Month 1 of the Hijri calendar
Muharram: the First Month of the Islamic Year
Muharram opens the Islamic year. Its name means “forbidden” or “sacred”, because fighting was forbidden in it, and it is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an (9:36), together with Rajab, Dhu al-Qa‘dah and Dhu al-Hijjah.
The month of Allah
The Prophet ﷺ called Muharram “the month of Allah” and said that the best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in it (Sahih Muslim). Voluntary fasts on Mondays and Thursdays, or on any days of the month, are therefore especially recommended.
The tenth day, Ashura, has its own virtue: the Prophet ﷺ fasted it and encouraged fasting it, saying that it expiates the sins of the previous year (Sahih Muslim). He also intended to fast the ninth day with it, so many Muslims fast the 9th and 10th together.
The start of the Hijri calendar
The Hijri calendar counts the years from the emigration (Hijra) of the Prophet ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. It was adopted under the caliph ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, who chose Muharram as the first month because it follows the season of Hajj. No special rituals are prescribed for the Islamic New Year itself, but it is a natural moment to reflect on the past year.
When does Muharram start?
| Hijri year | First day | Last day | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1446 AH | Sunday 7 July 2024 | 4 August 2024 | 29 |
| 1447 AH | Thursday 26 June 2025 | 25 July 2025 | 30 |
| 1448 AH | Tuesday 16 June 2026 | 14 July 2026 | 29 |
| 1449 AH | Sunday 6 June 2027 | 4 July 2027 | 29 |
| 1450 AH | Thursday 25 May 2028 | 23 June 2028 | 30 |
| 1451 AH | Monday 14 May 2029 | 12 June 2029 | 30 |
| 1452 AH | Saturday 4 May 2030 | 2 June 2030 | 30 |
Dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar. Countries that rely on sighting the crescent may begin a month one day later (or earlier).
Occasions in Muharram
Muharram: questions
When does Muharram 1448 start?
On 16 June 2026; it ends on 14 July 2026 after 29 days, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar.
When does Muharram 1449 start?
On 6 June 2027, and it lasts 29 days.
Is Muharram a sacred month?
Yes. Muharram is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an (9:36), in which wrongdoing is especially serious.
Which months come before and after Muharram?
Dhu al-Hijjah comes before it and Safar after it.