Awal Muharram: A Meaningful Start to the Islamic New Year

Muslims across Europe and around the world mark the beginning of Muharram when they sight the new moon. This is the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Known as Awal Muharram, this day holds deep spiritual significance and signals the start of a new Hijri year.

Unlike the lively celebrations often associated with the Gregorian New Year, Awal Muharram is a quiet and reflective time. Across Europe, Muslim communities observe it through personal prayer, reflection, and acts of charity. This is often done in the privacy of homes or local mosques.

Why Muharram Matters

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, a time traditionally reserved for peace and introspection. The 10th day of the month, Ashura, is especially significant:

– For Sunni Muslims, it commemorates the day Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people were saved from Pharaoh.
– For Shia Muslims, it honours the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala. This is a day of mourning and remembrance.

Throughout Europe, these observances take different forms. This can range from fasting to community lectures, but the heart of Muharram is spiritual reflection and unity.

Europe’s Diverse Muslim Communities

From Paris to Berlin, Amsterdam to Brussels, Europe is home to millions of Muslims from various cultural backgrounds. During Muharram, many take time to reconnect with family, express their faith, and support loved ones abroad.

Families, worshippers, and communities deeply feel the importance of this sacred time in their homes, mosques, and community centres, even without public celebrations.

One common tradition is sending support to family overseas. This is often in the form of charitable giving, financial help, or simply emotional connection.

Send Love Home This Muharram

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Whether you’re contributing to a family meal, helping with religious observances, or sending a quiet gesture of love, we’re here to make it simple and affordable. We even have dedicated websites for France and Germany, with more coming for all EU countries, for your convenience.

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Wishing you a peaceful and meaningful Muharram.