When is Muharram?

The first month in the Islamic New Year is known as Muharram. Regarded as the second-holiest month after Ramadan or Ramzan, Muharram is one of the four holiest months in the Islamic calendar when there is a complete prohibition of warfare. According to the holy Quran, the existence and celebration of Muharram predate even the Islamic calendar. It suggests that during the pre-Islam ages, the Arabs and the Quraish were also forbidden warfare during this month. This month, as says the Quran, should be spent only in praying to and thinking about Allah.

Ashura or the Mourning of Muharram

Muharram is a month of mourning in Islam. The tenth day of Muharram, known as the Ashura, is also regarded as the day of mourning. The Shia sect of Islam practices fasting on the day while the Sunni sect mourns the tragic death of Husayn Ibn and his brother Hasan. On this day, the entire Muslim community practices abstinence and honours the martyr brothers with prayers. The Alevis fast for twelve days at a stretch to mourn and commemorate the death of 12 Imams of the Shia community in a manner akin to the loss of one's own family.

The historical significance of this day lies in the death of Husayn Ibn Ali and Hasan, the grandsons of Prophet Muhammad. They, along with their followers and family members, were deprived of water and food from the 7th of Muharram to the 10th by the Yazid I army during the infamous battle of Karbala and killed at the orders of Yazid I.

Muharram is also the time of the year when Muslims (especially the Shia sect) repent for the sins they have committed in the previous years and pray to Allah that the mistakes shall never be repeated. Many processions of the repenting youths are taken out in many cities and towns of India.

Muharram Timing and the Islamic Calendar

Islam follows a lunar calendar, and the months begin when the first new moon crescent is seen. Now, the lunar month is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the solar month, which is followed globally. As a result, Muharram is held about 10 to 12 days earlier with each passing year. The estimated beginning and end dates of Muharram from 2020 to 2024 are as follows -

FAQs on When is Muharram

Q.1) When and what is Ashura?

The tenth day of Muharram, known as the Ashura, is also regarded as the day of mourning. On this day, the entire Muslim community practices abstinence and honours the martyr brothers with prayers.

Q.2) How do Alevis mourn during Muharram?

The Alevis fast for twelve days at a stretch to mourn and commemorate the death of 12 Imams of the Shia community in a manner akin to the loss of one's own family.

Q.3) What is the historical significance of Ashura and Muharram?

The historical significance of this day lies in the death of Husayn Ibn Ali and Hasan, the grandsons of Prophet Muhammad. They, along with their followers and family members, were deprived of water and food from the 7th to the 10th by the Yazid I army during the infamous battle of Karbala and were killed at the orders of Yazid I.