When Faith Walked Away from Power: Hijrah, Ashura, and the Stand at Karbala

What history teaches us about justice, resistance, and moral courage in today’s world.

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, began on Thursday, June 26, 2025 / Friday, June 27, 2025 (depending on whether the evening moon was sighted in a geographic region), the first day of the Hijri year 1447. It holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide, as it marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year. But what makes this month so sacred? In a world where time flies by and days blur into one another, Muharram stands as a reminder of spiritual beginnings, a fresh start for every believer. It’s not just the first month of the year in the Islamic calendar, but a time for reflection, purification, and a renewed commitment to the path of righteousness.

Muharram holds profound significance, both in terms of historical events and Islamic teachings. It’s a time that draws us closer to Allah, reminding us of the struggles of the past, the sacrifices of the righteous, and the eternal fight between truth and falsehood. There’s something uniquely powerful about this month, one that calls us to pause, reflect, and connect with our Creator.

The month is imbued with a sense of hope and perseverance, especially when we recall the sacrifices made by the righteous in the face of oppression and injustice. Muharram urges us to remember the lessons of the past while motivating us to strive for a more just and compassionate future. The first month of the Islamic year sets the tone for everything that follows.

The importance of Muharram can be understood in the context of its place among the sacred months. The Qur’an speaks of these months as a time of reflection and tranquillity. In these sacred months, Muslims are reminded to act in a manner that honours the sanctity of time itself.

In this sacred month of Muharram, we reflect on three interconnected moments in Islamic history—the Hijrah, the significance of Ashura, and the tragedy of Karbala. These are not isolated incidents; rather, they represent a continuum of struggle and steadfastness in the face of injustice.