Muharram: Islamic New Year

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic new year. In accordance to the Gregorian calendar. In the year 2025, it will begin in the evening of Sunday, June 29. Its duration is between 29 and 30 days, corresponding to lunar sightings of the moon. In other regions of the world like India, the starting date of Muharram 2025 may differ due to local lunar moon sighting custom. However, most regions of the globe will universally observe it around the same period. In my opinion, it is brilliant to see such uniformity across the Muslim community.

Why is Muharram so important?

Along with Rabīʿ al-Awwal, Sāfar, Rajab, and Ramadan, it is one of the sacred months storied in the Qur’an in relation to fighting. Everykind of Warfare is forbidden during these months since ancient times and it has been proven from Islamic history that people of Makkah used to refrain from fighting in this month. The 3 months from the first month to 8 Rabbiul Awwal, are consider sad or sorrow specifically for Shia Muslims. They tend to attach another layer of significance to these months as well due to the special event of celebrating the birth and death of Imam al-Hussein in these months.

In the year 680 CE, the tragic events occurred in Karbala, Iraq on Ashura, or the 10th of it, a day sacred to Shia Muslims. Hussain ibn Ali, also known as Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) alongside his companions made a brave attempt to resist Yazid’s oppressive and unislamic rule, unfortunately, Hussain was brutally executed along his companions. This sorrowful incident marks a significant event in the history of Islam and the Islamic historical discourse. This day is observed, not only for the disheartening execution but also for the resolute determination against oppression, sacrifice alongside the steadfast for implacable truth, justice and honor.

Ashura 2025 in USA, UK and Pakistan is on 6th July 2025, which is a Sunday. On the whole, however, in 2025, it will most probably start on 28th of June, 2025. Despite the above-mentioned date, the start date is expected to fall around the moon sighting like other Islamic months. Like all other days on the Islamic calendar, the commence of the month is a result of moon sighting, which is a widely accepted practice in every Islamic nation.

The Indian Islamic council, who is responsible of announcing the Islamic dates in India, is also expected to be synchronized with the global Islamic calendar in this case so from their point of view on the moon sighting is expected to begin on 27th June or June 28, which in turn would adjust the observation period to align with the rest of the world.

How Muslims Observe this month

Sunni Muslims:

Most Sunni Muslims tend to fast on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) of the holy month. Fasting on the Day of Ashura was a practice. Many visit graveyards for their love ones. Some often spend time with family.

Shia Muslims:

The observance during this month for Shia Muslims includes majlis (gatherings), elegy recitals, recounting the events of Karbala, and processions. It is a time of mourning, deep reflection, and spiritual growth. The period of 10 days before Ashura is the most mournful period and is marked by various rituals of remembrance, and at times, symbolic reenactments of the Karbala tragedy.

Spiritual Lessons from Muharram

• Seeking forgiveness is not merely a historic occurrence; it serves as a reminder for all Muslims on the significance of:
• Defiance against tyranny
• Maintaining one’s truth to death

Being strong in faith

The aforementioned points are important for all of us to reflect upon. These are the lessons linked with the Imam Hussain (RA) story. The Imam Hussain (RA) story teaches us that victory is not always in terms of this life; victory is found in moral strength—in other words, true strength. Being confronted with the question when to merge and confront with reality. It inspires us to realign with our core morals, ask for forgiveness, and commit to self-improvement in the year ahead.

The Islamic New Year

The first month of new Islamic year is a month when Muslims strive to achieve spiritual goals. Its comparison can be drawn with the January 1st of the Gregorian calendar. Starting the year with fasting, prayer and remembrance of Allah for more blessings in the rest of the year is a common practice. 

Islamic Holidays in Muharram

Ashura, the 9^th and 10 of it is often an Islamic Holy day in many countries like Eid ul Fitr or Eid ul Adha. It is a sanctioned holiday by majority of Islamic governments globally and non-Islamic states also give offs to Muslims accordingly.

Final Thoughts

In the end of June, marks the beginning of a new Islamic year and the month is considered sacred which allows individuals to seek deeper bonds and reflection. Be it fasting or attending majlis or even learning the profound stories of Karbala, it provides insightful guidance for Muslims belonging to diverse ages and cultures. 

If you are looking for the exact date for 2025, it is advisable to check with your local Islamic body or mosque since moon sightings tend to alter the start by a day. But more likely than not, It is expected to commence in India and numerous other countries around June 29, 2025. The true spirit of Muharram and its essence certainly depicts the Islamic teachings of resilience, resistance against the tyranny and strengthen the faith for Muslims.

Wishing peace, guidance along with a rejuvenation of faith to everyone this Muharram.