Muharram 4, 1448 (June 19, 2026)
Assalaamun Alaykum Warahmatullah Taallah Wabarakatuhu
Muharram: The Sacred Beginning of a New Islamic Year
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. We praise Him, seek His help and forgiveness, and seek refuge in Him from the evil within ourselves and from the consequences of our wrong actions. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can misguide; and whomsoever He leaves astray, none can guide. Peace and blessings be upon our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his family, companions, and all those who follow his path until the Day of Judgment.
Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,
We have entered the blessed month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months chosen by Allah. It is a month that marks the beginning of a new Hijrah year and offers us a valuable opportunity for reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth.
Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” (Qur’an 9:36)
Muharram is among these sacred months. Its sanctity was established by Allah Himself long before the coming of Islam. During this month, believers are encouraged to increase their worship, avoid wrongdoing, and strengthen their relationship with Allah.
Meaning of Hijrah
When we speak of Muharram, we inevitably remember the Hijrah; the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah. Although the actual migration occurred in Rabi’ al-Awwal, the companions of the Prophet later chose Muharram as the starting point of the Islamic calendar because it represented a new beginning for the Muslim community.
The Hijrah was not merely a physical journey. It was a journey of faith, sacrifice, patience, and trust in Allah. The Prophet (SAW) left behind his homeland, his property, and familiar surroundings to preserve the message of Islam and establish a society founded on justice, compassion, and the worship of Allah.
Today, the lessons of Hijrah remain relevant. Every Muslim is called to make a personal migration—from sin to obedience, from negligence to remembrance of Allah, from hatred to forgiveness, and from despair to hope.
As the Prophet (SAW) said:
“The true emigrant is the one who abandons what Allah has forbidden.”
This means that every day offers us an opportunity for Hijrah. Every sincere repentance is a migration towards Allah.
Muharram: A Time for Self-Assessment
A new Islamic year is not merely a change of dates. It is a reminder that our lives are moving steadily towards their final destination.
Many people celebrate the arrival of a new year with festivities and excitement. Islam encourages something deeper: reflection and accountability.
As we enter this new year, each of us should ask:
Have I become closer to Allah during the past year?
Have I improved my prayers?
Have I fulfilled my responsibilities towards my family and community?
Have I forgiven those who wronged me?
Have I used my time wisely?
The righteous predecessors would frequently evaluate themselves before being called to account by Allah. A believer understands that every passing year is a chapter closed forever.
Virtue of Fasting in Muharram
One of the greatest acts of worship during Muharram is voluntary fasting.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah’s month, Muharram.”
This hadith highlights the special status of this blessed month.
Particularly significant is the fasting of Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram. It commemorates the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh.
When the Prophet (SAW) arrived in Madinah and learned that the Jews fasted on this day in gratitude to Allah, he said:
“We have more right to Musa than they do.”
He then fasted on Ashura and encouraged the Muslims to fast as well.
The Prophet (SAW) also informed us that fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year.
To distinguish Muslim practice, scholars recommend fasting either the ninth and tenth days or the tenth and eleventh days of Muharram.
Lessons Muharram Teaches Us
Muharram reminds us that Allah’s help comes to those who remain steadfast.
Prophet Musa (AS) stood before the sea while Pharaoh’s army approached from behind. Humanly speaking, there seemed to be no escape. Yet Allah opened a path through the sea and granted victory to the oppressed.
This lesson is timeless.
Many individuals, families, and nations face challenges that seem impossible. Poverty, insecurity, illness, social division, and uncertainty may make us feel trapped. But the story of Ashura teaches us that Allah’s mercy can arrive from directions we never imagined.
Our duty is to maintain faith, patience, and perseverance.
Need for Unity and Peace
As we begin a new Islamic year, Muslims must renew their commitment to unity, peace, and mutual respect.
The Muslim Ummah today faces numerous challenges: conflicts, divisions, economic hardship, and moral decline. These difficulties cannot be overcome through hatred or division.
The spirit of Hijrah teaches cooperation, brotherhood, and collective responsibility.
The Ansar of Madinah welcomed the Muhajirun from Makkah with generosity and compassion. They shared their homes, wealth, and resources without expecting anything in return.
This spirit of selflessness remains one of the greatest examples of social solidarity in human history.
Our communities today need the same values—love, empathy, dialogue, and service to humanity.
Resolutions for the New Year
As we enter this new year, let us make sincere resolutions:
Strengthen our daily prayers.
Increase recitation and understanding of the Qur’an.
Fast during Muharram, especially on Ashura.
Seek forgiveness for past mistakes.
Reconcile with family members and neighbours.
Assist the poor and vulnerable.
Promote peace and harmony in society.
Avoid gossip, hatred, and harmful speech.
Dedicate more time to learning Islam.
Prepare for the Hereafter through righteous deeds.
The success of a year is not measured by wealth accumulated or status achieved. True success lies in earning the pleasure of Allah.
Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters, Muharram arrives every year as a divine reminder that life is a journey and that every journey requires direction. The Hijrah teaches us courage. Ashura teaches us gratitude. The sacred status of Muharram teaches us reverence for Allah.
Let this new Islamic year be a turning point in our lives. Let us migrate from weakness to strength, from heedlessness to remembrance, and from disunity to brotherhood.
______________
A Reminder
👇
Recommended Fasting Days in Muharram
The 9th and 10th of Muharram (Tasu’a and Ashura): The Prophet intended to fast on the 9th alongside the 10th to differ from the Jewish tradition of fasting only on the 10th. Fasting the 10th is known to expiate the minor sins of the past year.
The 10th and 11th of Muharram: Fasting the 10th with the 11th is an alternative to ensure you are fasting two days and setting your fast apart.
The 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram: Some scholars and Hadiths recommend fasting all three consecutive days to maximize the reward and ensure the fasting days are distinct.
It is left to individual Muslim to decide whether to fast on the 9th and 10th, or
10th and 11th, or
9th, 10th and 11th.
On this note, Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th, and Friday 26th of June, 2026 correspond to 9th, 10th, and 11th, Muharram, 1448 AH. Thus, 9th and 10th are Tasu’a and Ashura Fasting Days; while the 11th Day is though recommended, it has no district name.
May Allah (SWT) make it easy for us.
May He make this year a year of peace, faith, prosperity, and guidance for us, our families, our communities, and the entire Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
O Allah, bless the beginning of this new Hijrah year. Forgive our sins, accept our repentance, strengthen our faith, unite our hearts, protect our nation, and grant us success in this world and in the Hereafter.
Ameen.
________________
Endeavour to recite Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18: Verses 1-110).
Juma’ah Mabrouq
