Muharram

Muharram (Arabic: المحرم) is the first month of the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar based on the cycles of the moon. The Islamic year contains twelve months, each lasting twenty-nine or thirty days, making the year shorter than the solar year. As a result, Muharram shifts earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar.

The name 'Muharram' is interpreted as 'forbidden' or 'inviolable'. It is one of the sacred months in pre-Islamic Arabian tradition during which warfare was prohibited, a practice that Islam continues to observe. The month is associated with significant historical events and various religious and cultural observances across Muslim communities.

The Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar era begins with the hijra (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. The numbering of years was established during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, and Muharram was designated as the first month. The beginning of each month depends on the sighting of the new moon or astronomical calculation, which can cause dates to vary between regions.

Sacred Months

The Quran identifies four of the twelve months as sacred. Muharram is one of these; the others are generally counted as Rajab, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah. During these months, warfare was traditionally forbidden, and the safety of travelers and markets was customarily maintained.

Ashura

The tenth day of Muharram is known as Ashura. Most Sunni Muslims fast on this day as a voluntary practice, connected with commemorating the deliverance of Moses and his people. Among Shia Muslims, Ashura marks the death of Husayn ibn Ali, who was killed at Karbala (in present-day Iraq) in the year 61 AH. The first ten days of the month are observed by Shia communities with commemorative gatherings, recitations of the events, and processions.

Somali Practice

In Somalia and the Horn of Africa generally, Muharram is recognized as the start of the Islamic new year. It is customary to fast on Ashura and the day before it. Scholars and mosques hold special teachings and observances on these days. The month also serves as a reference point for calculating other months, such as Ramadan and the period of the Hajj pilgrimage.