What is Muharram: the Islamic New Year?

The new moon signals the beginning of the month of Muharram.

The Hijri New Year is the name given to the first day of the month.

Muharram marks the anniversary of the battle of Karbala, when the grandson of Muhammad (P.B.U.H), Imam Hussein ibn Ali, was killed, and is widely commemorated by the Shia Muslim sect.

The word ‘Muharram’ translates as ‘forbidden’ as all illegal acts are forbidden in this month, specifically any bloodshed and waging war.

Hijra is the day Muhammad (p.b.u.h) migrated from Mecca to Medina – to set up his new social order.

Muharram is a period for self-reflection and to remember the battle of Karbala.

Muslims usually do prayers and fasting build up towards the tenth day of Muharram, known as Ashura.

What year is Muharram?

It will be 1439 AH (AH stands for the Latin Anno Hegirae which means ‘in the year of the Hijra’)

British Muslim Magazine

The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.