Muharram in itself, means "forbidden" and is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar which is ten or twelve days shorter than the Gregorian calendar followed by the West and holds significant religious importance for Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his followers in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.? On the first day of Muharram, Muslims around the world visit mosques, offer prayers and spend time there, cry over the death of Hussain, and remember their sacrifice.
During Muharram, Muslims engage in mourning ceremonies, processions, and recitations of elegies to remember and honor the sacrifices made by Imam Hussein and his companions. It is a period of reflection, remembrance, and solidarity within the Muslim community.
Muharram dates vary every year in the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. Countries like India, Bangladesh, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, and Pakistan usually sight the crescent moon a day later than Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman. The month of Muharram also referred to in Hadith as the month of Allah starts?today?20 July 2023 in India.
Ashura is on the 10th of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar and will begin on Thursday, July 28th, and end on Friday, July 29th. The day before Ashura, which is the 9th of Muharram, is also a day of observance for many Muslims.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced that Tuesday, 18 July 2023 would be the last day of the month of Dhul Hijjah, 1444 Hijri. This means Wednesday, July 19, will be the first day of Muharram also known as the month of Allah, marking the start of the Islamic new year 1445.?
The UAE has officially declared Friday, July 21, as a holiday to celebrate the New Islamic Hijri Year for all public and private sector employees.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar also known as the Hijri and the 'Month of Allah holds great significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a month of mourning and remembrance, particularly for the Shia Muslim community, as it marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
The history of Muharram is deeply rooted in the events that took place in the year 680 AD (the 61st year of the Islamic calendar) in Karbala, present-day Iraq. Imam Hussein, along with his family members and a small group of loyal companions, stood up against the oppressive rule of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid ibn Muawiya.
Imam Hussein, as the rightful successor of Prophet Muhammad according to the Shia belief, refused to pledge allegiance to the tyrannical ruler Yazid. In his pursuit of justice and upholding the principles of Islam, Imam Hussein and his companions were surrounded by a large Umayyad army of around 4,000 men in Karbala. Despite being vastly outnumbered and facing severe thirst and hunger due to a siege, Imam Hussein and his followers remained steadfast in their commitment to their faith.
On the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, the brutal Battle of Karbala took place. Imam Hussein and his loyal companions, including his family members, were brutally martyred in the battle. The women and children from their camp were imprisoned and treated harshly. This event, known as the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, is considered a pivotal moment in Islamic history and symbolises the struggle against oppression and tyranny.
The martyrdom of Imam Hussein and the suffering endured by his family and companions in Karbala is commemorated by Muslims, especially Shia Muslims, during the month of Muharram. The commemoration involves mourning processions, recitation of elegies and poetry, and reenactments of the events of Karbala. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for the preservation of truth, justice, and the principles of Islam.
It is important to note that the commemoration of Muharram varies between different Muslim communities and regions. While it holds great significance for Shia Muslims, other Muslim communities may observe Muharram as a month of fasting and reflection without the intense mourning rituals associated with it.
Ashura is a significant observance in Islam, particularly among Shia Muslims. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.?
It is a day of mourning and reflection, marked by fasting, prayers, and processions. Shia Muslims engage in self-flagellation to express their grief. Sunnis also acknowledge Ashura, but their observance focuses on different historical events. Overall, Ashura serves as a reminder of sacrifice, resilience, and the pursuit of justice in the face of oppression.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and holds great significance for Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his companions in the Battle of Karbala. The events of Muharram serve as a reminder of sacrifice, bravery, and steadfastness in the face of injustice. Muslims engage in mourning rituals, including processions and recitation of elegies, to express their sorrow and solidarity with the sufferings of Imam Hussein. Muharram also encourages reflection on principles such as justice, compassion, and standing up against oppression, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual growth within the Muslim community.
Muharram is considered sacred in Islamic tradition for several reasons. Firstly, it marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds historical significance as the month during which Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina. Additionally, Muharram is deeply associated with the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala.?
This event symbolises sacrifice, bravery, and resistance against injustice. Muslims commemorate this tragedy with mourning rituals, reflecting on the values of righteousness and standing up for truth. Muharram serves as a time of reflection, remembrance, and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide.
Observing Ashura is an important religious practice for Muslims, particularly for Shia Muslims. Ashura is the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram and holds significant historical and cultural importance. Here are some general guidelines on how to observe Ashura:
Educate yourself about the historical events associated with Ashura, particularly the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (the grandson of Prophet Muhammad) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala. Understanding the historical context will help you appreciate the observance better.
Fasting on the day of Ashura is highly recommended. It is customary to fast either on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th. Fasting is seen as an act of remembrance and solidarity with the suffering and sacrifice of Imam Hussein.
Many Muslims attend special religious gatherings or processions (known as mourning processions or Majlis) held in mosques, community centers, or streets. These gatherings involve recitations of eulogies, sermons, and narrations of the events of Karbala. You can participate in these gatherings to remember the sacrifices and express grief.
Ashura is a time to show compassion and generosity. Consider engaging in charitable acts, such as donating food, clothing, or money to those in need. Supporting charitable causes or feeding the poor is highly encouraged during this time.
Take time for personal reflection and introspection. Offer prayers and supplications, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and blessings. Engage in remembrance of Allah and the Ahlul Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad) through the recitation of specific prayers and Ziyarat Ashura.
Ashura is a day of mourning, so it is customary to refrain from engaging in joyous activities or celebrations. Avoid listening to music, attending weddings, or engaging in any form of entertainment that contradicts the solemn atmosphere.
Display empathy towards others and express condolences to those grieving the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Offer support and assistance to those in mourning and help create an environment of love, unity, and understanding.
Please note that Ashura practices may vary among different Muslim communities and cultures. It is advisable to seek guidance from local religious leaders or scholars for specific customs and traditions followed in your region.
1. May the Islamic New Year bring you peace, prosperity, and countless blessings from Allah.
2. May the Islamic New Year bring you good health, happiness, and success in all your endeavors.
3. On the auspicious day of Muharram, may Allah bless you with health, wealth, peace, and happiness!
4. New Year begins, let us pray, that it will be a year with New Peace, New Happiness, and abundance of All. May Allah bless you throughout the New Year.
5. Take the beginning of the holy month as an opportunity to thank Allah and count your blessings.
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