Muharram 2026

Muharram is the first month that takes place in the Islamic Lunar calendar, as January is to the Gregorian calendar. Muharram is also identified as one of the four sacred months in Islam by Allah (SWT). The remaining three sacred months are Rajab, Dhul-Qadah and Dhul-Hijjah. People are often curious about the ruling when it comes to Muharram fasting and the events that have taken place in Muharram. Stay with us as we enlighten you on the importance of Muharram so you can observe the month correctly and build on your rewards for the afterlife. Insha’Allah.

The Holy Quran states,

“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 them, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them…” (Al Quran 9:36-37)

What Happened In Muharram?

Muharram is a month that contains many events, however there are two major occurrences that are regularly reflected upon by Muslims worldwide.

1. The Martyrdom of Hussain Ibn Ali (RA): This tragic event took place during the Battle of Karbala. Hussain Ibn Ali was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). This day consists of mourning by Shia Muslims, who make up one of the 73 sects in Islam.
2. The Splitting of the Sea for Musa (AS): this was one of the first miraculous events to have occurred in the month of Muharram. Allah (SWT) split the sea to save Prophet Musa (AS) and all those that believed in the message of Islam from Pharaoh. This major event is revised by Sunni Muslims.

What To Do In Muharram 2026

Muharram consists of two major events that have influenced believers in various ways. However, remembering Allah (SWT) and seeking his forgiveness is something we must aim for all year round.

It is also highly virtuous to fast in Muharram.

Muharram was once a month that was unpracticed by Muslims. Only after Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had enlightened the Muslim Ummah of the tenth of Muharram, the month became relevant. To understand why we fast, we must go back to the conversations that took place with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Fasting was implemented due to the day when Prophet Musa (AS) was being saved from Pharaoh. It was a pre-Islamic tradition carried out by the Quraish and people of Makkah to fast on the 10th of Muharram, to which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) responded how we are more deserving of the Prophet Musa than them, so we shall be fasting on the 10th of Muharram. Additionally, he stated “and if I’m around next year I will fast on the 9th and 10th to make it two days and be different from this community”. The purpose is to commemorate the victory of the oppressed over the oppressor.

See the hadith below to further understand this concept.

When the Prophet (ﷺ) came to Medina, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of 'Ashura' (i.e. 10th of Muharram). They used to say: "This is a great day on which Allah saved Moses and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. Moses observed the fast on this day, as a sign of gratitude to Allah." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I am closer to Moses than they." So, he observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to fast on it.

Sahih al-Bukhari 3397

When Is Muharram 2026?

Muharram in 2026 is taking place on Monday, June 15th and is expected to end on Wednesday, July 15th. Those that are wondering “When is 10th Muharram 2026?”, the tenth of Muharram is on Thursday the 25th of June 2026.

May this month consist of constant reflection and self-improvement. May we continue to seek Allah’s (SWT) mercy and forgiveness, whilst staying away from conflict and the evil whispers of the Shaytan (devil), ameen.

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