Muharram is the first month of the Hijri (Islamic lunar) calendar. Its name means "forbidden" or "sacred" — it is one of the four months (Rajab, Dhul Qa'dah, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram) in which warfare was traditionally forbidden in pre-Islamic Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) called Muharram "Allah's month" — making it among the most blessed months of the year.
Ashura and Prophet Musa (Moses): When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) arrived in Madinah, he found the Jewish community fasting on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura). He asked why, and was told that on this day, Allah had saved Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea, and drowned Pharaoh's army. In gratitude, Musa fasted — and so did his people. The Prophet, declaring Muslims were even closer to Musa, made it a Sunnah (recommended practice) to fast on Ashura — and the day before (9th Muharram) to distinguish from Jewish practice.
The Battle of Karbala (680 CE) — Shia Significance: For Shia Muslims, Muharram holds the most profound significance because of the events of the 10th of Muharram 61 AH (October 10, 680 CE) at Karbala (present-day Iraq). Imam Husain ibn Ali — the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad and son of Hazrat Ali — refused to pledge allegiance to the oppressive Yazid ibn Muawiya. With a small group of family and companions (72 in total), he was surrounded by an army of thousands at Karbala. Despite being offered escape, he stood firm for justice. On Ashura, he and most of his companions were killed. His head was cut off and paraded. This tragedy is commemorated by Shia Muslims worldwide with intense mourning, processions (Azadari), and Majlis (mourning gatherings).
The Day of Ashura (10th Muharram) holds multiple layers of significance in Islamic tradition:
🕌 For Sunni Muslims: Ashura is observed primarily as a day of voluntary fasting (strongly recommended). The Prophet encouraged fasting both the 9th and 10th, or 10th and 11th of Muharram.
😢 For Shia Muslims: Ashura is the most solemn day of the year — a day of intense mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Husain at Karbala. Processions (Juloos), Majlis (mourning gatherings), and Noha (lamentation poetry) fill the day. The entire first 10 days of Muharram build toward Ashura.
- 1Islamic New Year (1st Muharram)The month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Recite dua for the new year. Reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the new Islamic year. Increase Quran recitation, voluntary prayers (Nawafil), and dhikr (remembrance of Allah) throughout the sacred month.
- 2Fasting (9th & 10th Muharram — Sunni Practice)The Prophet strongly recommended fasting on Ashura (10th Muharram). He said fasting this day expiates (forgives) the sins of the previous year. It is Sunnah to also fast the day before (9th) or after (11th) Ashura to distinguish from Jewish practice. This fast is voluntary (Nafl), not obligatory.
- 3Majlis & Azadari (Shia Practice — 1–10 Muharram)Shia Muslims hold Majlis (mourning assemblies) every night for the first 10 days. Scholars recount the events of Karbala. Elegies (Noha and Marsiya — lamentation poetry) are recited. Black clothing is worn. On Ashura day, large processions (Juloos) are taken out with Tazia (replicas of Husain's shrine), standards (Alam), and rhythmic mourning.
- 4Charity & Feeding the Poor (Sabeel)A beautiful Muharram tradition (observed across communities) is Sabeel — free distribution of water, sherbet, food, and sweets to all passers-by, regardless of religion or caste, in memory of the thirst of Imam Husain's group at Karbala. Many Hindu, Sikh, and Christian neighbours also participate in Sabeel.
- 5Tazia Procession & Karbala Dafan (10th Muharram)In India, elaborately decorated Tazias (symbolic representations of Imam Husain's tomb at Karbala) are carried through streets in grand processions on Ashura. At the end of the procession, Tazias are buried at designated Karbala grounds or immersed in water. This tradition is particularly strong in Lucknow, Hyderabad, and other parts of UP.
- 1Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal) on 9th Muharram NightWake before Fajr (pre-dawn) prayer on the 9th Muharram. Make intention (Niyyah) for the Ashura fast: "I intend to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah." Eat Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal). The fast begins at Fajr (dawn) and ends at Maghrib (sunset).
- 2Fajr Prayer & Morning DhikrPray Fajr with full concentration. After prayer, recite Ayat al-Kursi (verse 2:255 of the Quran), Surah Ikhlas, Surah Falaq, and Surah Nas. Make dua for the Muslim Ummah. Increase remembrance: Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illAllah, Allahu Akbar.
- 3Quran Recitation & Nafil PrayersSpend the day in increased worship. Recite Surah Yasin (called the heart of the Quran) in the morning. Pray extra voluntary prayers (Nafil/Nawafil) throughout the day — especially 4 rakat after Dhuhr. Avoid all idle talk, arguments, and sins — the fast must be of the entire body, not just the stomach.
- 4Iftar (Breaking the Fast at Maghrib)Break the fast at sunset with dates and water, as per Sunnah. Recite the Iftar dua: "Allahumma laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu" — O Allah, for You I fasted, in You I believe, and with Your provision I break my fast.
- 5Isha & Night WorshipAfter Isha prayer, increase Tahajjud (late-night prayer) and Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) throughout the blessed nights of Muharram. The Prophet said: "The best fast after Ramadan is the fast of Muharram, and the best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer."
(Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni)
وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ
اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْأَمْنِ وَالإِيمَانِ، وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالإِسْلَامِ، وَرِضْوَانٍ مِنَ الرَّحْمَنِ، وَجِوَارٍ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ
"O Allah, bring this month upon us with security, faith, safety, and Islam — with the pleasure of the Most Merciful and protection from Shaytan."