Every journey needs a starting point, and for Muslims, the blessed month of Muharram marks not just the beginning of the Hijri year, but an opportunity for profound spiritual renewal.
As we step into a new chapter of life, Muharram invites us to pause, reflect, and realign ourselves with our purpose. It’s a sacred gift from Allah – filled with divine opportunities for growth, mercy, and forgiveness.
Why Muharram Matters
Muharram is not just any month: it’s the month of Allah. The Prophet ﷺ referred to it in this way, signifying its high rank and noble status. It is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve…of them four are sacred…” (Qur’an 9:36)
During these sacred months, acts of worship carry greater reward, while sins bear heavier weight. So it’s a time to be especially mindful and intentional in our deeds.
6 Meaningful Ways to Make the Most of Muharram
1. Elevate Your Worship Through Fasting
One of the most virtuous deeds in this sacred month is fasting. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best fasting after Ramadan is in Allah’s month of Muharram.” (Muslim)
Try incorporating extra fasts into your week, such as Mondays and Thursdays or the White Days (13th, 14th, and 15th). But the pinnacle is the 10th of Muharram – Ashura. Fasting on this day (on Saturday 5th July this year) wipes away the sins of the past year. The sunnah is to fast the 9th (4th July) along with the 10th, or the 10th along with the 11th (6th July). What an incredible opportunity for a fresh start!
Ibn Rajab spoke about the benefit of fasting in this month:
“The blessed and sacred month is long standing at all time,
The fasting therein is sunnah and doubled for the one fasting at that time.
The reward for the one fasting this time is the Face of His God and Lord,
To look upon in eternity as he is in front of His King with a rank!”
Fasting isn’t just a personal act – it can be communal too. Organise an iftar with friends or support a charitable cause like Embrace – get each attendee to make a donation. Bring the spirit of togetherness outside of Ramadan and into Muharram.
2. Reconnect with the Qur’an
A new year is a beautiful time to reconnect with the Book of Allah. Make the Qur’an your daily companion – through reading, listening, or studying its meanings.
Even if you can’t read Arabic fluently, set a goal to read a few verses a day in translation and reflect on their message. Build a sustainable habit – quality over quantity. Let this month be the launchpad for a lifelong connection with the Qur’an.
Our relationship with the Qur’an is a sign of the strength of our relationship with Allah. Our attachment to it, an indication of our attachment to Our Beloved Lord. As the companion Ibn Mas’ud said “None of you needs to ask himself [about anything] except for the Qur’an: If he loves the Qur’an, he loves Allah, and if he detests the Qur’an, he detests Allah and His Messenger.”
3. Give, Even If It’s Little
Charity in sacred months is immensely rewarded – even greater than it is at other times. It doesn’t diminish wealth – it purifies it, as the Prophet ﷺ taught:
“Charity does not decrease wealth…” (Muslim)
Make giving part of your new year’s routine. Even small, consistent donations can make a big impact – especially for vulnerable families, such as those supported by Embrace.
This month, consider:
- Donating on Jumu’ah
- Giving on Ashura
- Setting up a monthly standing order for ongoing sadaqah
Your small act may be the relief someone in need is desperately praying for.
This Muharram, give to extinguish your sins and bring ease to others.
4. Deepen Your Knowledge of Allah
If this is the month of Allah, it only makes sense to dedicate time to knowing Him better.
Learning about Allah’s Names and Attributes can transform your worship, strengthen your du’a, and build a deeper relationship with Him.
Start with small steps:
- Reflect on a new Name of Allah each day
- Listen to short daily reminders or podcasts on this topic
- Reflect on how Allah describes Himself in the Qur’an
- Learn about how the Prophet (saw) spoke of Allah and what he (saw) taught us about Him in the sunnah.
The more you learn about your Lord, the more you’ll love, trust, and rely on Him.
“Allah has the Most Beautiful Names. So call upon Him by them, and keep away from those who abuse His Names.1 They will be punished for what they used to do.” (Qur’an 7:180)
Let Muharram be the month where you increase in your du’a, using His Most Beautiful Names to call upon Him and truly begin to worship Him as He deserves to be worshipped – through knowledge and devotion.
5. Refresh Your Daily Habits
Muharram isn’t just a restart – it’s a realignment. Reflect on where you are spiritually. Is there a habit you’ve been meaning to leave behind? Or a good habit you’ve wanted to build?
This is the perfect time to:
- Add morning/evening dhikr into your routine
- Begin praying sunnah rawatib or nafl prayers consistently – what about tahajud or salatud-duha?
- Tadabbur – journal your reflections on ayahs you’ve read
- Practice daily gratitude: start by noting just 3 blessings a day and saying Alhamdulillah
Spiritual growth doesn’t require giant leaps – small, sincere steps are what count most in the eyes of Allah.
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are few.” (Ibn Majah)
This is also the time to reflect on your shortcomings and try to leave off any bad habits and sins, as they are more severe in the sacred month.
As Imam Ibn Rajab said about this month:
“Heedlessness and frivolity cut the months of the year with no benefit,
You did not respect the time when Al-Muharram came, so what did you get out of it?!
You didn’t give Rajab its right that it deserved in truth,
You didn’t even fast in the month of fasting to complete affairs in your youth!
So you didn’t take advantage of Dhul Hijjah’s first ten days,
They have already passed without you in ihram while the people enjoyed these days.
Do you not wipe out the sins through reflection on what you did?
And weep for the loss and regret what you didn’t do and what you did?!
Approach the new year with repentance, sincere and true,
So what the sins you did before get wiped out and you begin anew.”
6. Develop Tawakkul – True Reliance on Allah
The 10th of Muharram (Ashura) was a day of powerful events – when Allah (SWT) saved Prophet Musa (AS) and his people from the tyranny of Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea. It’s also the day that Nuh (as) and his people were saved from the Flood when the ark came to rest on Mount Judi. It’s a reminder that no matter how impossible a situation feels, Allah is always in control.
If you’re facing hardship, take comfort in this story. Relief may not come when you expect it, but with sincere reliance and trust in Allah, it will come in the best way possible.
“And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him…” (Qur’an 65:3)
A Sacred Start Awaits You
Muharram is more than just the first month – it’s a moment to reset your heart, realign your priorities, and reawaken your spirit. Whether you fast on Ashura, donate quietly to a cause, or open the Qur’an after a long break—know that every sincere effort is seen and loved by Allah.
Don’t let this sacred time pass you by. Begin this year not just with intentions, but with actions. Let this be a Muharram that transforms your soul and strengthens your bond with Allah.
May this new Hijri year bring you closer to the One who created you.