Muharram

American  

[moo-har-uhm, moo-hahr-uhm] / muˈhær əm, muˈhɑr əm /

noun

1. the first month of the Islamic calendar.

---

Muharram British  

/ muːˈhærəm /

noun

1. the first month of the Islamic year

---

Usage

What is Muharram? Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It’s also spelled Moharram. It is one of the months of the Islamic calendar that Muslims consider sacred. The first day of Muharram is the first day of the Islamic New Year. The tenth day of Muharram is Ashura, which is an important day for both Sunni and Shiʿite Muslims.

Etymology

Origin of Muharram

First recorded in 1605–15; from Arabic muḥarram “forbidden,” from ḥarama “to prohibit, deny”; see also harem ( def. )

Example Sentences

The arrest of Muharram, who has not yet commented, was made possible thanks to a series of intelligence-led operations, the agency said.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

However, Muharram processions continued to be allowed elsewhere in the Indian-controlled portion.

From Washington Times • Jul. 27, 2023

As Shiites, they were observing Muharram, to mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

From New York Times • Aug. 15, 2022

Sunday’s procession marked the eighth day of Muharram, two days before its peak on the day of Ashura.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 7, 2022

The breach between the Sunn� and the Sh�a'h is very wide, and the annual recurrence of the Muharram feast tends to keep alive the distinction.

From The Faith of Islam by Sell, Edward