{"id":100647,"date":"2025-05-15T12:48:04","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T19:48:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog?p=100647"},"modified":"2026-06-05T05:01:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T12:01:08","slug":"muharram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/muharram","title":{"rendered":"Muharram 2026: All About the Islamic New Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

Muharram is the first of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar, and a time of increased worship, sadaqah<\/a> (charity), and reflection for the Muslim community \u2013 called the ummah.<\/p>\n

Below, I’ll explain its meaning and significance, when it is expected to occur in 2026, and share more about Ashura, the 10th day of this holy month.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/a>What is Muharram?<\/h2>\n

Also known as the \u201csacred month of Allah\u201d and the Islamic New Year, Muharram is the first month on the Islamic calendar, which is called the Hijri or Lunar calendar.<\/p>\n

As one of four sacred months in the year, more than two billion<\/a> Muslims worldwide partake in increased worship, fasting, sadaqah, and general acts of kindness during this holy month to receive multiplied blessings from Allah.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Muharram<\/em> is derived from the Arabic word, \u201charam,\u201d which translates to \u201cforbidden.\u201d Therefore, Muslims are not allowed to partake in any acts of violence or war during this time.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Islamic New Year follows Dhul Hijjah<\/a>, another holy month during which the Hajj pilgrimage occurs. The other two sacred months on the Hijri calendar are Dhul-Qadah and Rajab.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>When is Muharram in 2026?<\/h3>\n

Muharram is expected to start on June 16, 2026, but is subject to change depending on the sighting of the moon.<\/strong> The Hijri calendar comprises 12 lunar months, with each new month determined by the sighting of a new moon.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>Understanding the History Behind the Islamic New Year<\/h2>\n

The Islamic New Year is often referred to as the \u201cmonth of Allah,\u201d and many important historical events in Islam occurred during this period.<\/p>\n

Early Muslims faced oppression and violence for renouncing mainstream faith. This led to their hijrah (emigration) to Medina in 622CE and the first Islamic<\/a> state being established.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This holy month also commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain \u2013 the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad \u2013 who fought in the Karbala battle alongside his family and companions.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>What is the Day of Ashura?<\/h3>\n

The 10th day of Muharram is called Ashura and is the most sacred day of this month.<\/p>\n

On this day, Imam Hussain fought against the Yazid I army in Karbala and gave his life in battle. This represents an ultimate sacrifice and martyrdom. Ashura also commemorates when Allah freed the Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers from the Pharaoh in Israel.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

When the Prophet Muhammad arrived in Medina, he fasted and instructed his Muslim followers to do the same. Therefore, Muslims commemorate these significant historical acts in Islam by fasting and praying on the 9th and 10th days of the holy month.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If Muslims don\u2019t fast on the 9th day, some also fast on the 11th day. However, fasting for as many days as possible during this sacred month is encouraged.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>How to Commemorate Muharram in 2026<\/h2>\n

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Muslims become more virtuous by partaking in increased worship and repentance, acts of charity<\/a>, and fasting.<\/strong> This is how the ummah seeks mercy and multiplied blessings for good deeds from Allah during the sacred months \u2013 including Muharram in 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n

Below are some virtuous sunnah (traditional practices) that are encouraged during the Islamic New Year:<\/p>\n

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  1. Fasting: <\/strong>Refraining from food, drink, and bad deeds to atone for sins and show sacrifice. Most typically fast on the 9th and 10th days. Some Muslims choose to fast on the 10th and 11th days.<\/li>\n
  2. Increased prayer and worship: <\/strong>Muslims who pray and read the Quran more frequently during the Islamic New Year receive increased blessings. Those who can’t fast can instead read the Quran to feel more connected to Allah.<\/li>\n
  3. Give sadaqah: <\/strong>Charitable giving and acts of kindness are greatly rewarded and are a good way to establish positive habits at the start of the Islamic New Year. Donate your sadaqah and zakat to a trustworthy Muslim charity<\/a>, or give back to the needy in your community.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Some Muslim communities also adorn their homes and mosques with black flags and banners to represent the profound grief felt for the loss and sacrifice of Imam Hussain on Ashura.<\/p>\n

    Visiting the mosque<\/a>, spending time with family and friends, and reflecting on the previous year are also common practices during this time.<\/p>\n

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    <\/a>Increased Charitable Giving<\/h2>\n

    Muslims connect with Islamic organizations<\/a> to give back to the ummah and the needy during the Islamic New Year. Good deeds and sadaqah toward orphaned children, widowed mothers, and the less fortunate show compassion.<\/p>\n

    These acts of charity and kindness are a way to receive multiplied blessings while honoring the memory of Imam Hussain as he fought selflessly for his community.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    <\/a>Streamline Giving as a Masjid or Muslim Charity<\/h3>\n

    Masjids and Islamic organizations make it easy for the ummah to donate sadaqah, zakat<\/a>, and sadaqah jariyah<\/a> (ongoing charity) at mosques and fundraising events.<\/p>\n

    Here are some ways to increase charitable giving during the Islamic New Year.<\/p>\n

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    <\/a>Place a donation kiosk at your masjid<\/h4>\n

    Simplify the donation process by placing a giving kiosk<\/a> at the entry and exit points of your masjid. This encourages visitors to donate zakat and sadaqah when they feel most inclined to give.<\/p>\n

    Add donation designations<\/a> to your kiosk to simplify giving and allow donors to give anonymously.<\/p>\n

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    In-person fundraising software like the Donorbox Live™ app<\/a> turns your tablet and smartphone into a cashless donation kiosk to simplify face-to-face giving. Organizations using Donorbox Live™ see an average 35% increase in donations when pairing it with online fundraising.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Set Up Your Donation Kiosk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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    <\/a>Host a fundraising event<\/h4>\n

    Organize an in-person or hybrid event to raise donations for the underprivileged throughout this holy month. Host an educational fundraising event<\/a> and appoint a guest speaker to give a special lecture, or lead a discussion about the history, virtues, and significance of Muharram.<\/p>\n

    Sell tickets to your fundraising event online using an event ticketing tool like Donorbox Events<\/a> that makes it easy for the ummah to purchase tickets online. Include a donation kiosk at your in-person event to raise even donations for your cause.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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    <\/a>Arrange a donation drive<\/h4>\n

    Organize a donation drive<\/a> and collect items for the underprivileged in your community at your masjid or Islamic charity. Motivate your ummah to donate clothes, blankets, and non-perishable food items to share with the community.<\/p>\n

    Collect sadaqah and zakat as people drop off donations at your location with a donation kiosk.<\/p>\n

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    <\/a>Set up a donation page or form<\/h4>\n

    Streamline online giving for the ummah by creating a brand-aligned donation form<\/a> that elevates supporter trust and donations.<\/p>\n

    Offer various preferred payment options<\/a> to your donors, including cards and digital wallets like Apple Pay<\/a> and Google Pay. Don\u2019t forget to add designations like sadaqah, zakat, and sadaqah jariyah to your donation form so the ummah can indicate where their gifts should go.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Add compelling visuals, tell your fundraising story with text, and include one-time and recurring donation<\/a> intervals like daily and weekly on your form.<\/p>\n

    For some inspiration, take a look at how this organization<\/a> used Donorbox to collect donations for its VR productions on Karbala.<\/p>\n

    \"Screenshot<\/p>\n

    Streamline Giving for Muharram with Donorbox<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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    <\/a>Top Fundraising Strategies for Islamic Charities<\/h2>\n

    Looking for more ways to optimize your fundraising strategy?<\/p>\n

    Check out the video below for expert tips to increase your Islamic fundraising efforts during this holy month and beyond.<\/p>\n