People often wait until January 1st to make a fresh start – whether it’s in work, fitness, or productivity. Across the world, there’s a surge in determination to pursue New Years’ Resolutions which quickly peters out in following weeks. But as Muharram approaches, we’re offered a much greater opportunity for renewal – one that focuses on something far more meaningful, a reset for our iman.
This sacred time sits in the middle of the Gregorian calendar, reminding us that spiritual resets are not confined to just the start of the year, but rather, the believer is continually offered chances for spiritual renewal – through Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram – to return, reflect and revive their connection with Allah (swt) even if they fell short in Ramadan.
For the believer, the true new year begins in Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar. Initially, the pre-Islamic Arabs referred to this month as Safar al-Awwal, however, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) changed its name to Shahr Allah al-Muharram, ‘the Sacred Month of Allah’. It is the only month that has the name of Allah in it, highlighting its importance. Paired with its role as the first Islamic month of the year, it serves as the perfect divine window to set new goals and spiritually prepare for the year ahead.
To understand the weight of such a blessed opportunity, let’s take a look at why it’s considered so important.
Significance of Muharram
In our effort to make the most of Ramadan’s immense blessings, we may unintentionally overlook the sanctity of the four sacred months – Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Qa’dah, and Dhul-Hijjah – and the unique opportunities they offer. Chosen by Allah Himself, these months are special periods for deepening our connection with Him, offering spiritual renewal unlike any other time of the year.
‘Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion [i.e., way], so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him].’ [The Noble Qur’an, 9:36]
The literal meaning of Muharram is ‘forbidden’. It is so revered that certain actions, such as fighting, are strictly prohibited during it. As a result, both sins and good deeds carry greater weight in this time than at any other point in the year. Since Allah has chosen this month to be sacred, we should embrace it as an opportunity for spiritual revival – a chance to reset our hearts and lay the foundation for the good deeds we hope to maintain and grow throughout the year.
How can I make the most of Muharram?
A complete spiritual overhaul may feel overwhelming, but here are a few simple tips to help get you started:
Journalling
Some people love it, some people hate it, but journalling down your ideas is a proven way to turn your goals into a reality.
Reflection is a very powerful tool we can use to better ourselves, so take some time to sit with your thoughts at the beginning of Muharram and write out:
Your aims/intentions
What went well during the past year?
What drew you closer to Allah?
What could have gone better?
What distractions did you face?
Set three main spiritual goals for the year – e.g. more consistent and timely Salah, learning the Qur’an, giving more charity and, in sha Allah, by using this approach you’ll have clear, actionable goals you can work towards.
Bonus tip: Start your journal with ‘Bismillah’ and ask Allah to bless and guide you in this new chapter of your life.
Refresh your space:
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to declutter your room, home, or work area and donate unused items to help someone in need (which counts as an act of Sadaqah too!)
To keep your goals achievable, it’s crucial to make them as easy as possible. If you have to traverse mountains of clutter or laundry to get to your Qur’an, tasbih or prayer mat, you’ll be less likely to start. However, if you clean up your space and minimise the effort it takes to begin an act of worship, (keeping your tasbih or Qur’an by your bedside table, for example) you will find it much easier to fulfil your goals.
Creating a clean, peaceful space also has the added benefit of increasing khushu’ (focus) whilst engaging in dhikr, Salah or recitation.
Establish a daily dhikr habit:
The New Year is characterised by people’s attempts at implementing productive habits, so why not plant the seed for an act of worship that will blossom into a consistent and
rewarding habit as the year progresses? Remember though, start small. Having big goals is great, but our dear Prophet (saw) reminded us that:
‘The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small.’ [Al-Bukhari]
So, begin by integrating small bursts of dhikr into your schedule. For example:
After each salah, read ‘subhanAllahi wa bihamdihi’ twenty times. By the end of the day, you will have read enough to have had your sins forgiven, ‘even if they were as much as the foam of the sea.’ [Al-Bukhari].
Or, while you’re commuting or cooking, you can say ‘La ilaha illa Allah’ or you can make it a habit to say ‘astaghfirullah’ 100 times before going to sleep. Dhikr is a simple and quick way to connect your heart to Allah, purify yourself, and welcome barakah into your Dunya and Akhirah.
With every dhikr, a tree takes root in your home in Jannah! What begins as a simple habit becomes a garden of reward waiting for you in the Hereafter.
Ibn Umar reported: ‘The Messenger of Allah said, “Increase your plantings in Paradise, for its water is sweet and its soil is clean. Its plantings are to say: there is no movement or might but in Allah.”’ [al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr]
Fast on the 10th of Muharram (and the 9th or 11th)
Did you know that the Prophet (saw) ordered the Muslims to fast on the 10th of Muharram (Day of ‘Ashura) before the fasting of Ramadan was made fard?
On the authority of ‘Aishah (ra) that the Quraish used to fast on the day of ‘Ashura in the Pre-Islamic period, and then the Messenger of Allah (saw) ordered Muslims to fast on it till the fasting in the month of Ramadan was prescribed; whereupon the Prophet (saw) said, ‘He who wants to fast (on ‘Ashura) may fast, and he who does not want to fast may not fast.’ [Al-Bukhari]
The Prophet (saw) said fasting on the Day of ‘Ashura ‘expiates the sins of the preceding year.’ [Muslim]. To differ from other non-Muslim fasting traditions, however, he (saw) encouraged pairing this with fasting the 9th or 11th.
