Muharram 2025: When is Ashura — July 6 or 7? Date, History & Significance of Islamic New Year Explained

Muharram 2025: Ashura to Be Observed on July 6 — Date, History, and Significance of the Islamic New Year.

Muslims across the globe are observing Muharram, the first and one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. Marking the start of the Hijri year, Muharram is considered sacred — second only to Ramadan — and holds deep spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims.

When is Ashura in 2025 — July 6 or 7?
This year, Muharram began on Friday, June 27, based on the sighting of the crescent moon on June 26, as confirmed by the Masjid-e-Nakhoda Markazi Rooyat-e-Hilal Committee in India. The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, will therefore be observed on Sunday, July 6.

As a result, government offices, public and private sector institutions, and banks will remain closed across several regions in observance of this solemn day.

What is Ashura? Understanding Its Significance
Ashura, derived from the Arabic word for “ten”, falls on the 10th day of Muharram and is one of the most emotionally significant days in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

This tragic event, which took place in present-day Iraq, saw Imam Hussain and his small group of followers and family members martyred after being surrounded by the forces of the Umayyad caliph Yazid I. Refusing to pledge allegiance to a ruler he deemed unjust, Hussain chose to stand for truth, justice, and Islamic principles — even at the cost of his life.

How Muharram is Observed
Shia Muslims observe Muharram with deep mourning, particularly during the first ten days, culminating in processions and recitations of the Majlis (gatherings of remembrance) on Ashura.

Sunni Muslims, while also acknowledging the gravity of the day, often fast on the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram, following the example of Prophet Muhammad who is reported to have fasted in gratitude for the deliverance of Moses and the Israelites from Pharaoh.

Spiritual Importance
Muharram is a month of reflection, peace, and remembrance. Warfare is traditionally forbidden during this time. For Muslims, the legacy of Imam Hussain represents the ultimate stand against tyranny and the importance of upholding justice — values that remain central to the faith today.

As the Islamic New Year unfolds, the story of Ashura continues to inspire generations with its message of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering faith.