Muharram

American  

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

noun

1. the first month of the Islamic calendar.

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Muharram British  

/ muːˈhærəm /

noun

1. the first month of the Islamic year

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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”; harem ( def. )

Example Sentences

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

From New York Times

Most were dressed in black to mark the Muslim month of Muharram and some wore white capes symbolising burial shrouds and their willingness to die.

From Reuters

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

From Washington Post

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

From Seattle Times

They also showed people milling around a little further up the street, among damaged display booths covered with religious banners and other paraphernalia for Muharram.

From Washington Post