The Islamic year lasts for about 354 days and consists of 12 months.
Muharram is the first month and some Muslims mark the start of the
Islamic year on the first day of Muharram. Many Muslims fast during
daylight hours on the ninth and 10th or 10th and 11th days of the month
to mark the Day of Ashura (Yaumu-l 'Ashurah). This is the anniversary of
the death of Husayn ibn Ali, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammed.
