The Islamic New Year and the Sacred Month of Muharram: A Spiritual Reflection
As the crescent moon appears in the night sky and the new Islamic year begins, Muslims around the world quietly welcome a new chapter, not with fireworks or loud celebrations, but with contemplation, reflection, and prayer.
The Islamic New Year, known as Hijri New Year, begins with the sacred month of Muharram one of the four sacred months mentioned by Allah in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah… of these, four are sacred.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)
🌙 A New Year in the Light of Prophetic Guidance
The Hijri calendar begins from the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah a migration that was not just a physical journey, but a spiritual transformation for the Muslim ummah. It marked the beginning of an era where faith, justice, and community were established as a way of life.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would give special attention to the sacred months. Although there are no specific celebrations for the Islamic New Year, it is a time for:
- Renewing intentions (niyyah)
- Turning back to Allah (taubah)
- Setting spiritual goals
- Making duʿa (supplication) for the year ahead
🕊️ Muharram: A Month of Peace, Virtue, and Sacredness
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah’s month of Muharram.” (Sahih Muslim, 1163)
This hadith shows us the special status of this month. Muharram literally means “the forbidden”, highlighting that it is a time when injustices, violence, and sins are especially detested.
🌟 Ashura: A Day of Salvation and Divine Mercy
The 10th of Muharram, known as Yawm al-Ashuraʾ, is a day filled with deep spiritual significance.
🕊️ The Story of Prophet Musa (Moses) عليه السلام
On this day, Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh by splitting the Red Sea a moment of divine intervention that has inspired believers for centuries.
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on this day in gratitude. He said: “We are more entitled to Musa than you.”
(Sahih Bukhari, 2004)
(Sahih Bukhari, 2004)
He ﷺ then encouraged the Muslims to fast on this day and added:
“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope from Allah, will expiate the sins of the previous year.” (Sahih Muslim, 1162)
✅ Sunnah of Fasting on Ashura
- Fast on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura)
- Add the 9th or 11th to differ from the Jews, as the Prophet ﷺ instructed:
“Fast a day before it or a day after it.” (Musnad Ahmad, 2154 (Hasan)
💫 Rewards and Benefits
- One year’s past sins forgiven
- A sunnah that brings you closer to the Prophet ﷺ
- Aligns your will with the will of Allah
- Increases taqwa (God-consciousness)
🛑 A Word on Historical Tragedy and Misguided Practices
The month of Muharram also marks a painful chapter in Islamic history, the martyrdom of Al-Hussain ibn Ali, the noble grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, at Karbala.
This event is a cause of immense sorrow. Hussain رضي الله عنه stood for justice and truth, and his sacrifice is remembered with deep respect.
However, the Prophet ﷺ strictly prohibited acts of self-harm, chest-beating (latm), and wailing (niyahah). “He is not of us who strikes the cheeks, tears the clothes, and calls with the call of the pre-Islamic period of ignorance.” (Sahih Bukhari, 1294)
Instead, we are to honor Hussain’s legacy through:
- Patience and steadfastness
- Standing up for justice
- Increasing in duʿa, Qur’an, and charity
- Following the Prophet’s ﷺ way
🌱 How to Benefit from Muharram Spiritually
Whether with family, friends, or in solitude, here are practical ways to maximize this sacred time:
🏡 With Family & Friends
- Share the stories of the Prophets, especially Musa عليه السلام and Hussain رضي الله عنه
- Encourage fasting and break fasts together
- Start a family journal for duʿa and intentions for the new year
- Teach children that Islam’s New Year is a time for gratitude, not parties
🤲 In Solace
- Set new goals: Qur’an reading, prayers, charity, forgiveness
- Reflect on the Hijrah and what needs migrating in your own soul
- Write a heartfelt letter to Allah (tawbah + intentions)
- Recite authentic duʿāʾs for protection, provision, and guidance
✨ Miracles of Muharram Throughout History
Allah’s mercy has repeatedly manifested in Muharram for the prophets:
- Nuh (Noah) عليه السلام – the Ark came to rest on Mount Judi on Ashura (Ibn Kathir)
- Ibrahim (Abraham) عليه السلام – saved from the fire of Nimrod
- Yunus (Jonah) عليه السلام – was forgiven and rescued from the whale
- Ayyub (Job) عليه السلام – was cured of his illness
- Isa (Jesus) عليه السلام – was raised to the heavens on this day (as per some narrations)
These miracles remind us that Allah’s help comes after patience, and that those who trust in Him are never forsaken.
🤲 A Final Word and Duʿa
As we enter this new Islamic year, let us begin not with resolutions, but with repentance. Let us walk in the footsteps of the Prophets, uphold truth like Hussain رضيالله عنه, fast like Musa عليه السلام, and live like Muhammad ﷺ.
O Allah, Grant us a year full of faith, protection, forgiveness, healing, and closeness to You. Make us of those who honor Your sacred months with devotion and action. Unite our hearts, forgive our sins, and bless our homes with peace and light. Help us to embody prophetic virtues and teach our children to love You and Your Messenger ﷺ. Ameen.
📿 From our hearts to yours, may this Muharram be a month of clarity, change, and closeness to the Divine. Ameen.
Your brother,
Jalal ibn Sa’eed Mohabbat
Thursday, June 26th, will be the first day of Muharram, marking the start of the new Islamic year 1447
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SubhanAllah very beneficial brother Jazak Allah Khair, may Allah swt reward you for all your work & accept it insha’Allah, may Allah swt forgive me & start my new year with his mercy & a new start for me in which I can get closer to him & our prophet Mohammed pbuh Ameen ya rab ul alamin
Ameen