Islamic calendar begin & why is Muharram so sacred اسلامی کیلنڈر کا آغاز اور محرم اتنا مقدس کیوں ہے؟

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How did the Islamic calendar begin and why is Muharram so sacred?

Assalamu Alaikum, in today’s comprehensive Islamic informational video, we will be explaining the origins of the Islamic calendar and the significance of the month of Muharram. Understand the historical milestones that led to the establishment of the Islamic calendar and why Muharram is considered one of the holiest months in Islam. We will highlight important events, including the significance of Ashura, and discuss how these festivals impact the Muslim community today. This video serves as an essential resource for those interested in learning more about Islamic culture and the significance of Muharram, and we would like to announce that starting tomorrow, we will be telecasting Islamic films in installments, and the first to show the story of Karbala.

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, holds deep historical and spiritual significance in Islam. It was established during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the second Caliph of Islam, in the year 17 AH (approximately 638 CE). The calendar begins with the event of Hijrah—the migration of the Prophet Muhammad ? from Makkah to Madinah—which marked a turning point in the history of Islam. Before this, Muslims did not have a formal calendar system to organize their religious or civil affairs. Various tribes used different dating methods, leading to confusion. Recognizing the need for a unified system, Umar (RA) consulted with the companions of the Prophet ?. After deliberation, it was agreed that the Islamic calendar would begin from the year of Hijrah, not from the birth or death of the Prophet ?, because Hijrah signified the establishment of a Muslim community and governance based on Islamic principles.

This decision was made after suggestions from Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), Uthman ibn Affan (RA), and others. It was Ali (RA) who proposed that the calendar should start from the Hijrah. Umar (RA) approved the idea, and thus the Hijri calendar was born. It is a purely lunar calendar, consisting of 12 months based on the moon’s cycles. Allah says in the Qur’an:
**"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve \[lunar] months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred."** (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)

Among the twelve months, four are considered sacred: Dhul-Qi'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. The month of **Muharram**, the first in the Islamic calendar, is one of the most blessed months. Its name itself means "forbidden," indicating its sanctity.

The virtues of Muharram are immense. It is a time when believers are encouraged to engage in worship, fasting, and reflection. Fasting during this month is particularly emphasized. The Prophet ? said:
**"The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting Allah’s month of Muharram."** (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1163)

One of the most significant days in Muharram is the **Day of Ashura**, which falls on the 10th of Muharram. This day holds great historical and religious importance. Before the obligation of fasting during Ramadan, the Prophet ? used to fast on the Day of Ashura, and he encouraged others to do so as well. This practice continued even after the fasting of Ramadan was made obligatory. When the Prophet ? migrated to Madinah, he saw the Jews fasting on Ashura in remembrance of the day when Allah saved Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. In response, the Prophet ? said:
**"We are closer to Musa than you,"** and he fasted on that day and ordered the Muslims to fast as well. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2004)

The Prophet ? also said:
**"Fasting on the Day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year."** (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1162)

To distinguish the Muslim practice from the Jews, the Prophet ? later advised fasting an additional day, either the 9th or the 11th of Muharram, along with the 10th. He said:
**"If I remain alive till the next year, I will certainly fast the ninth."** (Sahih Muslim)

Apart from its religious virtues, Muharram also carries a deep historical sorrow due to the martyrdom of **Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA)**, the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad ?, at **Karbala** on the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH (680 CE). Imam Hussain (RA) stood against the tyranny and corruption of the Umayyad ruler Yazid. His refusal to pledge allegiance was a stand for justice, truth, and the true spirit of Islam. Despite knowing the risks, Imam Hussain (RA), along with his family and a small group of loyal companions, journeyed from Makkah and was eventually surrounded in Karbala by Yazid’s forces. Deprived of water and facing starvation, Hussain (RA) and his companions were brutally martyred.