1st month of Islamic calendar: Why Muharram is sacred

What makes the 1st month of Islamic calendar, Muharram, special compared to the other months? As Muslims, we believe every month in the Hijri calendar is a blessing from Allah, but Muharram has a special place in our hearts. This sacred month is more than just a time period; it has deep spiritual significance, a rich history, and important virtues that remind us of Allah’s mercy and our duties. Let’s explore why the 1st month of Islamic calendar is so meaningful.

What Is the 1st month of Islamic calendar Called?

The 1st month of Islamic calendar is called Muharram. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which starts with January, the Islamic year begins with this important month. The word “Muharram” means “forbidden” or “sacred,” showing that it is a time when certain actions are strongly discouraged, and good deeds are highly rewarded. 

The Islamic calendar is based on the moon’s cycles and has twelve months. Because of this, the 1st month of Islamic calendar, Muharram, comes in different seasons each year. Allah has chosen Muharram as the start of our calendar, reminding us that our year should begin with thinking, asking for forgiveness, and making a fresh promise to follow His teachings.

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Why Muharram Is One of the Sacred Months

The 1st month of Islamic calendar, Muharram, is one of the four holy months mentioned in the Quran. The Quran says,

إِنَّ عِدَّةَ ٱلشُّهُورِ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًۭا فِى كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مِنْهَآ أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌۭ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا۟ فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ وَقَـٰتِلُوا۟ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ كَآفَّةًۭ كَمَا يُقَـٰتِلُونَكُمْ كَآفَّةًۭ ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ ٣٦

Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in Allah’s Record1 since the day He created the heavens and the earth—of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong one another during these months. And fight the polytheists together as they fight together against you. And know that Allah is with those mindful ˹of Him˺. (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36).

These four sacred months are Dhul-Qa‘dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. Before Islam, the Arabs did not allow fighting or conflict during these months, and Islam kept this tradition and made it even more important. 

In the 1st month of Islamic calendar, Muharram, people are encouraged to be careful with their behavior, avoid wrongdoing, and do more good deeds. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) referred to Muharram as “the month of Allah,” which shows how special and honored it is.

روى مسلم أن النبي ـ ﷺ ـ قال: “أفضل الصيام بعد رمضان شهر الله المُحَرَّم وأفضل الصلاة بعد الفريضة صلاةُ الليل” 

Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “The most excellent fast after Ramadan is in God’s month al-Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night.” Muslim transmitted it.

Al-Hafiz Al-Suyuti said:

I was asked why Muharram is specifically referred to as ‘the month of Allah’ unlike the other months, even though there are other months equal to it in virtue or even greater, such as Ramadan. I found an answer to this question: this name (‘the month of Allah’) is uniquely Islamic, unlike the other months whose names remained as they were in the pre-Islamic period (Jahiliyyah).
In the Jahiliyyah, Muharram was called Safar al-Awwal (the first Safar) and the month after it was called Safar al-Thani (the second Safar). But when Islam came, Allah named it Al-Muharram, and thus it was ascribed to Allah in this special way.

Muharram in the Quran and Hadith

The sanctity of the 1st month of Islamic calendar is explicitly confirmed in both the Quran and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). As mentioned earlier, Allah says in Surah At-Tawbah.

And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said in a sermon:

“The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhul-Qa‘dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab…” (Bukhari)

Also, It was narrated that an-Nu’man bin Sa’d said:

A man said to ‘Ali (رضي الله عنه): O Ameer al-Mu`mineen, what month do you advise me to fast after Ramadan? He said: I have never heard anyone ask about this after a man asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) : O Messenger of Allah, what month do you advise me to fast after Ramadan? He said: “If you want to fast any month after Ramadan, then fast al-Muharram, for it is the month of Allah and in it is a day on which Allah forgave people and will forgive (more) people.`

Additionally, the Prophet referred to Muharram as “the month of Allah,” a title that no other month carries. This emphasizes that in the 1st month of Islamic calendar, we should be especially diligent in worship, seeking forgiveness, and avoiding wrongdoing.

Events That Happened in the Month of Muharram

The 1st month of Islamic calendar  is also known for several important historical events. One of the most important is the sad story of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the beloved grandson of our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who was killed in Karbala on the 10th of Muharram, which is called Ashura. 

This sad event reminds us to stand up for what is right and just, even when it’s very hard. Imam Hussain and his small group were killed in a very cruel way, but their sacrifice continues to encourage Muslims to be strong, patient, and fair, even when facing unfair treatment.

 Also, earlier prophets had important events happen in Muharram. According to some stories, it was in Muharram that Allah helped Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites escape Pharaoh by splitting the Red Sea. This story shows the importance of faith and how God can save people from danger.

Ashura: The Most Significant Day in Muharram

In the 1st month of Islamic calendar, the 10th day, called Ashura, is very important. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fasted on this day and asked others to do the same. When he came to Madinah, he saw the Jewish people fasting on Ashura to thank Allah for saving Musa. The Prophet said,

 “We have a stronger connection to Musa than they do,” and then began fasting on Ashura, asking his followers to join him. 

Also, Fasting on Ashura can help remove the sins of the past year.  In a true hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 

“By fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will forgive the sins of the year that has passed. ” (Muslim) 

Some people also fast on the 9th and 10th together to show that it is not just a Jewish tradition, but a practice followed by the Prophet.

So, in the 1st month of Islamic calendar, especially on Ashura, we have a special chance to clean up our past mistakes and get closer to Allah.

How Muslims Celebrate the Beginning of the Hijri Year

The 1st month of Islamic calendar  is not celebrated with big parties or fancy events like New Year parties in some cultures. Instead, Muslims welcome Muharram with respect, thankfulness, and thoughtful reflection. 

Some families come together to remember the importance of Muharram, pray for a good new year, and plan spiritual goals. 

Many choose to fast more during this month, especially on Ashura and the days around it. Mosques may have talks or reminders about the good things about Muharram and the lessons from the events of Karbala. 

The 1st month of Islamic calendar  is like a spiritual reminder to start the year with awareness of God and living a more mindful life.

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Conclusion

As Muslims, we love the1st month of Islamic calendar, Muharram, because it is a special time for reflection, prayer, and starting fresh. This month is connected to the lives of the prophets, the challenges faced by the good people, and many valuable lessons that help us grow in our faith. 

By learning about the important history and deep spiritual meaning of Muharram, we can better understand why Allah made it the start of our Hijri year. 

Let’s show respect for this holy month by becoming more dedicated in our worship, fasting, giving to those in need, making peace with others, and praying sincerely for ourselves and the entire Muslim community.

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FAQs

Why is Muharram special?
Muharram is one of the four sacred months, and actions done during this time are considered to have more value. It also includes Ashura day.

What should Muslims do in the 1st month of Islamic calendar?
Muslims are encouraged to fast, especially on the 9th and 10th, perform more good deeds, avoid sins, give charity, and reflect on the lessons of Karbala.

Is there any celebration for the Islamic New Year?
Muslims do not celebrate the Islamic New Year with parties; instead, they use it as a time for spiritual reflection and seeking blessings.