Create a monthly charity plan
You might be surprised to learn that, historically, Zakat collection was carried out in Muharram and the first ever Zakat collection was carried out by Prophet Muhammed (saw) on the first of the month. Many Muslims around the world still follow this tradition today! If your Zakat date falls in Muharram, take extra care to calculate it (LINK) and give it correctly. While it’s not a Sunnah to give Zakat specifically in this month, doing so echoes the legacy of the early Muslim community.
Don’t worry if your Zakat is not due yet – you can still benefit from the immense rewards of giving Sadaqah. Pick a cause to support monthly, like feeding a child or sponsoring an orphan, and earn rewards every day in sha Allah!
When considering the significance of Muharram, people also remember the martyrdom of Imam Husain (ra) and his family. In the heat of Karbala, he, his family, and his followers were denied water for days under the cruel orders of the army of Yazid, led by Ibn Sa’d.
Centuries later, we still remember Karbala – not only in grief, but through action inspired by their sacrifice. By giving to one of our many water projects (LINK), you can honour those who were denied their most basic right.
Giving water to those in need is one of the greatest forms of Sadaqah Jariyah; a form of ongoing charity that earns you continual reward. Why not start the year with a deed that will reward you for the rest of it?
You can read more about the rewards and virtues of Sadaqah Jariyah here (LINK).
The Day of ‘Ashura – the heart of Muharram
Central to this opportunity for a spiritual reset is the Day of ‘Ashura, a day of profound significance in Islamic history. It falls on the 10th of Muharram and is marked by several monumental events.
In Mukhashfa al-Qulub, Imam Al-Ghazali (rh), recounts that when Umar ibn Al-Khattab (ra) was asked why ‘Ashura is so noble, he listed several extraordinary events that had taken place. It was on this day that Allah created the heavens and earth, the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al Mahfuz), Angel Jibril (as), Adam (as), and Hawwa (as). It is also remembered as the time Allah created Paradise and allowed Adam (as) to dwell in it and when He sent the first rainfall upon the earth.
These pivotal events were all divinely decreed to happen on ‘Ashura. As Imam Ibn Kathir (rh) explained, Allah chooses from among His creation certain days that are more blessed and significant than others. It is no coincidence that so many foundational moments occurred on ‘Ashura – rather, it is part of the perfect and deliberate plan of the Best of Planners.
As the Day of ‘Ashura approaches, let it serve as a reminder that even the prophets (as), along with their families and followers, faced trials on this sacred day. But it was also a day of immense relief and divine support. Allah has honoured ‘Ashura by placing it in His month – Muharram.
This is not just a date on the calendar, but a deeply spiritual moment that invites us to draw closer to Him. In our own struggles, we should invoke Him alone for relief, and in our moments of ease, turn our gratitude to Him.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Day of ‘Ashura, feel free to take a look at our in-depth blog post about its significance throughout human history (LINK).
What should I do on the Day of ‘Ashura?
This sacred day offers a unique opportunity to seek forgiveness, earn reward, and deepen our connection with both Allah and those around us. Here are a few things you can do to maximise your rewards:
Fast – The Prophet (saw) said that fasting on the Day of ‘Ashura, ‘expiates the minor sins of the past year.’ [Muslim].
A man came to the Prophet (saw) and said, ‘When is fasting better after the month of Ramadan’ He said: ‘The month of Allah which is called Muharram.’ [Ibn Majah]
Give charity – On the authority of ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin al-‘As (ra) it is reported that the Prophet (saw) said, ‘Whoever fasts ‘Ashura it is as if he has fasted the entire year. And whoever gives charity this day it is like the charity of an entire year.’ [Ibn Rajab’s Lata’if al-Ma‘arif].
When the Prophet (saw) was asked, ‘Which charity is best?’, he replied, ‘[Providing] water.’ [Abu Dawud]
What better way to honour his words than by giving water on one of the best days of the year? Give the gift of clean water – through a water pump or a well (LINK) – and create hope, dignity, and lasting reward in sha Allah.
Spend money on your family – The Prophet (saw) said, ‘One who generously spends on his family on the Day of ‘Ashura, Allah will be generous on him for the entire year.’ [Al-Baihaqi]
A beautiful way to enact this Sunnah is to donate a charity gift on behalf of your loved ones. Through our Great Charity Gifts (LINK), you can build a well or a masjid or even plant a tree in the name of those closest to you, earning them continual reward.
Make sincere du’a – On the Day of ‘Ashura, the people of Nuh (as) were saved on the arc, the people of Musa (as) were saved from the clutches of the Pharoah and his army, and the 120,000 disobedient people of Prophet Yunus’ (as) nation were forgiven. So, remember to make constant du’a for Allah to shower His divine mercy onto you, your loved ones, and the Ummah.
Final thoughts
Muharram is more than just the first month in the Hijri calendar – it’s a sacred opportunity to pause, reflect, and begin again. Through worship, charity, and intentional acts like journalling your goals, refreshing your space, and establishing small but consistent habits, we can reset our hearts and renew our connection with our Creator. By making the most of this blessed time, especially on the Day of ‘Ashura, we lay the foundation for a year filled with purpose, sincerity, and spiritual growth.
