The month of Muharram marks the start of a new Islamic year and is acknowledge as being one of the four most sacred months in Islam. It is a time of worship and reflection, kindness and gratitude. With Muslims welcoming the new year with appreciation, many choose to strengthen their faith and connection with Allah through the means of praying, fasting, and giving charity.
We here at House of Giving have come up with the perfect Muharram 2026 guide, which explains the importance of this blessed month, answers common questions about the first month in the Islamic calendar, and when the day of Ashura falls, along with highlighting how giving to those in need can help you begin the year with purpose and reward.
Many people question, what is the first month in the Islamic calendar. The answer to this is that the month of Muharram is the first month of the Hijri Islamic calendar. This calendar follows the lunar cycle, meaning the dates move 10 to 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
So, when is Muharram 2026? Muharram this year is expected to begin on Tuesday, 16th June, subject to the sighting of the new moon.
Unlike many New Year celebrations across the world, the Islamic New Year is welcomed with self-reflection, gratitude and worship rather than festivities. It’s a time to remind Muslims of their real purpose and to renew their intentions for the year to come.
Many people wonder why is Muharram celebrated. As mentioned above, rather than being celebrated for being the start of the Islamic year, the month of Muharram is more honoured due to the events that unfolded in this month. Allah also says in the Quran,
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve... of these, four are sacred."
[Quran 9:36]
From the four sacred months, Muharram is one of them.
Muslims during these sacred months are encouraged to increase their good deeds, seek forgiveness and seek closeness to Allah. Being the first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram provides the perfect chance to renew faith and focus on improving one’s character.
Many Muslims tend to increase their giving in Muharram, starting the new year off by helping vulnerable families, communities in need, and orphaned children. This act can become a meaningful way to seek the pleasure of Allah, along with beginning the new year with blessings.
Many significant events took place in this blessed month, leading to many questioning what happened in Muharram.
One of the most well-known events in this month is the Day of Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram. It was on this day that Allah saved Prophet Musa AS (Moses) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. When the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) arrived in Medinah, he found that the Jewish community were fasting on this day in gratitude to Allah.
A hadith follows with narration that "The Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) came to Medinah and found the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura... He said,
'We have more right to Musa than you,' so he fasted it and commanded the Muslims to fast it."
[Bukhari]
For Muslims, Muharram is the month that also marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn in Karbala (may Allah be pleased with him), who was the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). His sacrifice is what remains as a powerful reminder of courage, justice and standing firmly for the truth.
So, when is Ashura day? Ashura falls on the tenth day of Muharram every year.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) encouraged the believers to fast on Ashura because of its great reward. It has been narrated that he said,
"Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the sins of the previous year."
[Muslim]
Many scholars recommend fasting on either the ninth and tenth of Muharram or the tenth and eleventh to distinguish the practice from other communities.
Fasting in Muharram is a voluntary act of worship, encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him), who also used to fast throughout this month.
It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) has said,
"The best fasting after Ramadan is Allah's month of Muharram."
[Muslim]
Fasting helps believers develop patience, gratitude and self-control while drawing closer to Allah. It is also a reminder of those who struggle with hunger every day, inspiring greater compassion and generosity towards those in need.
Alongside fasting, many Muslims spend Ashura increasing their worship and making dua. Whilst there is no authentic dua that is exclusive to the Day of Ashura, this day is an opportunity to seek forgiveness from Allah, asking him for mercy and guidance.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) taught his Ummah that you must call upon Allah to seek his closeness. Muharram is a great opportunity to make heartfelt dua, seek his closeness and ask Him for a successful year ahead.
So, how long does Muharram last? Like all other months within the lunar calendar, Muharram lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon sighting of the month to follow.
Muharram sits as a reminder to believers that every new year comes with an opportunity to restart, to begin with a fresh start and mindset to improve ourselves and make a positive change in society and those around us through our actions.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) was always known to be generous and giving all throughout the year. Following his footsteps by helping those in need remains one of the best ways to seek the mercy of Allah. The support you give can provide food, clean water and medical aid to the vulnerable around the world.
As you welcome the Islamic New Year, let Muharram be a time of renewed faith and increased generosity. Every donation you make, no matter its size, has the power to change someone’s life. You can donate now to one of our House of Giving projects and appeals to help provide relief to those in need. Donate today.
We pray to Allah that He accepts our fasts, our prayers, and our charity, and rewards us for all our good deeds in the year to come.
