Islamic Calendar 2026 Β· 1448 AH
Muharram 2026
Islamic New Year
Complete dates, Ashura, fasting guidance, significance of the sacred month, and everything Muslims need for 1 Muharram 1448 AH.
Key Dates
Muharram 2026 dates at a glance
Muharram 2026 falls in the summer months on the Gregorian calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, it moves roughly 10β11 days earlier each Gregorian year. All dates below are based on expected moon sighting and may vary by one day depending on your region.
Note: Islamic months begin and end at sunset, not midnight. The 16 June observance begins at sunset on 15 June 2026. Always confirm with your local mosque or Islamic authority.
Islamic Significance
Why Muharram is a sacred month
Muharram β meaning "forbidden" in Arabic β is the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and one of the four sacred months (Ashur al-Hurum) ordained by Allah. The other three are Rajab, Dhul Qa'dah, and Dhul Hijjah, referenced together in the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36).
The sacred status of Muharram predates Islam itself. Even in the age of ignorance (Jahiliyyah), Arab tribes observed a prohibition on warfare during this month. In Islam, this sanctity was affirmed and elevated β good deeds carry amplified reward and sins carry greater consequence.
"The best fasting after Ramadan is in the sacred month of Allah, Muharram."
β Prophet Muhammad ο·Ί, Sahih Muslim 1163The Prophet Muhammad ο·Ί gave Muharram the unique distinction of calling it "the Month of Allah" (Shahr Allah) β a title given to no other month besides Ramadan. This is one of the most cited reasons Muslims increase worship, fasting, and charity throughout this month.
First month of the Islamic year
Muharram opens the Hijri calendar, named for the Prophet's migration (Hijra) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE β the event that marks year 1 AH.
Mentioned in the Quran
The four sacred months are referenced in Surah At-Tawbah (9:36). Allah commands believers to uphold their sanctity and to not wrong themselves in them.
Second holiest month
Islamic scholars widely regard Muharram as the second most virtuous month after Ramadan, due to the Prophet's ο·Ί hadith and the blessed Day of Ashura it contains.
Month of forgiveness and renewal
Muslims use Muharram 2026 as a spiritual reset β to seek Allah's forgiveness, increase in dhikr, Quran recitation, and begin the year with renewed taqwa.
Day of Ashura
Ashura 2026: 10 Muharram β 25 June
Ashura (ΨΉΨ§Ψ΄ΩΨ±Ψ§Ψ‘) derives from the Arabic word for "ten" (ΨΉΨ΄Ψ±Ψ©) and refers to the 10th day of Muharram. In 2026, Ashura is expected to fall on Thursday, 25 June 2026. It is simultaneously one of the most spiritually rewarding and historically significant days in the entire Islamic year.
Why Ashura is significant
- Allah saved Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea
- Prophet Musa (AS) fasted on this day in gratitude to Allah
- The martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA) at the Battle of Karbala (61 AH / 680 CE)
- The Prophet ο·Ί confirmed its blessed status when arriving in Madinah
- Fasting expiates the minor sins of the previous year (Sahih Muslim 1162)
The Prophet ο·Ί on Ashura
"Fasting the day of Ashura β I hope Allah will expiate the sins of the year before it."
β Sahih Muslim 1162When the Prophet ο·Ί arrived in Madinah and found the Jewish community fasting on the 10th of Muharram to commemorate Allah saving Musa (AS), he said "We have more right to Musa than they," and established the Ashura fast for Muslims.
Ashura across the Muslim world
Sunni observance
Fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. Gratitude, reflection, increased prayer, charity (sadaqah), and dhikr. A day of spiritual reward and expiation of past sins.
Shia observance
A solemn day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) at Karbala. Processions (juloos), lamentation gatherings (majalis), and acts of charity and remembrance.
Fasting Guide
How to fast in Muharram 2026
Fasting in Muharram β especially on Ashura β is one of the most highly recommended voluntary (nafl) acts of worship in Islam. It is not obligatory (fard) but carries immense reward and was personally observed by the Prophet Muhammad ο·Ί.
Recommended fasting options for Ashura 2026
9th + 10th Muharram
Fast on 24 June (Tasu'a) and 25 June (Ashura). The strongest sunnah β the Prophet ο·Ί intended to fast on the 9th to distinguish Islamic practice. Unanimously recommended by classical scholars.
10th + 11th Muharram
Fast on 25 June and 26 June. If the 9th was missed, this is the next-best option. Supported by classical jurists and valid across all major madhabs.
10th Muharram only
Fasting on Ashura alone (25 June) is valid and accepted. You still receive the full reward of expiation of the previous year's minor sins.
Practical tips for Ashura fasting 2026
Plan ahead now
Mark 24β25 June on your calendar. Inform your workplace or school in advance if you need adjustments for Suhoor or Iftar timing.
Check Suhoor time
In June 2026, Fajr times in northern hemisphere locations will be early. Check your local mosque timetable for accurate Suhoor cut-off times.
Pair with Tawbah
Since Ashura fasting expiates minor sins, pair your fast with sincere tawbah (repentance) and a conscious effort to clear bad habits.
Give Sadaqah
Generosity is especially rewarded in sacred months. Feed others, support the poor, or give to a cause you believe in during Muharram 2026.
Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year 2026: 1 Muharram 1448 AH
The 1st of Muharram marks the Islamic New Year β the beginning of year 1448 AH on 16 June 2026. Unlike secular New Year celebrations, there are no prescribed public festivities. Scholars encourage Muslims to use this day for reflection, self-assessment, and spiritual renewal.
What is AH (Anno Hegirae)?
