Muharrem is the second holiest of all Islamic months observed by Muslims. It has a special meaning for Muslims around the world, as it marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. The word “Muharram” itself means “forbidden” or “holy”, indicating the reverence and sacredness of this month.
One of the most important events related to Muharram is the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This event, called Ashura, is celebrated on the 10th day of Muharram. For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of mourning and remembrance, as they remember the tragic battle at Karbala in AD 680, in which Imam Hussain and his companions were killed.
When is Muharram in India?
As Saudi Arabia officially kicks off on the first day of the Islamic New Year on July 19, India is preparing to eagerly seek out the crescent moon of the holy month of Muharram a day later. Accordingly, the long-awaited first day of Muharram is scheduled to take place at dawn on Thursday, July 20.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court announced the start of Muharram on Tuesday, after confirming the sighting of the crescent moon. According to the Saudi State Press Agency (SPA), there is no significant evidence that the crescent moon was seen on the evening of 29 Dhul Hijjah (Monday, July 17). Accordingly, July 18 now marks the end of the month of Dhul Hijjah. So Wednesday, July 19 boldly heralds the arrival of Muharram in Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of the Muslim new year 1445.
History of Muharram
Muharram’s origins lie in key events in early Islamic history, especially in the days of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the martyrdom of his grandson, Imam Hussein.
The Islamic lunar calendar marks Muharram as the first month, introduced when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated from Mecca to Medina in AD 622, known as Hijra. The Battle of Karbala, an important event related to Muharram, took place in 680 (61 AH) during the reign of Yazid I, Caliph Umayyad, in which Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, took part.
Imam Husayn, son of Imam Ali and Fatima, daughter of the Prophet, refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid I because of his tyrannical rule, leading him and his small group to Kufa, Iraq, to seek support. However, they faced a formidable army loyal to Yazid I at Karbala. Although outnumbered, they bravely resisted oppression and injustice. Tragically, on the 10th day of Muharram (Ashura), Imam Hussain and his companions lost their lives in the Battle of Karbala.
For Shia Muslims, the Muharram and events in Karbala have deep religious significance. Imam Hussein is revered as a symbol of martyrdom, justice and resistance against tyranny. Shia communities mark Muharram with mourning, reflection and solidarity, holding processions, grand ceremonies and various ceremonies honoring the memory of Imhonourssein.
Sunni Muslims also recognize the importance of Muharram, fasting on the 10th day (Ashura) to express gratitude for God’s intervention to save the prophet Moses from Pharaoh’s oppression. While Sunni scholars recognize the Karbala tragedy, their memorial may not include the same level of mourning as in Shia communities.
How is Muharram celebrated?
Muharram is observed differently by Sunni and Shia Muslims due to their historical and theological differences. Although both branches of Islam recognize the importance of Muharram, their activities and celebrations this month are significantly different.
The most significant difference lies in the celebration of Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of profound mourning and commemoration of the tragic battle of Karbala in AD 680, where Imam Hussain and his followers were killed. They hold processions, beat their chests and recite poems to express their grief.
On the other hand, Sunni Muslims also recognize the importance of Ashura, but view it differently. Some Sunni communities fast on this day, according to the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who fasted in memory of Moses’ deliverance from the tyranny of the Pharaoh. For Sunnis Ashura is not a day of mourning but a day of fasting, prayer and reflection on the historical events that took place on this day.
READ I| Islamic New Year 2023: Everything you need to know about Hijri
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education