Muharram is the first month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, making it the start of the Islamic new year. It's also one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran, and it holds particular significance because of the day of Ashura.
What is the Islamic calendar?
Unlike the calendar most children use for school, the Islamic calendar is based on the moon, not the sun — which is why Islamic months move earlier each year compared to the regular calendar. Explaining this to kids with a simple visual (like watching the moon change shape over a month) can make the concept click quickly.
What is Ashura?
Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram. It holds significance for several reasons in Islamic history, including the story of Prophet Musa (AS) and his people being saved from Pharaoh — which is why many Muslims fast on this day, following the Prophet's ﷺ example of giving thanks. For children, this is often introduced simply as a special day of fasting and reflection at the start of the new year.
Talking to children about Muharram
Muharram is also a month of remembrance for many Muslims, including reflecting on sacrifice and standing for what's right. Depending on the family's background and community, conversations about this month can vary — the simplest starting point for young children is usually: a new year, a sacred month, and a story of gratitude connected to Ashura.
A gentle way to mark the new year
Rather than focusing only on solemn themes, Muharram can also be a moment to set simple, positive intentions for the new year with a child — a new dua to memorize, a new sunnah to practice, or a small good habit to build over the coming months.