Journey of Faith Muharram
Introduction
Thiscalendar month also contains one of the most siMuharram is the first month of the Islamic and a very special time for Muslim people around the world. It is known for deep faith, quiet reflection, and the chance for renewal. Many see it as a fresh start, like a new year in other cultures and faiths.
gnificant days in Islam, the Day of Ashura, which holds meaning across faiths and years. Unlike other festivals, it helps those observing it to focus on setting new goals and remembering lessons from the past. Many take this time to reconnect with faith and follow Islamic traditions.
When is Muharram 2025?
The 10th Day of Muharram in 2025 is expected to fall on July 6th or 7th, but the exact timing depends on your location and when the moon is sighted. Since the Islamic calendar follows a lunar system, the date can vary from country to country. I always check with a local mosque or the nearest Muslim community to stay updated, as this helps me know when Ashura will truly start on the Gregorian calendar every year.
Key Dates in Muharram
– 1st Muharram: Islamic New Year
The start of the Islamic year begins on the 1st of Muharram, a day that quietly signifies a new chapter for Muslims. While no specific acts of worship are prescribed, it becomes a moment of reflection, a time to remember the struggles and journey of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the early Muslims. In my home, we gather on this day simply to pause and reflect—connecting with history, drawing strength from their perseverance
– 9th and The Days of Ashura
Many Islamic scholars recommend fasting on the 9th of Muharram, as it was part of the Prophet’s ﷺ noble practice to do so before Ashura. He initially fasted only on the 10th, but intended to add the 9th to distinguish the Muslim tradition from Jewish and Christian observances. This beautiful Sunnah is something I personally try to follow every year, finding deep meaning in following the way of the Prophet ﷺ.
10th Muharram
The 10th of Muharram, also known as Ashura, is a deeply respected day in the month of Muharram that marks several historical events in faith. It holds great significance, reminding us of resilience, divine mercy, and teachings we carry from our Prophet ﷺ and his followers. I grew up hearing how Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites were granted victory and deliverance from Pharaoh, as told in the Quran.
On this day, the Ark of Nuh (AS) rested on Mount Judi—a moment of relief, mentioned in Tafsir Ibn Kathir and narrations from Imam Ahmad (RH). Fasting was encouraged by Muhammad ﷺ, even before Ramadan became obligatory, as seen in Sahih al-Bukhari 1892. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) at the Battle of Karbala adds deeper sorrow and reflection, and I still feel that gratitude and humility when I fast, just as Ibn Umar did if it coincided with his regular days.
Fasting in Muharram
Muharram is a special time in the Islamic calendar that marks the new year. I always feel peace and reflection during this month. Fasting in Muharram helps me feel closer to Allah (SWT) and reminds me of the spirit and meaning behind patience, faith, and sacrifice. It is one of the best times to build good habits, set resolutions, and focus on positive habits that bring multiplied blessings in the lunar year ahead.
Along with fasting, giving charity is highly encouraged. Even £1 can provide a hot meal to one person, and a £30 food parcel can feed an entire family for one month. For £150, you can help build a hand-pumped water well that gives clean and safe water for years to come. I love supporting Charity Meals with meaningful gifts, knowing it helps needy people and allows me to donate towards on-going charity. It’s a valuable way to connect with others and show true generosity during this blessed month.
Virtues and Spiritual Benefits of Muharram
During this sacred month, Muslims are driven to elevate their spiritual devotion through the following acts of worship.
The Impact of Muharram on the Community
As a Muslim, I’ve felt how Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, brings a deep spiritual and social reflection into our communities. It is more than just the Islamic New Year; it’s a reminder of sacrifice, moral courage, and unity, where individuals assess their values, intentions, and actions to start the Hijri year with renewal.
This month inspires charitable actions, as we give Sadaqah, feed others, and support the less fortunate. Through gatherings, lectures, and remembrance of historical events like Ashura, we reflect on the legacy of Imam Hussain at Karbala, which teaches bravery, selflessness, and standing up against injustice. Mosques and community centers host events that foster moral education, helping young Muslims engage in learning, volunteering, and commemorative activities that connect them to their faith.
Conclusion
Muharram marks the first month in the Hijri calendar, holding profound significance in the Islamic tradition. It is a time for increased devotion, where Muslims around the world dedicate themselves to spiritual practices such as reciting the Quran, fasting, and giving charity. The Day of Ashura, a focal point of Muharram, not only symbolizes divine mercy but also commemorates the victory of righteousness over oppression, encouraging believers to reflect on their lives and connect more deeply with their faith.
This month serves as an opportunity for renewal, where individuals can express their gratitude through spiritual growth and compassion. Acts of community service are widespread, especially in places like Pakistan Sweet Home, where children, who have endured lost childhoods, are welcomed into a safe home. Here, they experience the comfort of belonging to a family, receive emotional care, and are given the chance to dream again. It is a time for Muslims to come together, embracing religious rituals that nurture the spirit and uplift the most vulnerable in society.