When it comes to understanding and learning about the Islamic Lunar Calendar, we must start with Muharram. In our Islamic calendar, Muharram is the start of a new year. However, this is not the only importance that it holds. It has been a month of great religious significance throughout Islamic history, especially for Shi’a Muslims. Many prominent events took place during this month.
When is the 9th and 10th Muharram Observed Across Different Countries?
The start of Muharram in different countries of the world depends on the sighting of the moon and the country’s geographical location. It also depends on the method of moon sighting used by that particular country. Let us have an overview of when the 9th and 10th of Muharram 2024 will be observed in different prominent countries of the world.
| Country | 1st Muharram | 9th Muharram | 10th Muharram |
| Iran | 06th July | 15th July | 16th July |
| India | 07th July | 16th July | 17th July |
| Pakistan | 07th July | 16th July | 17th July |
| Afghanistan | 07th July | 16th July | 17th July |
| Saudi Arabia | 06th July | 15th July | 16th July |
| Bangladesh | 07th July | 16th July | 17th July |
When is the 9th and 10th Muharram 2024 Observed in the Middle East?
Middle Eastern countries like Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Dubai follow the traditional moon sighting method. In 2024, the 9th and 10th Muharram will be observed on 15th and 16th July.
When is the 9th and 10th Muharram 2024 Observed in South Asia?
The South Asian countries include Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. 9th and 10 Muharram is observed with mourning and processions throughout the country on both these dates. In 2024, the 9th and 10th Muharram will be observed on 16th and 17th July.
When is the 9th and 10th Muharram 2024 Observed in the South East Asia?
South East Asia includes countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and other Muslim-dominant countries of the region. In these countries, people usually fast and pray during the significant days of Muharram. In 2024, these countries will observe the 9th and 10th Muharram on July 16th and 17th.
When is the 9th and 10th Muharram 2024 Observed in Canada and America?
Most of the Western countries do not have a proper moon sighting committee. Therefore, some of them follow the same dates that are observed by Saudi Arabia which will be on the 15th and 16th of July. Alternatively, there are a few who follow whatever their religious authorities announce.
Let us learn more about this important month of Islam.
The Importance of Muharram
The 10th day of Muharram is referred to as Ashura by many Muslim schools of thought. It is a day to mourn and remember the Shahadat of the beloved grandsons of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). There were many other companions of Hassan and Hussain (R.A.) who lost their lives in the battle of Karbala.
Apart from this, there are several other important events that took place in Muharram. Starting off with the first Prophet of Islam. It is believed that when Prophet Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام) was banished from the heavens, he used to ask forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) every moment of the day. Finally, on the 10th of Muharram, his prayers were answered and this day is called the day of atonement.
A great flood engulfed the entire world and it was on the 10th Muharram that Prophet Nuh’s Ark came to rest on Mountain Judi. It is also believed that this day was when mankind was rebirthed. Since the old world was destroyed by the floods only a selected few survived.
10th of Muharram was also the same day when Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام) split the Red Sea into two by the command of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Such an act allowed Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام) and his followers to pass through and save themselves from the wrath of the Israelites.
Observance of 9 & 10th Muharram in Different Communities
Every Muslim community around the world observes the 9th and 10th Muharram in different ways. For Shia Muslims, it is the month of great mourning and sadness. They take out processions in the first ten days of the month. Other than that, there are passion plays (also known as Ta’zieh) and commemorations during the month that reenact the battle of Karbala. In countries where Shia Muslims are in majority, communal meals are also distributed during these days of Muharram.
Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, offer their prayers and fast during the 9th and 10th Muharram. It is said that fasting on the Day of Ashura was highly important in the eyes of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Quraish used to fast on the Day of Ashura during the pre-Islamic days. The Messenger of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) then commanded to fast on that day till (fasting) in Ramadan became obligatory. Then the Messenger of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) said: He who wishes to fast should do so, and he who wishes to break it may do so. [Sahih Muslim 1125 e]
Conclusion
9th and 10th Muharram are the two days that hold great religious significance for every Muslim around the world. There are slight variations as to when these days are observed. However, this sacred month should be observed by following all the religious obligations. It is also important to support harmony between different Muslim communities to maintain religious decorum during this important month.
