Muharram is the first month of the new Islamic year and marks the emigration (hijrah) of Muslims from Makkah to Madina, establishing a base in 622 CE. Muharram, alongside Al-Haram, Allah’s House in Makkah, derived the same from the Arabic root h-r-m, meaning sacred and sanctified. The month of Muharram holds many significant virtues which I would like to enlighten you – whether Muslim or non-Muslim. Each month depends on the sight of the moon.

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, are signs for those of understanding.”
[The Glorious Quran Surah Aal-Imran (Family of Imran) (3:190)]

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has even emphasised its importance by declaring the month due to several reasons:

It is one of the four sacred months and should avoid sin more than any other time.

“Indeed, the number of months with Allāh is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allāh [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion [i.e., way], so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. Know that Allāh is with the righteous [who fear Him].”

[The Glorious Quran, Surah Al Tawbah (The Repentance), 9:36]

Concerning this hadith, Abu Bakr (May Allah have mercy upon him) said:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“Time has come back to its original state which it had when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth; the year is twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them are in succession; Dhul-Qa’da, Dhul-Hijja and Al-Muharram, and (the fourth being) Rajab Mudar (named after the tribe of Mudar as they used to respect this month) which stands between Jumad (ath-thani) and Sha’ban.”

[Hadith, Sahih Al-Bukhari, 4662]

Fasting during this month is the best month after the blessed month of Ramadan.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah have mercy upon him) narrated that:

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is Allah’s month Al-Muharram.”

[Hadith, Al-Tirmidhi, 740; Muslim 1163]

Al-‘Izz ibn ‘Abd as-Salam (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“Superiority of times and places is of two types, the first of which is in worldly terms and the second is in religious or spiritual terms because of what Allah bestows upon His slaves at those times and in those places of a greater reward for deeds, such as the greater virtue of fasting Ramadan over fasting in other months or on the day of ‘Ashura. Its virtue is due to Allah’s generosity and kindness to His slaves during it.”

(Qawa‘id al-Ahkam, 1/38)

The ceremonial change of the Kiswa over the Kaabah takes place on the first day of Muharram.

This takes place after 11 months of craftsmanship, where it is produced at the King Abdulaziz Complex in the Umm Al Joud district of Makkah.

The month of Ashurah (10th Muharram/25th June 2026).

This day holds many significant values, including sacrifice, standing for justice, divine intervention, and mercy. The month of Ashurah, meaning the 10th (10th Muharram/26th June 2026), holds positive and negative events, and it is advised to fast:

Positive side of Ashurah

1. Allah (The Most High) saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel (Bani Israel) from Pharaoh Ramses II.

2. It expiates sins from the past year.

Abu Qatadah (may Allah have mercy upon him) reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about fasting the day of Arafat, and he said,

“It will expiate the sins of the previous and upcoming years.” Then, the Prophet was asked about fasting the day of Ashura, and he said, “It will expiate the sins of the past year.”

[Hadith, Muslim]

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended fasting on the 9th and the 10th because of the following hadith:

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) came to Medina and he found the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. The Prophet said,

“What is this day you are fasting?” They said, “This is a great day in which Allah saved Moses and his people, and he drowned Pharaoh and his people. Moses fasted on it due to gratitude, so we also fast on it.” The Prophet said, “We are more worthy and closer to Moses than you.” The Prophet fasted the day of Ashura, and he commanded fasting on it.

[Hadith, Sahih al-Bukhari]

However, if one misses the 9th, they can fast the 10th and 11th Muharram.

Sad side of Ashurah

In the 61st year of the Islamic Calendar, the Battle of Karbala took place. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (may Allah have mercy upon him), the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), alongside other male members of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who fought with his small army from the tyrant leader and Umayyad Caliph, Yazid.

Other virtues of Ashurah: The parables of the Prophets

The respected scholars have also referred to the following events that indicate Allah’s love, patience, and wisdom, mercy, forgiveness, divine protection, and recovery.

• Prophet Noah (Nuh)’s Ark settled on Mount Judi after the flood.

• Repentance of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) after eating from the forbidden tree. Adam and Eve were expelled from Paradise.

• The tyrannical King Nimrod ordered Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to be thrown into a blazing fire. However, the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) had faith, and Allah (The Most High) helped him by being cool and offering protection. He signifies patience and faith.

• Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) was reunited with his father after they were separated. Prophet Yusuf also believed in his brother and led years of trial.
• Prophet Ayub (peace be upon him) was severely unwell. He was tested in his patience as He faced trials with his family and wealth. He taught reliance, steadfastness, and faith.
• Prophet Yunus peace be upon him had a momentary lapse with his tribe. He was then swallowed by a whale and stayed there for several days before being released.

Allah (The Most High) states)

And [mention] the man of the fish [i.e., Jonah], when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him. And he called out within the darknesses, “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”

[The Glorious Quran, Surah Al-Anbiya 21:87]

This indicates that Muharram is a new start for all.

References

Alimaan online (2024) Day of Ashura:10th Muharram. Available at: https://alimaanonline.com/day-of-ashura-history-significance-and-observances/ (Accessed: 13^th June 2026)

Islam Q and A (2014) Virtues of al- Muharram Available at: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/204142/virtues-of-al-muharram (Accessed: 13^th June 2026)

Islamic Landmarks (n.d.) Kiswah (The cover of the Ka’bah) Available at: https://www.islamiclandmarks.com/makkah-haram-sharief/kiswah-the-cover-of-the-kabah (Accessed: 13^th June 2026)

KSA Directory (2025) Kaaba’s Kiswa to be replaced on the first day of Muharram. Available at: https://www.ksa.directory/kaaba-s-kiswa-to-be-replaced-on-the-first-day-of-muharram/2038/n (Accessed: 13^th June 2026)

Mamun, M. (2025) The Importance of Muharram Month in Islam: A Comprehensive Guide. Available at: https://islamicinfocenter.com/importance-of-muharram-month-in-islam/ (Accessed: 13^th June 2026)

Qisasul Islam (2024) The Story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and Fir’awn (Pharaoh): A Tale of Faith and Liberation. Available at: https://qisasulislam.blogspot.com/2024/06/story-prophet-musa-moses-firaun-pharaoh-liberation-faith.html (Accessed: 13^th June 2026)

Sheikh Dr. Saalim Al-Azhari (2025) What is Muharram? Available at: https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/resources/islamic-calendar/muharram/ (Accessed: 13^th June 2026)