1 Muharram isn’t just a public holiday or merely a marker for the Islamic New Year. It’s a gateway to a blessed month, the month of Muharram, which holds abundant rewards and blessings for Muslims. After reflecting on the meaning of Hijra and engaging in self-introspection, it’s time to fill this new chapter with recommended practices for 1 Muharram and throughout the month in Islam.

This article will be your practical guide to understanding and performing various practices for the month of Muharram, including Ashura and Tasu’a fasts, reciting Islamic New Year supplications, and other positive activities. Let’s seize this moment to attain the virtues of Muharram and draw closer to Allah SWT.

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When Is 1 Muharram This Year (1447 AH / 2025 CE)?

Before we dive into the practices, it’s important to know exactly when 1 Muharram falls.

Based on the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, which follows the lunar cycle, the beginning of the month can shift slightly depending on the rukyatul hilal (moon sighting) in each country. However, generally, global calendar establishments and astronomical calculations provide a fairly accurate estimate.

The estimated date for 1 Muharram 1447 AH will fall on: Friday, July 25, 2025 CE.

How to Verify: The official determination of 1 Muharram in Indonesia is usually announced by the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia through its Sidang Isbat (Pleiades Session). You can verify this date through:

• The official website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia.
• Announcements from major Islamic organizations such as MUI, NU, or Muhammadiyah.
• Reputable Hijri calendars.

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Key Practices in the Month of Muharram: Attain Multiplied Virtues

The month of Muharram is one of the four sacred (holy) months in Islam, along with Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Rajab. In these months, every good deed is multiplied in reward, and every sin carries greater consequence. This is a golden opportunity to enhance our worship.

1. Voluntary Fasting (Muharram Fasting): Especially Ashura and Tasu’a

One of the most virtuous practices in the month of Muharram is fasting. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The best fasting after (the fasting of) Ramadan is the fasting in Allah’s month of al-Muharram, and the best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Narrated by Muslim)

Among the days in Muharram, there are two days that are highly recommended for fasting:

• Tasu’a Fast (9 Muharram): This is a recommended voluntary fast to accompany the Ashura fast. Its purpose is to differentiate oneself from the practice of the Jews who only fast on Ashura.

  • Date for Tasu’a Fast 1447 AH / 2025 CE: Thursday, August 7, 2025 CE.

• Ashura Fast (10 Muharram): This fast holds immense virtue. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Fasting on the Day of Ashura, I hope from Allah that it will expiate the sins of the year before it.” (Narrated by Muslim)

  • Date for Ashura Fast 1447 AH / 2025 CE: Friday, August 8, 2025 CE.

• Fasting Throughout the Month of Muharram: While Tasu’a and Ashura are the most emphasized, fasting on other days in Muharram is also highly recommended, as per the Prophet’s saying above. You can observe Monday-Thursday fasts or the Ayyam al-Bid (the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the Hijri month) fasts.

2. Increasing Supplications (Dua) and Remembrances (Dhikr): Islamic New Year Supplication

Although there’s no specific Islamic New Year supplication taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exclusively for 1 Muharram, Muslims are encouraged to increase general supplications and remembrances.

• Beginning of the Year Supplication: Some scholars recommend a popular beginning-of-the-year supplication recited after Maghrib prayer on the eve of 1 Muharram. While its specific narration is debated, the meaning of this supplication is good. Its essence is seeking protection from Satan, asking for forgiveness, and blessings in the new year.
• End of the Year Supplication: Similarly, an end-of-the-year supplication is recited before Maghrib on the last day of Dhul-Hijjah.
• Dhikr: Increase the recitation of Subhanallah walhamdulillah wa laa ilaha illallah wallahu akbar (Glorified is Allah, praise be to Allah, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest), Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa billah (There is no might or power except with Allah), istighfar (seeking forgiveness), and salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet.

3. Increasing Charity and Sharing

The month of Muharram, especially the Day of Ashura, is also known as a day when Muslims are encouraged to give more in charity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever provides generously for his family on the Day of Ashura, Allah will expand his provision for the entire year.” (Narrated by Al-Baihaqi)

This is an opportunity to help the needy, orphans, or anyone in need. Charity isn’t just in material form; it can also be in the form of effort, knowledge, or a smile.

4. Visiting and Caring for Orphans

The tradition of caring for orphans on the Day of Ashura is highly encouraged in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) greatly loved and advocated compassion for orphans. Bringing joy to them at the beginning of the new year can be a very virtuous act.

5. Increasing Other Voluntary (Sunnah) Practices

Beyond the specific practices mentioned above, the month of Muharram is an excellent time to improve the quality of our voluntary acts of worship in general:

• Sunnah Rawatib Prayers: Maintaining voluntary prayers before and after obligatory prayers.
• Qiyamul Lail (Night Prayer): Performing Tahajjud and Witr prayers.
• Reciting the Quran: Aiming to complete the recitation of the entire Quran or increasing daily reading portions.
• Silaturahim (Maintaining Kinship Ties): Reconnecting with family and relatives.
• Seeking Knowledge: Attending religious gatherings (majlis ta’lim), reading Islamic books, or listening to online lectures.
• Muhasabah Diri (Continued Self-Reflection): Making introspection a daily or weekly habit.

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Practical Tips for Performing Practices in the Month of Muharram:

• Create a Schedule: Plan which practices you want to do daily or weekly in Muharram.
• Sincere Intention: Ensure every practice is done solely for the sake of Allah SWT.
• Involve Family: Engage family members in these positive activities to create an Islamic atmosphere at home.
• Utilize Technology: Follow online lectures, use prayer reminder apps, or online Qurban platforms if you wish to perform Qurban this month.
• Prioritize Obligations: Make sure all basic obligations (obligatory prayers, zakat if due) are fulfilled before focusing on voluntary acts.

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Conclusion: A New Year Full of Blessings and Meaning

1 Muharram and the entire month of Muharram are a gift from Allah SWT for Muslims to improve themselves, increase their piety, and gain multiplied rewards. This is a golden opportunity to perform muhasabah diri, set better Islamic New Year resolutions, and fill each day with beneficial practices for 1 Muharram.

With sincere intentions and earnest efforts, may we all utilize the virtues of Muharram as best as possible, and begin the new Hijri year with a cleaner slate, a calmer heart, and a burning spirit to attain His pleasure. Happy Islamic New Year 1447 Hijri! May blessings always accompany our steps.

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