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The holy month of Muharram has arrived. 

Honour the legacy of the Ahlulbayt (as) and those who gave their lives for Imam Hussain (as)

With every donation you make this Muharram, you will receive a ziyarah in your name

Almost 1400 Years Ago, One Man Changed the Course of History

On the day of Ashura, Imam Hussain (as), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (saww), stood with courage, faith, and conviction. Alongside his family and companions, he gave everything to uphold justice, dignity, and truth.

His sacrifice was not limited to one time or one place. His legacy is timeless — a call to stand with those in need and to serve with courage and conviction.

This Muharram, YOU can channel your grief into action.

By supporting the vulnerable, you can honour the legacy of Imam Hussain (as) by uplifting those who need us most today.

Each year, thanks to your compassion, we’ve delivered life-saving aid during the sacred days of Muharram — from clean water and emergency relief to food parcels and support for vulnerable families.

This year is no different.

By supporting one of our Muharram appeals, you answer the call of Imam Hussain (as) and honour his legacy, one that uplifts the forgotten, nourishes the hungry, and brings dignity to those left behind.

Feed the hungry
Quench the thirsty.
Uplift the forgotten.

Every act of charity this Muharram is a stand for humanity.

The Impact of Your Compassion: Muharram 2024

Your generosity reached thousands across the globe.

Because of donors like you:

• Over 1.8 million meals were distributed in 12+ countries
• More than 1.4 million people received clean water
Countless families displaced by crisis were supported with emergency relief
Orphans and widows were shown compassion, hope, and care

These numbers are more than statistics, they are lives touched by your kindness.

And this Muharram, you can do it again. You can honour Aba Abdillah (as) by standing with those who have no one else.

When does Muharram 2025 begin?

This year, the first day of Muharram is expected to be Friday June 26th, 2025. This is dependent on the sighting of the moon. 

When is Ashura 2025?

Ashura is expected to be on Sunday, July 6th, 2025. This is dependent on when the month of Muharram begins (which is dependent on the sighting of the moon). 

What is Muharram and why is it significant in Shia Islam?

Muharram is currently the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of the four sacred months in which fighting is forbidden. 

For Shia Muslims, it holds special significance due to the martyrdom of the third Shia imam, Imam Hussain (as), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (saww), and his companions at the Battle of Karbala on the 10th day of  Muharram, called Ashura. This event symbolizes the struggle against tyranny and injustice and is commemorated annually with mourning rituals. 

What is Ashura and how do Shia Muslims observe it?

Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram and marks the climax of the mourning period for Imam Hussain (as). Shia Muslims observe Ashura by attending mourning gatherings called majalis to recall the tragedies (masa’ib) of the day, reciting elegies (i.e. latmiyas, marsiyas, and nohas), participating in processions, and engaging in rituals such as chest-beating (maatam) to express grief. Many also perform the a’amal of Day of Ashura, recite Ziyarat Ashura, and refrain from any worldly activities. 

Why do Shia Muslims mourn during Muharram and Safar?

Shia Muslims mourn to remember the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (as), his family, and his companions, who stood for justice and refused to pledge allegiance to the tyrant Yazid (la). This includes the journey of Imam Zain Al-Abideen (as), Sayyida Zainab (sa) and the remaining women and children from the Caravan of Honour who were taken as prisoners, paraded from Karbala to Kufa to Shaam. 

Mourning is seen as an act of solidarity with the Ahlulbayt (as) – The Prophet’s (saww) family – and a means of spiritual reflection and renewal. 

What are common mourning practices during Muharram and Safar for Shia Muslims?

Common practices include attending majalis (mourning assemblies), reciting the story of Karbala, chest-beating (maatam), wearing black, refraining from celebrations, and performing recommended prayers and supplications. Some communities also perform theatrical reenactments (ta’ziya) of the events of Karbala. 

Is fasting required during Muharram for Shia Muslims?

Fasting in Muharram is not obligatory for Shia Muslims, except if one has made a personal vow (nazr) to do so. However, there are three days recommended (mustahab) to fast in the first 10 days according to Ayatollah Sistani (ha): the 1st, 3rd, and 7th of Muharram. 

Ayatollah Sistani (ha) also says it is disapproved (makruh) to fast on the Day of Ashura (i.e. 10th of Muharram). 

Why do Shia Muslims wear black and avoid celebrations during Muharram and Safar?

Wearing black is a symbol of mourning and grief. Shia Muslims avoid celebrations, weddings, and other joyous events during Muharram and Safar out of respect for the tragedy of Karbala, to honour the memory of Imam Hussain (as) and the martyrs of Karbala, and to remember the misfortunes that befell the Ahlulbayt (as). 

What is the spiritual significance of participating in Muharram rituals for Shia Muslims?

Participating in Muharram rituals is believed to foster a deep connection with the values of sacrifice, justice, and steadfastness exemplified by Imam Hussain (as). It is also seen as a means of spiritual purification, communal solidarity, and seeking intercession through the remembrance of the Ahlulbayt (as).