day).
  
• Some fast on the 9th and 10th, or 10th and 11th, to do extra good deeds.
  
• They make dua (prayers) and thank Allah for all His blessings.
  
• They try to do something kind — like giving food, helping someone, or sharing toys or snacks with others!
  
• They remember the story of Musa and Allah’s mercy.
  

🥣 Even little kids who can’t fast sometimes give food or water to others as a sweet way to join in!

🕯️ What About Shia Muslims?

Some Muslims, like Shia Muslims, use Ashura to remember a sad event — the death of Imam Husayn (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), a very brave and good man.

They gather together, read stories, and show their love for Husayn by remembering how he stood for truth and justice. This is more common in places like Iraq, Iran, India, and Pakistan.

This part of the month is not about celebration, but about learning lessons from history.

🧕 What Should We Do in Muharram?

You don’t have to do something big or fancy to be close to Allah. Even small things in Muharram are BIG in reward.

Here are simple things kids and grown-ups can do in this month:

✅ Say “Alhamdulillah” (Thank you, Allah) more often
✅ Be kind — even when it’s hard
✅ Help clean the house or feed someone
✅ Listen to stories of the Prophets
✅ Try fasting if you’re older and healthy
✅ Say a prayer and make dua for your family

📖 A Little Dua for Ashura

Here’s a small prayer you can say:

“O Allah, help me be kind, thankful, and always near to You.”

Short and sweet — just like our faith should feel. 😊

🔗 Other Muslim Calendar Holidays Coming Up

Now that we’ve started the year with Muharram, we have many more beautiful days to learn about:

• 🌙 Rabi’ al-Awwal – when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born
  
• 🌙 Ramadan – the fasting month
  
• 🌙 Eid al-Fitr – the happy day after Ramadan
  
• 🌙 Eid al-Adha – the festival of sacrifice
  
• 🌙 Laylat al-Qadr – the night of power in Ramadan
  

Stick with us — we’ll explain all of them, one by one, in a way your heart will love.

Final Thoughts

Muharram and Ashura aren’t just dates on a calendar. They are moments to remember:

• how Allah helps His believers
  
• how being patient and grateful makes us stronger
  
• and how good deeds always count, no matter how small
  

So whether you’re a kid or a grown-up, take Muharram as your gentle start to a beautiful, blessed year.

Let your heart walk with the Muslim calendar — one special day at a time 💖

📩 Want to learn more holidays in simple language?
Subscribe to our blog and let your family enjoy the journey together.

📥 Download the Muslim Calendar App to stay updated with Hijri dates, prayer times, and monthly schedules — all in one place.

Knowledge Base:

• Yaqeen : https://yaqeeninstitute.org/
• Muslim World League – https://themwl.org/

Read More:

• Muslim Calendar Holidays
• Rabi ul awwal