Muharram 2026: Islamic New Year,
Day of Ashura & How to Observe
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ called it the month of Allah — making it one of the most blessed months of the year.
16 June
Islamic New Year
1 Muharram 1448 AH
25 June
Day of Ashura
10 Muharram 1448 AH
24–25 June
Fast: 9th + 10th
9–10 Muharram
1448 AH
Hijri Year
Anno Hegirae
Dates subject to moon sighting. UK: Islamic New Year eve 16 June, Ashura 25 June.
The Month of Allah
What Is Muharram?
Muharram (محرم) is the first month of the Islamic Hijri lunar calendar. Its name means “forbidden” or “sacred” in Arabic — it was a month in which fighting was prohibited even in pre-Islamic Arabia, reflecting its deep sacred status.
Islam affirmed and elevated this sanctity. Allah says in the Quran: “Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” (9:36). Muharram is one of these four sacred months.
The Prophet ﷺ specifically called Muharram “the month of Allah” (shahru-llah) — attributing it to Allah directly as a sign of its honour, just as the Kaaba is called “the house of Allah”. The Prophet ﷺ also described it as the best month for voluntary fasting after Ramadan.
Key Observances
How to Observe Muharram
- 🌙
Voluntary fasting
Fasting in Muharram earns more reward than fasting in any other month except Ramadan. Fast as many days as you can.
- 📿
Fasting on Ashura (10th)
The most important fast of Muharram. On 10 Muharram, Allah saved Musa (AS) from Pharaoh. Fasting expiates one year of sins.
- 🤲
Fasting 9th + 10th
The Prophet ﷺ said he intended to fast the 9th Muharram alongside the 10th to distinguish from the People of the Book.
- 💝
Giving charity
Charity in a sacred month earns magnified reward. Give sadqa to the poor, fund water wells, donate to feed families.
- 📖
Reflection and dhikr
Begin the new Islamic year with reflection on the past year, gratitude to Allah, and renewed intention.
25 June 2026
The Day of Ashura — 10 Muharram
The most important day of Muharram — a day of fasting, reflection, and heightened reward.
Musa (AS) Was Saved
On 10 Muharram, Allah split the Red Sea and saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah and found the Jews fasting, they said it was because Musa was saved on this day. The Prophet ﷺ said: "We have more right to Musa than you," and fasted.
Fasting Expiates a Year
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Fasting on the Day of Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before it." (Muslim). This is a direct promise: one day of fasting on Ashura wipes out one year of minor sins.
Charity on Ashura
Scholars recommend giving sadqa generously on Ashura. Some narrations (though debated in authenticity) mention being generous to one's family on Ashura; what is agreed is that charity in a sacred month earns magnified reward. Give to those in need.
Islamic New Year 2026 — 1448 AH
The Islamic New Year is not celebrated with parties or fireworks. It is a moment of reflection: What did I do in 1447 AH? What do I want to achieve in 1448? How can I grow closer to Allah in this new year?
Begin the new year with istighfar for the past, gratitude for what you have, and renewed intention for worship, charity, and service to Allah's creation.
Read: Islamic New Year 2026 Meaning →Muharram & Ashura Guides
Day of Ashura 2026
Date, significance, and what Muslims should do on this sacred day.
Read More →
🤲Fasting on Ashura
Virtues, rules, and practical guide to the Ashura fast.
Read More →
✨Islamic New Year 2026
The meaning of the Hijri New Year and how to observe it.
Read More →
Coming from Eid ul Adha?
← Back to Eid ul Adha 2026 GuideBegin the New Year with Sadqa Jariyah
Start 1448 AH with an act that earns reward for the entire year — donate a water well or contribute to a mosque.