The Islamic new year is upon us! With Muharram being the first Islamic month as well as a sacred month, there are many ways of taking advantage. Muslim scholars of the past have placed a great emphasis on increasing goods deeds, fasting, glorifying God and giving to charity within this sacred month. What’s more, according to a prophetic tradition, the most virtuous fast after the month of Ramadhan is in the month of Muharram.
When a new month commences in Islam, it is recommended to recite the following duʿa. This is also the case when a new year commences with the month of Muharram:
O Allah, bring it (the month) upon us with security, Iman (faith), safety, Islam, the pleasure of The Compassionate [Allah] and protection from Shaytan. [Bagawi]
This was a supplication that the Companions memorised and would recite it like they recited the Qur’an.
There is an additional duʿa which can be recited when a new moon is sighted for each lunar month as well as at the beginning of the new Islamic year: