Muharram 2025: Ashura to be observed on July 6 or 7 in India? know date, significance, history of the Islamic New Year

Muharram 2025: Muharram was observed on June 27, with Ashura falling 10 days later. Find out the correct date, history and significance.

Muharram 2025: Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and is among the holiest months in Islam after Ramadan. The day is observed by Muslims worldwide every year; it holds deep spiritual importance. Muharram precedes the months of Safar, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada ath-Thaniyah, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, and Dhul Hijjah.

Muharram 2025: When is Ashura - July 6 or 7?

In 2025, Muharram began on Friday, June 27. The 10th day of Muharram is observed as Ashura. Therefore, this year, it falls on Sunday, July 6.

As per the Masjid-e-Nakhoda Markazi Rooyat-e-Hilal Committee, in India, the crescent Moon was sighted on June 26. Therefore, the first day of Muharram-Ul-Haram began on June 27. Since, Ashura falls on Sunday, all public and private sector banks and offices will remain closed on this day.

Lucknow: People take part in the procession of 'Shahi Wax Zari' on the first day of the Islamic month of Muharram, at the Bada Imambara. (PTI)

Muharram 2025: What is Ashura? History, significance of the Islamic New Year

The Islamic New Year, also called Al Hijri or the Arabic New Year, begins on the first day of Muharram. While the month marks a time of reflection, its 10th day — Ashura — is observed with mourning by many Muslims in memory of the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussain Ibn Ali, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. This battle holds immense religious and political significance in Islamic history.

Muharram has historical importance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims. The battle took place during the caliphate of Yazid I. Imam Hussein ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, refused to pledge allegiance due to Yazid’s unjust rule. En route to Kufa, Hussein and his small group were intercepted at Karbala. On Ashura, vastly outnumbered, they were denied water and brutally killed, with Imam Hussein martyred for standing up for justice and Islamic values.

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year, is a sacred time of prayer and reflection, when warfare is forbidden. It also marks mourning for Imam Hussein’s martyrdom, symbolising justice, sacrifice, and resistance against oppression—core values upheld by Muslims during this spiritually significant period.