Muharram al-Haram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, which not only marks the beginning of a new year but also serves as a reminder of great events in Islamic history. The 1st of Muharram, which marks the start of the Hijri calendar, holds religious, historical, and cultural importance and is given special status in the Islamic world.
In many Muslim countries, the 1st of Muharram is observed as a public holiday, highlighting its significance. The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is lunar-based. It began in 622 CE with the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to Medina. This migration was a momentous event that changed the course of Islamic history and laid the foundation of a strong Islamic state.
During the caliphate of Hazrat Umar Farooq (may Allah be pleased with him), this calendar was formally established, and its first day was designated as the 1st of Muharram. Thus, the 1st of Muharram not only marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year but also provides an opportunity for the Muslim Ummah to draw lessons from the great events of the past and renew their commitment for the future.
Furthermore, the day serves as a reminder of the Hijrah of the Prophet — a profound example of sacrifice, perseverance, and faith. Muharram al-Haram is considered one of the four sacred months (Al-Ashhur al-Hurum) mentioned in the Qur’an. These months include Dhu al-Qa‘dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. During these months, good deeds are rewarded manifold, and sins are considered more serious.
Muharram is especially revered for its emphasis on piety and worship. Islam encourages fasting during this month — particularly on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura), which is considered highly virtuous and a means of forgiveness for past sins. In this context, the 1st of Muharram marks the beginning of the new year and is observed with the intention of worship and performing righteous deeds.
Fasting on Ashura (the 10th of Muharram) is a Sunnah and is believed to bring forgiveness for the sins of the previous year. Thus, the 1st of Muharram, as the start of the new year, is a time for devotion and righteous intentions.
The most important point is that in the month of Muharram, Hazrat Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him), along with his family and companions, was martyred in the historic battlefield of Karbala, an event of immense significance in Islamic history.
There have been countless instances in human history of people sacrificing their lives for a cause, but the way Imam Hussain gave his life, shedding even the last drop of his blood for Islam with such spirit and conviction, made him eternal for all time to come, and he will continue to be remembered in every era.
