With the dawn of the Islamic Hijri calendar,  the sacred month of Muharram unfolds imbued with profound significance and solemnity. Marking the Islamic New Year, this revered period is distinguished as one of the four sacred months in Islam. Steeped in tradition and spirituality, Muharram is a time for intensified devotion and introspection as believers are encouraged to dedicate themselves to prayer and worship.

The month's sanctity is further underscored by the prohibition of warfare, emphasising the importance of peace and reverence. Muharram is a poignant period of remembrance and contemplation, particularly for the Shia Muslim community who observe it with great solemnity and introspection.

Muharram 2025 Start And End Date

This year, Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar is set to commence on June 27, 2025, pending confirmation based on moon sightings. This significant month marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and its tenth day, known as Ashura holds profound importance. The day of Ashura is expected to fall on Sunday, July 6, 2025. It is a day of solemn observance, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad SAW. However, it's essential to note that the exact dates will be finalised only after the moon sighting.

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History And Significance

Muharram commemorates the tragic Battle of Karbala where Hazrat Imam Hussain, Prophet Muhammad's grandson and son of Hazrat Ali was martyred along with 72 companions. This solemn occasion is observed on the 10th day, Ashura which honours Hazrat Imam Hussain's ultimate sacrifice for truth and justice. Muslims worldwide mark Muharram with mourning rituals, processions and public displays of grief, remembering the bravery and steadfastness of Imam Hussain and reaffirming their commitment to standing against injustice and oppression.
Muharram holds profound significance as a period of introspection, mourning and spiritual rejuvenation, commemorating the sacrifices of Imam Hussain and reaffirming the values of justice, compassion and steadfast faith.

Muharram 2025 (Image Credits: Canva)

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Rituals

During the solemn month of Muharram, Muslims engage in various mourning rituals to commemorate the tragic events of Karbala. The following practices are observed:

Shia Muslims-

- Dress in black
- Attend nightly majlis (religious gatherings)
- Participate in solemn Ashura processions, often walking barefoot and reciting poignant lamentations
- Avoid celebrations and worldly indulgences

Sunni Muslims-

- Fast on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th days
- Seek Allah's mercy and forgiveness through the act of fasting during Muharram.