Muharram

Alternative forms

• Moharram
• Mohurram
• Mohurrum

Etymology

From Arabic مُحَرَّم‎ (muḥarram, “forbidden”), from حَرُمَ‎ (ḥaruma, “to be forbidden”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /muːˈhaɹəm/

Proper noun

Muharram

1. The first month of the Islamic calendar, when many Islamic communities hold a festival commemorating the deaths of the grandsons of Mohammed. [from 17th c.]
   • 1888, Rudyard Kipling, ‘His Chance in Life’, Plain Tales from the Hills, Folio 2005, p. 56:

     These, hearing nothing of the Collector-Sahib for some time, and heartily despising the Hindu Sub-Judge, arranged to start a little Mohurrum riot of their own.

   • 1924, EM Forster, A Passage to India, Penguin 2005, p. 77:

     ‘I don't much believe in this discussing – besides, I'm so dead with all the extra work Mohurram's bringing, if you'll excuse me.’

   • 1990, Peter Hopkirk, The Great Game, Folio Society 2010, p. 100:

     It was unfortunate, moreover, that he arrived in Teheran in January 1829 during the holy month of Muharram, when feelings run high and the faithful slash themselves with swords and pour glowing cinders on their heads.

2. A Shiite festival held during its first ten days; Ashura.

See also

• (Islamic calendar months) Islamic calendar month; Muharram, Safar, Rabi I, Rabi II, Jumada I, Jumada II, Rajab, Sha'aban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qida, Dhu al-Hijjah

Etymology

Borrowed from Arabic مُحَرَّم‎ (muḥarram).

Proper noun

Mùhar̃r̃àm m

1. Muharram