News & Islam From the Imam’s desk... Muharram 1448 / 2026 – Islamic New Year By Shaykh Syed Anisul Haque, Imam & Education Coordinator of East London Mosque As we begin the sacred month of Muharram, we reflect on the Hijrah of the Prophet ﷺ and renew our intention to draw closer to Allah through repentance, gratitude, fasting, and consistent good deeds. First of Muharram 1448 / 2026 is on Tuesday 16 June Day before Ashura Wednesday 24 June 2026 9 Muharram 1448 Day of Ashura Thursday 25 June 2026 10 Muharram 1448 Day after Ashura Friday 26 June 2026 11 Muharram 1448 White Day Sunday 28 June 2026 13 Muharram 1448 White Day and Sunnah Day Monday 29 June 2026 14 Muharram 1448 White Day Tuesday 30 June 2026 15 Muharram 1448 ﷽ A new year, a renewed opportunity to come closer to Allah As we commence the Islamic calendar month of Muharram, marking the passage of 1448 years since the Hijrah of the Prophet ﷺ and his beloved companions, many Muslims around the world reflect on how they can increase in virtuous deeds and seek reward in the Hereafter. Our ultimate objective is to attain Jannah and behold the countenance of Allah, one of the highest and most unparalleled rewards. Muharram is therefore a moment to pause, take account of ourselves, and begin the year with sincere intentions. This guidance offers practical reminders to help us make the most of this Islamic year, insha’Allah. Virtues of Muharram A time of reflection Muharram is an opportunity for self-reflection and self-analysis. It is a time to assess our actions, behaviours and intentions, and to seek repentance for any shortcomings or mistakes of the past. A month of renewal We can use this month to review our commitment to prayer, Qur’an recitation, acts of kindness, charity, and spiritual growth, asking Allah to make the year ahead one of sincerity and obedience. Day of Ashura Thursday 25 June 2026 For Muslims around the world, Ashura is a day of great significance. On this day, we remember important moments in history, including the salvation of Prophet Musa عليه السلام and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh. The Day of Ashura reminds us of truth, justice, sacrifice, patience, resilience and steadfastness. It is a day for repentance, reflection and seeking closeness to Allah. Muslims observe voluntary fasting on this day, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them. It is also recommended to fast a day before or a day after Ashura. Hadith reminder “I do not know Allah’s Messenger ﷺ singling out any day’s fast and considering it more excellent than another, except this day, the Day of Ashura, and this month, meaning Ramadan.” Narrated by Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه Fasting dates for 2026 Wednesday 24 June: 9 Muharram, day before Ashura Thursday 25 June: 10 Muharram, Day of Ashura Friday 26 June: 11 Muharram, day after Ashura Additional fasting opportunity The White Days of Muharram 1448 The White Days are the 13th, 14th and 15th of the Islamic month. In Muharram 1448, they fall on Sunday 28 June, Monday 29 June and Tuesday 30 June 2026. Monday 29 June is also a Sunnah fasting day, making it a beautiful opportunity to continue the momentum of Muharram with worship, gratitude and self-discipline. Practical ways to benefit Make sincere tawbah Fast on Ashura Fast the White Days Increase Qur’an recitation Give charity regularly Say Alhamdulillah often Reflect after each prayer Consistent generosity If Allah has blessed you with abundant wealth, you have the ability to give regularly to worthy causes. Even if you do not have significant financial resources, you can still contribute a small amount with sincerity. “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those performed consistently, even if they are few.” Gratitude to Allah One of the most admirable qualities of a believer is to remain grateful to Allah for every blessing, including faith, health, wealth, time, family, safety and life itself. Make it a habit to say Alhamdulillah whenever you witness something for which you feel grateful. Qur’an reminder “Whatever blessings you have are from Allah. Then whenever hardship touches you, to Him alone you cry for help.” Qur’an, 16:53 Begin the year with sincerity and purpose It is important for us to constantly discover new ways to please Allah and to continue learning from the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions, applying them to our daily lives. May Allah grant us the ability to continuously improve ourselves and bestow upon us Jannatul Firdaws, the highest level of Paradise. Ameen. Make a donation Help East London Mosque continue serving the community Your contribution helps us maintain and develop the wide range of religious, educational, welfare and community services we offer. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that Allah said: “Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.” Donate now Manage Cookie Preferences