What Happened on the 10th Muharram?

The month of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar is when the Hijri New Year begins. This is known as the Islamic New Year because it is the first month of the calendar. There are many events that occurred in this month around the same time in Islamic history, on the 10th of Muharram, which has made the new year very significant for Muslims all over the world. This importance is outlined in the Quran, which deems the month as one of the four sacred months of Islam. It is a month of peace amongst communities and translates to forbidden in English. Due to this, war is forbidden at any point during Muharram and is a time for increased worship and spiritual growth.

Believers should take the time to reflect, pray and transform themselves throughout the month to feel renewed and stronger in their faith for the rest of the year ahead. The beginning of the new Islamic year is filled with reconnecting with faith, honouring the history of Islam and fulfilling acts of worship, such as prayer and giving to those in need. The 10th of Muharram is the most vital time in the month for Muslims because it is when many of the historic events occurred, so it is the most spiritual point of the month. Explore the answer to the popular question, what are the 10 days of Muharram?, and understand why the new year is essential for Muslims worldwide.

What is the 10 Muharram?

The 10th of Muharram is known as the Day of Ashura. This is a very spiritual time for all believers because this day focuses on spiritual reflection and remembrance of important Islamic historical events. On this day, many Muslims are reminded of the faith and resilience of the Muslim community and grow their spirituality. It is a day when believers are encouraged to give to those less fortunate to bridge the divide between the community and the needy. This shares their blessings they have in life with those who don’t have the same

What Are the 10 Days of Muharram?

So, what are the 10 days of Muharram? This refers to the first 10 days of the month, which are extremely important for Shi’a Muslims. These days of the month are a mourning period for Shi’a Muslims to remember and grieve for the loss of Imam Hussain (AS). He was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and tragically lost his life on the 10th of Muharram. This mourning period begins on the 1st day and ends on the 10th day when Imam Hussain (AS) lost his life. During this period, Shi’as put on black clothing, observe abstinence and fast. They break this fast on Ashura.

It is seen as an important time to fast in the first 10 days of Muharram for many Muslims and is believed to bring a believer great reward. This is outlined in the following Hadith:

“The best fast after Ramadan is the fast of Muharram” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1163].

It is also reflected in the writing of Hafiz Ibn Rajab:

“The best part of the month of Muharram is the first ten days.” [Lataiful Ma’arif, pg 79]

When is the 10 Muharram 2026?

Many wonder when is the 10 of Muharram? The date of when Muharram begins varies every year in the Gregorian calendar due to Islam following the lunar cycle. This means that it can occur at slightly different points in the year. This year, Muharram is expected to begin on the evening of June 16th, with the first full day being June 25th. The date is subject to moon sighting.

What Happened on the 10th Muharram?

There are so many events that have occurred in Islamic history which shape the significance of the month. These all happened around the same day of the month (the 10th day) at different periods of time. Because of this, it is hard to understand what happened on the 10th Muharram. Ashura is full of important events that have, and will never be, forgotten by Muslims. The day is marked by remembrance of these events, reflection of the strength of the Muslim community and spiritual growth. The 10th of Muharram is an opportunity for Muslims all over the world to be inspired by the stories of Islamic history on this day and follow in the footsteps of those before them.

The most important events, that shaped what the 10th Muharram is, were the story of Musa, the battle of Karbala and other stories of significant Prophets on the Day of Ashura.

The Story of Musa (Moses)

When the Prophet Musa (AS) was around, Allah (SWT) saved him and Israel from the radical Pharaoh. This occurred on the 10th of Muharram and is a hugely important spiritual event that Muslims remember.

Pharaoh, who was in power at the time, was very violent and corrupt. He declared himself as God and spread lies and nonsense to the people of Israel. The Prophet Musa (AS) wouldn’t stand for this outlandish behaviour and objected to following the rule of Pharaoh. Instead, he tried to encourage Pharaoh to worship Allah (SWT) and to understand that He is the only God. But the Pharaoh didn’t like this objection and wouldn’t accept that there was any mightier power than himself. Due to this mindset and the anger of being stood up to by Musa (AS), he sent an army to destroy the Prophet and his followers.

On the Day of Ashura, Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers were being chased by the army. The chase wasn’t going in their favour, and they knew that they were in deep trouble. However, they never wavered in their faith that Allah (SWT) would save them. The Prophet Musa (AS) knew that at any point soon, before they lost the chase against Pharaoh’s army, Allah (SWT) would intervene. Because of this unwavering faith, Musa (AS) made the well-known dua to ask for protection:

“Truly my Lord is with me, He will guide me through.” [Quran 26:62]

His patience, obedience and strong faith in Allah (SWT) were what saved Musa (AS) and his followers. As he sought help from Allah (SWT) through the dua, he was rewarded by Him. Allah (SWT) parted the Red Sea to allow the Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers to pass through and reach safety, escaping Pharaoh’s army. Allah (SWT) also punished the army because He ensured that they were submerged in the sea.

The Battle of Karbala

One of the most key historic events that happened on the 10th of Muharram was the Battle of Karbala. This war took place in 61 AH and was fought between a small army and the army of the leader of the first dynasty. The small army was the family and friends of Imam Hussain (AS), who was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Imam Husain’s army battled against a much larger army that was sent by Yazid ibn Muawiyah- the Umayyad Caliphate (leader of the first dynasty) at the time.

They were in battle because Imam Hussain (AS) didn’t want to commit his loyalty to Yazid ibn Muawiyah. Yazid took it upon himself to be the Muslim leader after the death of his father. He was leading people wrongfully and steering them down a dark path because he was a tyrant. Unfortunately, during this battle, Imam Hussain (AS) was brutally killed by the enemies. This is what makes the 10th of Muharram much more important for many Muslims because, along with Imam Hussain (AS), 72 others were nobly sacrificed. Many of these people who lost their lives to protect Islam from oppression were male members of the Prophet’s (PBUH) family.

Due to this devastation, many Muslims mourn the death of Imam Hussain (AS) and his followers. Typically, Shi’a Muslims will mourn on the day and in the first 10 days leading up to Ashura. They will observe this tragedy with mourning rituals to honour and remember the noble sacrifice Hussain and his companions made to save Islam.

Other Prophet’s Stories on the 10th of Muharram

The Day of Ashura is also essential due to other stories that occurred on the day at different times. These are events that happened during the lifetimes of other significant prophets.

Vital historic events date to the early times of the Prophet Adam (AS). So, what happened on the 10th of Muharram for Adam? It is believed through some narrations that Adam (AS) repented to Allah (SWT) after eating the forbidden fruit. Due to his guilt and repentance, Allah (SWT) forgave him.

It is also thought that on Ashura, the Prophet Yunus (AS) was released from the belly of the whale and Allah (SWT) forgave his people for what had happened. During the Prophet Nuh’s (AS) time, it is determined in some narrations that Allah (SWT) returned his arc back to dry land on the 10th of Muharram. The flooding has stopped, and Allah (SWT) guided Nuh (AS) and his people back to safety, which made this day become a celebration for the Prophet and his followers.

Charity on the 10th of Muharram

The whole month of Muharram is one of the best times for generosity in the Islamic calendar. However, the 10th is a very important time to carry out acts of worship to strengthen faith and remember the rich history of Islam, while following the example of significant historic figures. It is the perfect time to make resolutions, just like in the Gregorian new year, and begin good, positive habits- such as giving Sadaqah. This can give you multiplied blessings throughout the new lunar year and connect you closer to Allah (SWT). Donate to Orphans in Need to give to those less fortunate and aid vulnerable widows and orphans to get their lives back on track with basic necessities.