Understanding Muharram: Significance, History, And Traditions Of The Islamic New Year

Muharram's history dates back to when Prophet Muhammad and his followers were forced to flee Mecca for Medina on the first day of Muharram in 622 A.D.

Muharram 2024: Quotes For Islamic New Year (Image source: Canva)

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Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. This lunar-based calendar began in 622 A.D. when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina, an event known as Hijrah. Consequently, the calendar year is referred to as the Hijri year, and the first day of Muharram is called Al-Hijri.

The Islamic calendar started its count in 622 and follows a 30-year cycle. It comprises 19 years with 354 days and 11 leap years with 355 days, causing Islamic dates to shift annually on the Gregorian calendar. In the lunar calendar, New Year's Day is the First of Muharram, determined by the first sighting of the lunar crescent after the New Moon.

History Of Muharram

Muharram's history dates back to when Prophet Muhammad and his followers were forced to flee Mecca for Medina on the first day of Muharram in 622 A.D.

Muharram And Ashura

The term "Muharram" comes from the Arabic root "haram," meaning "forbidden." "Ashura," derived from the Semitic root for "ten," means the tenth day. Thus, "Youm-E-Ashura" translates to "the tenth day."

Significance Of Ashura

Muharram and Ashura hold significant importance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims, albeit for different reasons.

For Sunnis, Youm-E-Ashura's sanctity was established when the Prophet Muhammad migrated to Medina. The Jews of Medina observed a fast on Ashura to commemorate Moses' (Musa) victory over Pharaoh. The Prophet then encouraged his followers to fast on Ashura in celebration of Moses' victory. Sunni Muslims typically fast for two days in Muharram: Ashura and either the day before or after Ashura.

For Shias, Muharram is a time of mourning and remembrance. On Youm-E-Ashura, Husain Ibn Ali, the Prophet's grandson, was martyred in the Battle of Karbala, a significant event in Islamic history.

Battle Of Karbala

The Battle of Karbala occurred on the 10th of Muharram in 61 A.H. (680 A.D.). Husain Ibn Ali led a small group that was defeated and massacred by an army sent by Umayyad leader Yazid I. Since then, Shia Muslims commemorate Ashura as a day of mourning. They remember Husain Ibn Ali's martyrdom with sermons, passion plays, and funeral processions and some believers practice self-flagellation as an expression of deep sorrow.

Quotes For Islamic New Year

- Let us thank Allah today and every day for all of His goodness toward us. Have a wonderful year
- In this life and the next, may we all become Allah's favourite. Happy Hijri year!
- We must remember that the true Hijrah today is to turn away from the evil that Allah and His Messenger prohibit.
- May Allah provide you the courage to live justly and protect you from all bad influences. Happy Hijri New Year to you and your family.
- As Muharram approaches, I give you all my love and prayers. May Allah keep you safe from any harm.