We’re in the month of Muharram 2025!

Introduction to Muharram : We’re in the month of Muharram 2025! 

A new start to the Islamic calendar, it is not just another chance to move forward or renew our spiritual goals, instead it’s an honour for every believer to reflect on their lives through the lens of صَبْر -patience. 

Deeply honoured in Islamic tradition, the month of Muharram is more than just history. It holds within it the weight of sorrow and the spark of hope. The Islamic New Year begins, for many, with the commemoration of a tragedy that tested the strengths and weaknesses of humanity and allows us to reflect on- our loyalties, our values, our silence and our courage- in the mirror of Karbala in present times.  

Are we among those who choose ease or those who choose righteousness even when it costs? 

Do we practice الأمر بالمعروف – Commanding/encouraging what is good (Ma’ruf) and النهي عن المنكر – Forbidding/preventing what is evil/wrong (Munkar)? 

Have we prioritised the well-being of the communities we do not belong to over the comforts of our loved ones? 

When one listens to the event of Karbala and imagines the Prophet’s (ﷺ) beloved grandson Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) surrounded by enemies that flaunted their swords, arrows and daggers, amidst a backdrop of martyred companions, brothers, sons and nephews with the shrill wailings of women and children from the tents, it makes one’s heart tremble. What kind of world allows the grandson of the Mercy to Mankind (ﷺ) to stand alone, parched under the scorching sun, offering his blood as the price for Truth? 

And then, we are left to ask: what would we have done had we stood in the dust of Karbala? Would we have turned our faces away, preferring silence over struggle? Or would we have walked beside Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه), knowing full well that righteousness often walks barefoot, wounded, and thirsty? 

It wasn’t just a physical thirst. It was a thirst for justice. For dignity. For a better world. 

Isn’t that what we still long for today? 

Today’s Children Are Still Thirst

Fast forward to our world now. In places like Gaza, Somalia, Pakistan, and Yemen, children are still dying from lack of clean water because they were born into poverty. 

Imagine walking six miles every day just to find water-and still not knowing if it’s clean. Imagine choosing between giving your child something unsafe to drink or letting them go without. 

This isn’t distant. This is real. It’s now. 

And it’s not okay. 

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught us: 

“The best charity is giving water to drink.” (Ahmad) 

 So, what are we waiting for? 

Living with the Values of Muharra

Muharram is not only about mourning. It’s about moving forward. It’s about realising that we cannot change the past, but we can absolutely shape the future. 

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” 
— Qur’an, Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:11) 

Just as Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) stood against injustice, so can we, by responding to it today. 

Just as Imam Hussai(رضي الله عنه) , his companions (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُم) endured thirst, we can prevent others from suffering the same. 

And just as Karbala was not about numbers or armies but about standing for what’s right, our small actions today can create enormous waves of change. 

This Muharram, Quench Thirst. Start a New Chapter. 

As you reflect this Muharram, ask yourself: 

• What am I doing to honour the values of Muharram? 
• What legacy am I building? 
• Who will benefit from my choices long after I’m gone? 

The answers don’t have to be grand. They just need to be sincere. 

Set your intention. Start giving. 

Start this Islamic year with purpose and power. Choose Penny Appeal’s Thirst Relief and help bring clean, safe drinking water to those who need it most. 

Give now for our Muharram campaign..

Because Karbala teaches us: truth demands sacrifice, and love is always victorious in the end.