Muharram 2024: what you need to know about sacred month

© Photo: Maria Novoselova / Vestnik Kavkaza

Muharram, also known as Muharram-ul-Haram, is the first month of the Hijri calendar and thus marks the beginning of the Islamic year. It is the only month which Allah's name has been attached to - the Prophet Muhammad referred to it as 'the Sacred Month of Allah' - and is thus a highly blessed month.

It is one of the four sacred months, and its special importance is indicated by its name. The word 'Muharram' literally means 'forbidden' - i.e. it is so sacred that certain actions become forbidden during it, as they would violate its sanctity. Both the month of the Muharram and Allah's House (Al-Masjid Al-Haram) derive their names from the same Arabic root word; both are sacred spaces in which every deed, good or bad, weighs heavier on the scales.

When is Muharram?

In 2024, Muharram begins on Sunday, July 7, and ends on Monday, August 5. The next is Safar is - the second month in the Islamic Calendar. Ashura (10th of Muharram) will be observed on Tuesday, July 17.

What are some recommended actions during Muharram?

It is highly recommended to fast as much as possible during Muharram (though fasting the whole month is reserved for Ramadan only). The sanctity of Muharram was so established that even the Quraysh in the days of Jahiliyah (ignorance) used to fast on certain days. One such day is the Day of ‘Ashura (the 10th of Muharram).