Muharram – Beginning of Islamic Calendar
The Islamic Year: From Zil-Hijjah Sacrifice to Muharram Remembrance of Imam Hussain (Radi Allahu Anhu)
The End of the Islamic Year with Zil-Hijjah
The Islamic calendar concludes with Zil-Hijjah, one of the most sacred months in Islam. It is marked by the pilgrimage of Hajj and the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha. This sacrifice, rooted in the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), symbolizes complete devotion to Allah Almighty.
Beyond the physical act of sacrificing an animal, it serves as a reminder that true spirituality in Islam lies in:
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Surrendering one’s nafs (selfish desires).
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Strengthening imaan (faith).
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Practicing sabr (patience).
It is a call to purify the soul and cultivate obedience to Allah in every aspect of life.
Muharram: The Beginning of the Islamic New Year
The new Islamic year begins with Muharram, one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an. Muharram is deeply associated with the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Imam Hussain (RA) at Karbala.
His stand for truth (haqq), justice, and the preservation of Islam left a timeless lesson: real victory does not lie in worldly power, but in remaining steadfast upon the principles of Islam, even in the face of oppression.
The remembrance of Karbala continues to inspire Muslims to uphold justice, faith, and moral courage.
The Beginning of the Islamic Calendar under Sayyiduna Umar (RA)
The Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar) was officially established during the Caliphate of Sayyiduna Umar ibn Al Khattab (RA). When the senior Sahaba (RA) were consulted, several starting points were suggested, but ultimately, the Hijrah (migration of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah) was chosen.
This decision highlighted the sacrifices of the early Muslims, who left behind homes, wealth, and families purely for the sake of Allah. The Hijrah marked the transformation of Islam from persecution in Makkah to unity, stability, and strength in Madinah.
Sayyiduna Umar (RA) himself embodied humility and service. Despite ruling vast territories, he lived a life of simplicity, constantly grateful to Allah for the blessings upon the Ummah.
Hijrah: A Turning Point in Islamic History
The Hijrah is more than a historical migration. It represents a philosophy of sacrifice, tawakkul (trust in Allah), and unity.
Before Hijrah, Muslims were:
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Persecuted in Makkah.
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Boycotted socially and economically.
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Subjected to torture and oppression.
After Hijrah, Islam grew in strength, with Madinah becoming the center of guidance and justice.
Upon arrival in Madinah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave timeless advice:
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Spread salaam (peace).
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Feed others generously.
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Maintain family ties.
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Pray at night while others sleep.
These principles remain a blueprint for spiritual and social success for all Muslims until the end of time.
The Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) at Karbala
No reflection on Muharram is complete without remembering Imam Hussain (RA). His martyrdom at Karbala was not just a tragic event, but a spiritual revolution that reawakened the Ummah’s consciousness of truth and justice.
Imam Hussain (RA) showed that true sacrifice is giving up everything—including wealth, family, and even life—for the sake of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. His courage and unwavering stance remain a guiding light for Muslims resisting oppression across generations.
Remembrance of the Ahle-Bait (RA) and Sahaba (RA)
Muslims worldwide honor the Ahle-Bait (RA) and the noble Sahaba (RA) through du‘a, charity, and reflection on their sacrifices. However, remembrance alone is insufficient unless it translates into action.
To truly honor them, Muslims must:
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Revive the Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ.
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Uphold justice in all dealings.
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Maintain sincerity in worship.
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Foster unity within the Ummah.
Both the Ahle-Bait (RA) and the Sahaba (RA) exemplified these values, and following their footsteps is key to reviving the strength of Islam.
Lessons for the Ummah Today
The journey from Zil-Hijjah to Muharram highlights that Islam is built upon:
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Sacrifice.
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Patience.
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Steadfastness.
For the Muslim Ummah to regain its unity and honor, we must:
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Strengthen our bond with Allah through salah and du‘a.
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Practice patience (sabr) in trials.
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Revive and live by the Sunnah.
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Uphold justice and truth.
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Love and respect both the Ahle-Bait (RA) and the Sahaba (RA).
By embodying these principles, we can bring back the barakah, strength, and purity that once defined the golden age of Islam.
FAQs about the Islamic Year
Q1: Why does the Islamic calendar begin with Muharram?
The calendar was established during the Caliphate of Sayyiduna Umar (RA). The Hijrah was chosen as its starting point due to its transformative role in Islamic history.
Q2: What is the connection between Muharram and Imam Hussain (RA)?
Muharram is the month of Imam Hussain’s (RA) martyrdom at Karbala, symbolizing his sacrifice for truth, justice, and the preservation of Islam.
Q3: What is the spiritual lesson of Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha reminds Muslims that sacrifice is not only about animals but about surrendering desires and nurturing patience and faith.
Q4: How can Muslims honor the Ahle-Bait (RA) today?
By feeding the poor, reviving the Sunnah, upholding justice, and embodying the values of sacrifice and sincerity.
Q5: What was the turning point in Islamic history?
The Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which transformed Muslims from an oppressed minority in Makkah to a united and empowered Ummah in Madinah.
