MUSCAT: Muslims around the world marked the arrival of the Hijri New Year, AH 1447, on June 27, which corresponds to Muharram 1 in the Islamic calendar. This significant date commemorates the Hijra, the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina, which laid the foundation for the Islamic community.
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam and holds deep religious and historical significance. Warfare is strictly prohibited during this month, emphasising peace and reflection.
For Shia Muslims, Muharram is a time of profound mourning, particularly in remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala. This tragic event symbolises the struggle against oppression and tyranny. Meanwhile, Sunni Muslims also observe Muharram, with the tenth day — Ashura — commemorating events such as the parting of the Red Sea and the salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites.
“As Muharram begins, we believers need to renew our intentions, strengthen our connection with Allah and embrace kindness in all we do. The new Islamic year is a chance to grow in faith, spread goodness and reflect on what truly matters,” said Ismail ibn Musa Menk, popularly known as Mufti Menk, a prominent Zimbabwean Islamic scholar and head of the fatwa department for the Council of Islamic Scholars of Zimbabwe.
The relevance of Muharram remains profound in today’s world. Its timeless lessons emphasise resistance against oppression, the pursuit of justice and the upholding of moral integrity — values powerfully embodied in the story of Karbala.
The month inspires Muslims to strive for righteousness, show compassion and build a more just society. It also serves as a time for self-reflection, forgiveness and a renewed commitment to faith and community.
“Muharram is a month for standing against injustice, commemorating Imam Hussain’s (AS) ultimate sacrifice at Karbala and reaffirming the importance of moral courage,” said Abdurahiman Sakhafi, a religious scholar based in Muscat. “It is a time to renew our lives in the pursuit of justice, enhance moral integrity, engage in spiritual reflection, observe fasting and increase acts of charity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended fasting on the tenth day of Muharram, known as Ashura”.
As Muslims embark on a new year, Muharram serves as a powerful call to embody faith through action, compassion and unwavering commitment to justice — values that resonate deeply across cultures and generations.
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