When Does Muharram Begin? Everything You Need to Know

Every year, as the Islamic calendar moves forward, it brings a new chance to think deeply about our faith and appreciate the special gifts of each month. Many people, whether they are Muslim or not, are really interested in knowing “when does Muharram begin? ” This isn’t just about finding a date; it’s about understanding the deep spiritual and historical meaning of this important month in our religion. Let’s take a closer look at how Muharram begins and why it is so highly valued.

When Does Muharram Begin and Why Is It Important?

To figure out when does Muharram begin, we need to know that the Islamic calendar follows the moon’s cycle. That means Muharram doesn’t begin on the same day each year when we use the Gregorian calendar.  Muharram begins with the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the Islamic year, called the Hijri year. 

But there’s more to Muharram than just the date. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ called it “the month of Allah,” showing how special it is.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The best month for observing Saum (fasting) after Ramadan is Muharram, and the best Salat after the prescribed Salat is Salat at night.”

ِSo,  Muharram is one of the four sacred months in the Qur’an, where fighting is not allowed and worship is strongly encouraged. Knowing when Muharram begins helps Muslims prepare to do more good deeds, fast, and pray with greater devotion to please Allah.

عن ابن أبي بكرة رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: “إن الزمان قد استدار كهيئته يوم خلق الله السموات والأرض، السنة اثنا عشر شهراً منها أربعة حرم، ثلاثة متواليات: ذو القعدة وذو الحجة والمحرم، ورجب، شهر مُضر، الذي بين جمادى وشعبان” .

Narrated AbuBakrah: The Prophet (ﷺ) gave a sermon during his hajj and said: Time has completed a cycle and assumed the form of the day when Allah created the heavens and the earth. The year contains twelve months of which four are sacred, three of them consecutive, viz. Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram and also Rajab of Mudar which comes between Jumadah and Sha’ban.

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The Connection Between Muharram and the Migration of the Prophet

Many wonder when does Muharram begin, not just to mark time but because it ties deeply to our history. The Hijri calendar itself started with the migration (Hijrah) of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah.

Although the Hijrah did not occur in Muharram, the companions agreed to start the Islamic year with Muharram. That is because, The Hijri calendar was officially adopted during the caliphate of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). He was the first to establish the recording of the lunar months based on the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah.

Preparations for the Hijrah began in the month of Muharram, then the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ left his house on the night of Friday, the 27th of Safar in the 14th year after the beginning of revelation, corresponding to September 13, 622 CE.

After that, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived at Quba on Monday, the 8th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal in the 14th year after the beginning of revelation, the he arrived in Madinah on the 12th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal. So, the actual migration took place in Rabi‘ al-Awwal. 

So, Muslims chose to mark their calendar from the event of the Hijrah and started counting from Muharram, since the intention and planning for this monumental journey commenced during Muharram. And some scholars said they chose Muharram to be the beginning because it follows the month of Hajj (Dhul Hijjah), linking the themes of sacrifice, devotion, and a fresh spiritual beginning.

How the Start of Muharram Is Determined

If you’re still wondering when does Muharram begin, it’s important to understand how Islamic months are determined. Unlike the solar-based Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is based on the moon’s cycle. This means Muharram begins when the new crescent moon (hilal) is first seen. 

Because of this, the exact start of Muharram can differ by a day or two depending on where the moon is sighted. Religious scholars look for the new moon on the 29th of Dhul Hijjah. If it is seen, then Muharram begins the following day. If it isn’t seen, Dhul Hijjah ends after 30 days, and Muharram starts afterward. 

Knowing when does Muharram begin helps us make sure we don’t miss the rewards that come with fasting and worship during this special month, especially in the first ten days.

How Children Can Learn the Values of Muharram

Parents often ask, “When does Muharram begin so we can teach our kids? ” It’s a wonderful chance to bring young hearts into learning about our sacred history. Sharing with children the good lessons of Muharram helps them grow up with love and respect for the Islamic calendar. 

You can tell them stories about Prophet Musa عليه السلام and how Allah saved him and Bani Israel from Pharaoh on Ashura, which is on the 10th of Muharram. 

Help them track the dates on a calendar so they know exactly when does Muharram begin , and encourage them to start good habits like extra prayers, fasting, and giving charity.

Practical Ways to Teach Children about Muharram and the Hijri Calendar

1.Introducing the Hijri Calendar:

• Explain to children that the Hijri calendar is based on the movement of the moon, and that each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent. Also, clarify that the Hijri year consists of 12 lunar months, making it shorter than the Gregorian (solar) year.
• Mention that the Hijri calendar started with the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah.

