All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his companions.

Dear brothers and sisters,

The day of A`shura will insha-Allah fall on the 10th Day of Muharram corresponding to Thursday 25th June 2026.

As a new Hijri year begins, we are blessed with the arrival of the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months honored by Allah. It is a season of worship, repentance, and drawing closer to Allah through righteous deeds, especially fasting.

A wise believer does not allow these blessed opportunities to pass without striving to earn Allah’s forgiveness, mercy, and immense rewards.

Allah says:
“‬إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ”

“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah since the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)

Muharram is among these sacred months. Because Allah has honored it, Muslims should honor it as well by increasing obedience, avoiding sins, and striving for righteousness. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“أفضَلُ الصِّيامِ بَعدَ رَمَضانَ شَهرُ اللهِ المُحَرَّمُ، وأفضَلُ الصَّلاةِ بَعدَ الفَريضةِ صَلاةُ اللَّيلِ”

“The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah’s month of Muharram, and the best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Sahih Muslim) This great hadith demonstrates the special status of Muharram.

Among all the months of the year, Allah’s Messenger ﷺ singled out Muharram as the best month for voluntary fasting after Ramadan.

Among the most virtuous days of Muharram is the Day of ‘Ashura, the tenth day of the month. The Prophet ﷺ said:

«صيام يوم عاشوراء، أحتسب على الله أن يكفر السنة التي قبله»

“Fasting the Day of ‘Ashura, I hope from Allah, expiates the sins of the previous year.” (Sahih Muslim) The Prophet ﷺ intended to distinguish the Muslim practice from that of the Jews by fasting the ninth day together with the tenth. He said:

“لئِنْ بَقِيتُ إلى قابِلٍ، لأَصومَنَّ اليومَ التاسِعَ”

“If I live until next year, I will certainly fast the ninth as well.” (Sahih Muslim) Therefore, it is recommended to fast: • The 9th and 10th of Muharram, or • The 10th and 11th of Muharram. The best practice is to fast the 9th and 10th together.