Important Events in Muharram: Islamic New Year, Ashura and Karbala
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and one of the four sacred months (Surah at-Tawbah 9:36). The Prophet ﷺ called it “the month of Allah” and said the best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Muharram (Sahih Muslim 1163). Here are its key dates and events in Islamic history.
Early dates come from the classical Sirah and history books; where historians differ, we give the most commonly accepted date. In 2027, 1 Muharram 1449 AH is expected around 5–7 June.
Muharram events at a glance
| Date | Event | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Muharram | Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) | Every year |
| 1 Muharram | Burial of Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the second Caliph (commonly dated) | 24 AH (644 CE) |
| Muharram | Battle of Khaybar (commonly dated to Muharram; some say Safar) | 7 AH (628 CE) |
| 9 & 10 Muharram | Sunnah fasts of Tasu’a and Ashura | Every year |
| 10 Muharram | Ashura: Allah saved Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh | Before Islam |
| 10 Muharram | Martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali (RA) at Karbala | 61 AH (680 CE) |
1 Muharram: the Islamic New Year
The Hijri calendar counts its years from the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. It was formally adopted during the caliphate of Sayyiduna Umar (RA), around 17 AH (638 CE), after the companions discussed which event should mark the start of the Muslim era. They chose the year of the Hijrah, and Muharram as the first month. Unlike the Gregorian year, the Islamic year has about 354 days, so the New Year moves about 11 days earlier each year.
10 Muharram: the day of Ashura
When the Prophet ﷺ came to Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on the 10th of Muharram. They told him it was the day Allah saved Musa (AS) and his people from Pharaoh. He said, “We have more right to Musa than you,” and he fasted that day and told the Muslims to fast it (Sahih al-Bukhari 2004). He also said that fasting on the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year (Sahih Muslim 1162), and he intended to fast the 9th as well (Sahih Muslim 1134). So it is Sunnah to fast 9 and 10 Muharram, or 10 and 11.
10 Muharram 61 AH: the tragedy of Karbala
On 10 Muharram 61 AH (10 October 680 CE), Imam Husayn ibn Ali (RA), the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ and son of Sayyidah Fatimah (RA), was martyred at Karbala, in present-day Iraq, together with members of his family and companions, by the army sent by the Umayyad governor of Kufa. He had refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid. The Prophet ﷺ had said that Hasan and Husayn are “the leaders of the youth of Paradise” (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 3768). Karbala remains a deeply mourned event for all Muslims and a lasting symbol of standing for truth against injustice.
Other events in Muharram
- Battle of Khaybar (7 AH): the Muslims took the fortified oasis of Khaybar, north of Madinah. Most historians place it in Muharram 7 AH; some say Safar. Sayyiduna Ali (RA) is famous for his bravery there (Sahih al-Bukhari 4210).
- Sayyiduna Umar (RA) (24 AH): after being stabbed while leading Fajr prayer late in Dhul Hijjah 23 AH, the second Caliph passed away and, by the commonly cited date, was buried on 1 Muharram 24 AH, beside the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA).
Frequently asked questions
What happened on the 10th of Muharram?
The 10th of Muharram (Ashura) is the day Allah saved Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, which is why the Prophet ﷺ fasted it. It is also the day Imam Husayn (RA) was martyred at Karbala in 61 AH.
Why is Muharram the first month of the Islamic year?
When the Hijri calendar was established under Sayyiduna Umar (RA), the companions agreed to count the years from the Hijrah and to begin each year with Muharram, a sacred month that follows the Hajj season.
Which days should I fast in Muharram?
Fasting any days of Muharram is recommended, and the most important are the 9th and 10th (Tasu’a and Ashura). Fasting Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year (Sahih Muslim 1162).
Related: Islamic Calendar 2027 · Islamic date today · Events in Ramadan · Hadith of the Day
Sources: Quran 9:36; Sahih al-Bukhari 2004, 4210; Sahih Muslim 1134, 1162, 1163; Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 3768 (via sunnah.com); Britannica – Battle of Karbala. Some dates follow the most commonly accepted opinion.