The Truth About Muharram: Can We Congratulate and Start New Ventures?

By | 03 Jul, 2025

Congratulations in Muharram: Is it a Sin? Know the Reality!

My friend was very happy after building a new house, so he said to me, "Dude, you didn't even congratulate me on my new house?"

I replied, "Oh yes, I'll come to congratulate you today."

Then he laughed and said, "No man, it's Muharram now." Then he said, "It's a sin to congratulate in Muharram, you come after 10th Muharram."

Is this true? Let's look at it from an Islamic perspective.

Muharram Al-Haram: Starting New Ventures and Congratulations - An Islamic Perspective

Muharram Al-Haram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and holds special significance in Islamic history. While this month reminds us of the great sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala, some misconceptions have also become associated with this month. One of them is that starting a new work or congratulating someone in Muharram is a sin.

Refutation of Misconceptions and Innovations in Muharram

It is absolutely false and baseless to say that starting new work or congratulating in Muharram Al-Haram is a sin. There is no basis in Islam for declaring any day or month inauspicious. Allah Almighty has created all days and months for His creation, and every day is a manifestation of His power and mercy. There is no religious text that prohibits starting any permissible and lawful work or offering congratulations in Muharram.

In the Light of Islamic Teachings

Looking at it in the light of the Quran and Sunnah, we find no such prohibition anywhere. In fact, good deeds can be done at any time. If a person starts a new business, gets married, or congratulates someone on any happy occasion in Muharram, there is no religious harm in it. All these are permissible matters, and declaring them sinful is tantamount to adding to the religion on one's own.

Historical Background

This misconception may have become part of the innovations and customs prevalent in some areas, where people consider the month of Muharram only for mourning and grief. Undoubtedly, the incident of Karbala is a great tragedy, and we should keep its memory alive, but this does not mean that we should abandon worldly affairs and permissible joys.

The truth is that even during the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Companions (RA), the month of Muharram would come, and people would continue their daily routines. No one stopped them from starting new work, nor did they prohibit congratulating.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is clear that starting any new permissible work or congratulating someone in Muharram Al-Haram is by no means a sin. This is merely a misconception and misunderstanding that needs to be dispelled. We should follow the true teachings of Islam and avoid all such innovations that are not part of our religion. While the month of Muharram teaches us sacrifice and selflessness, we should also remember that the continuity of life goes on, and we are allowed to continue our routines within religious limits.

Share your opinion in the comments! Have you also been a victim of such a misconception? #Muharram #IslamicTeachings #Misconception #Innovations #NewBeginnings #Congratulations