The Muslim month of Muharram
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calender and is considered the most sacred of all months, after Ramadan.
Yesterday we said goodbye to 2013 and today we welcome 2014. The Gregorian calendar, also known as the Western calendar, begins with the month of January.
For some, however, today is not the start of the New Year. The Islamic calendar; a lunar calendar; begins with the month of Muharram, which in 2013 overlapped with November/December.
Muharram is one four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. In fact, it is considered to be the most important month after RamadaN. It is a month of remembrance – On the 10th day of Muharram in 680 CE Muhammad’s grandson, Hazrat Imam Husayn, was martyred.
The tragedy is important in highlighting devotion to the themes of justice, ethics and remembrance. Shia Muslims avoid celebrations during this time; particularly during the first ten days of Muharram.
Some Muslims fast during this period, and different customs are observed by different groupings.