The Islamic calendar counts from the year of the Hijra β the Prophet Muhammad's ο·Ί migration from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. "AH" stands for Anno Hegirae (Year of the Hijra). This event marked the birth of the first Islamic community (Ummah) and state, making it the foundational moment of Islamic civilisation.
The Hijri calendar was formally established by the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), approximately 17 years after the Hijra, to create a unified Islamic dating system.
How the Islamic calendar works
The Hijri calendar is a purely lunar calendar of 12 months, each beginning with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Unlike the Gregorian solar calendar (365.25 days), the lunar year contains approximately 354 days β 11 days shorter. This means Islamic dates shift roughly 10β11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all seasons over approximately 33 years.
The 12 Islamic months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qa'dah, Dhul Hijjah.
How to observe the Islamic New Year
Muhasabah (Self-Accounting)
Reflect on the past Islamic year β where you fell short and what you achieved in faith. Set clear spiritual intentions for 1448 AH.
Increased Dhikr and Du'a
Engage in additional remembrance of Allah. Many scholars recommend making du'a at the start of the new Hijri year for blessings and guidance.
Begin fasting early
Start voluntary fasting in Muharram as early as possible β the Prophet ο·Ί said fasting in Muharram is the best after Ramadan.
Sadaqah and generosity
Spend in the way of Allah. Muharram is a particularly blessed time to give charity to local causes, international aid, or those in need around you.
Recite the New Year Du'a
Some scholars cite supplications for the new Hijri year: "O Allah, make the new year a year of unity, goodness, and guidance for the Muslim Ummah."
Historical Significance
The Battle of Karbala and the Mourning of Muharram
On the 10th of Muharram 61 AH (10 October 680 CE), one of the most tragic events in Islamic history took place on the plains of Karbala, in what is now modern Iraq. Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA) β the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad ο·Ί and son of Imam Ali (RA) and Sayyida Fatimah (RA) β was martyred along with 72 companions and family members by the army of Yazid ibn Muawiyah.
Hussain was asked to pledge allegiance to Yazid's corrupt rule. He refused, choosing martyrdom over injustice β a stand that has resonated through 14 centuries of Islamic conscience.
β Historical accounts from Tabari and Ibn KathirWhy Karbala matters
The tragedy of Karbala is central to Islamic consciousness across sectarian lines. For Shia Muslims, the Mourning of Muharram β the ten-day period of lamentation leading to Ashura β is the most solemn observance of the year, marked with processions (juloos), lamentation gatherings (majalis), and acts of charity.
For Sunni Muslims, Karbala deepens the solemnity of Ashura without originating the fast itself β the Ashura fast was established before Karbala. Nevertheless, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) is mourned across the Muslim world.
Key figures at Karbala
- Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA) β grandson of the Prophet ο·Ί
- Abbas ibn Ali (RA) β brother of Imam Hussain
- Ali ibn Hussain Zain al-Abidin (RA) β son, survived and carried on the legacy
- Sayyida Zainab bint Ali (RA) β sister, survived and bore witness to history
- 72 companions and family members martyred alongside Imam Hussain (RA)
Recommended Practices
What to do in Muharram 2026
The sacred month of Muharram offers exceptional opportunities for worship. Based on Quran, hadith, and scholarly consensus, here is a practical guide for making the most of Muharram 1448 AH:
Voluntary fasting
Fast on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) of Muharram. Consider additional voluntary fasts β the Prophet ο·Ί said fasting in Muharram is the best after Ramadan.
Increase Dhikr
Recite SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and La ilaha illallah frequently. Sacred months amplify the reward of every act of remembrance.
Quran recitation
Commit to reading more Quran in Muharram. Even a few extra pages per day compounds significantly over the 29β30 days of the month.
Sadaqah and Zakat
Give charity generously. Supporting orphans, widows, and the poor β particularly on or around Ashura β is especially meritorious in this month.
Night prayers (Tahajjud)
Sacred months are ideal times to revive Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer). Even two extra rak'ahs after Isha carry enormous reward when done consistently.
Mend relationships
The prohibition on conflict in sacred months extends to personal disputes. Use Muharram 2026 to reconcile, forgive, and strengthen family and community ties.
Ashura Fasting Reminder
Mark your calendar: Fast on 24 June (9th Muharram) and 25 June (10th Muharram / Ashura) 2026. Fasting Ashura expiates the minor sins of the entire previous year β it is the single most rewarding act of Muharram.
Reference Dates
Muharram dates: 2024β2030
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Muharram moves approximately 10β11 days earlier each Gregorian year. Use this table for multi-year planning:
| Year | Islamic Year | Muharram Starts | Ashura (10th) | Muharram Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1446 AH | Sun, 7 July 2024 | Tue, 16 July 2024 | Mon, 5 Aug 2024 |
| 2025 | 1447 AH | Fri, 27 June 2025 | Sun, 6 July 2025 | Sat, 26 July 2025 |
| 2026 β | 1448 AH | Tue, 16 June 2026 | Thu, 25 June 2026 | Tue, 14 July 2026 |
| 2027 | 1449 AH | Sun, 6 June 2027 | Tue, 15 June 2027 | Mon, 5 July 2027 |
| 2028 | 1450 AH | Thu, 25 May 2028 | Sat, 3 June 2028 | Fri, 23 June 2028 |
| 2029 | 1451 AH | Mon, 14 May 2029 | Wed, 23 May 2029 | Tue, 12 June 2029 |
| 2030 | 1452 AH | Sat, 4 May 2030 | Mon, 13 May 2030 | Sun, 2 June 2030 |
All dates are approximate and subject to official moon sighting in each region. β = Current year (2026).
Frequently Asked Questions