4 Key Facts About the Islamic New Year

Muharram means “forbidden,” thus many Muslims fast during this period. It is also a time for prayer and to reflect on the sacrifices that began the faith. On a personal level, the New Year means an occasion to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the year ahead. For Shia Muslims, it is particularly solemn as it begins the 10 days of mourning leading up to the Day of Ashura. This marks the battle of Karbala in 680 AD in modern-day Iraq and the martyrdom of Hussein, grandson of Muhammad. Many Shiites practice chest-beating or even self-flagellation during this time. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura commemorates when Moses was saved from the Egyptians by Allah.