2.Learning the Names of the Hijri Months:

• Help them memorize the names of the Hijri months in order: Muharram, Safar, Rabi‘ al-Awwal, Rabi‘ al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha‘ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu’l-Qa‘dah, and Dhu’l-Hijjah.
• Use nasheeds to make learning these names fun.
• Use flashcards or posters with the months’ names and hang them in a visible place so the child becomes familiar with them through daily exposure.

3.Connecting Religious Events to the Hijri Calendar:

• Explain that Ramadan is the month of fasting, Shawwal is the month of Eid al-Fitr, and Dhu’l-Hijjah is the month of Hajj and Eid al-Adha.
• Tell stories about Ashura, the birth of Prophet Muhammad and Al-Hijrah.
• Share stories about these occasions and the historical events related to them.

4.Interactive Activities:

• Use educational games that involve arranging or matching the Hijri months.
• Try cut-and-paste activities to organize the months’ names.
• Use a spinning wheel to teach the unique features of each Hijri month.
• Encourage children to write the Hijri date alongside the Gregorian date in their notebooks or calendars.

5.Being a Good Role Model:

• Talk about the Hijri calendar in your daily life and use it when scheduling events and occasions.
• Encourage your children to use the Hijri calendar themselves and involve them in celebrating religious occasions tied to it.

Special Days in the First Ten Days of Muharram

Knowing when does Muharram begin helps us prepare for its first ten days, which are especially blessed. 

Among these days, the 9th and 10th are especially important, leading up to the day of Ashura. Getting ready from the beginning of Muharram helps us do more worship and gain great rewards.

The Day of Ashura and Its Significance

After finding out when does Muharram begin, every Muslim looks forward to the day of Ashura, which is the 10th day of Muharram. On this day, Allah saved Prophet Musa and his people from the cruel rule of Pharaoh. As a sign of thanks, Musa fasted on this day. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also fasted on Ashura and told us to do the same, saying that:

“Fasting the day of ‘Ashura’,can forgive the sins of the past year”

Jews also fast Ashura, to make it different from them, The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recommended fasting either the day before or after as well. That’s why, once someone knows when does Muharram begin, they usually plan to fast on the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th.

Dua and Worship in the Beginning of Muharram

Once we know when does Muharram begin, we should increase our dua and turn to Allah sincerely. While there is no specific dua prescribed exclusively for Muharram, the start of the Islamic year is an ideal time to ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for the coming year.

Extra voluntary fasts, charity, night prayers (qiyam), and frequent dhikr are all recommended. The Prophet ﷺ said,

“The best fast after Ramadan is in Allah’s month Muharram.”

This encourages us to start strong spiritually when Muharram begins.

What Not to Do in Muharram: Clarifying Innovations and Cultural Additions

Knowing when does Muharram begin also means we must avoid falling into bid‘ah (religious innovations). In many cultures, certain rituals and mourning practices not supported by authentic sunnah have become common in Muharram. For examples:

The bid‘ah: Some people designate specific acts of worship for the night or day of ‘Ashura.

The truth: there is no authentic evidence from the Prophet ﷺ prescribing any particular act of worship for this day other than fasting.

The bid‘ah: Some people remember the incident of Karbala and express their sorrow over our master al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) by beating themselves, harming their bodies, and wailing.

The truth: Islam does not prescribe chest-beating, self-harm, or dramatic re-enactments of Karbala. Just, we love and respect Al-Husayn رضي الله عنه, and remember the martyrdom so that we can pary for him.

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Conclusion

knowing when does Muharram begin  is more than just noting a date. It’s about starting a new period of spiritual growth, remembering important history, and working to get closer to Allah. Muharram encourages us to respect special times, become better people, and get ready for a happy and blessed year.

So when Muharram begins, focus on worship, remembrance of Allah, and correct historical lessons — not cultural innovations that lack Islamic basis.

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FAQs

When does Muharram begin exactly?
It begins with the sighting of the new moon after Dhul Hijjah, typically announced by local Islamic authorities.

Is Muharram always in the same month each year?
No. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Muharram moves about 10-11 days earlier each Gregorian year.

Why should we care when does Muharram begin?
Because it’s the start of the Islamic year and holds sacred days like Ashura which carry immense rewards.

What acts of worship are best when Muharram begins?
Fasting, especially on Ashura. Also, giving charity, making dua, and increasing general acts of obedience  without designation specific acts of worship every year.