Muharram 2024: Here's everything you need to know about the Islamic festival

Muharram, meaning "forbidden," is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This calendar is 10-12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in the West. Muharram 2024 holds significant religious importance for Muslims worldwide, as it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his followers during the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. On the first day of Muharram, Muslims visit mosques, offer prayers, mourn the death of Hussein, and remember their sacrifice.

Observing Muharram 2024

During Muharram 2024, Muslims participate in mourning ceremonies, processions, and recitations of elegies to honor the sacrifices made by Imam Hussein and his companions. It is a period of reflection, remembrance, and unity within the Muslim community.

Muharram 2024 in India

The dates for Muharram change 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. In 2024, the month of Muharram starts on July 7 in India.

Ashura 2024

Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, is observed on July 16, 2024, in India. This day is significant as it marks the climax of the mourning period for Imam Hussein's martyrdom.

Muharram 2024 in Saudi Arabia

The Islamic calendar began with the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad and his companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. In 2024, the crescent moon for Muharram was not visible in Saudi Arabia on July 5. Therefore, Saudi authorities announced that Muharram 1446 would begin after evening prayers on July 6, 2024. The first day of Muharram in Saudi Arabia was July 7, 2024. The tenth day of Ashura is observed on July 16th.

The History of Muharram

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar. It is called the 'Month of Allah' and holds great significance for Muslims worldwide. The history of Muharram is deeply rooted in the events of 680 AD in Karbala, present-day Iraq. Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, along with his family and loyal companions, stood against the oppressive rule of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid ibn Muawiya.

The Battle of Karbala

Imam Hussein, considered the rightful successor of Prophet Muhammad by Shia Muslims, refused to pledge allegiance to the tyrannical ruler Yazid. Imam Hussein and his companions were surrounded by a large Umayyad army of around 4,000 men in Karbala. Despite facing severe thirst and hunger due to a siege, Imam Hussein and his followers remained committed to their faith. On the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, the brutal Battle of Karbala took place, leading to the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his companions. This event is pivotal in Islamic history, symbolizing the struggle against oppression and tyranny.

Significance of Muharram 2024

Muharram 2024 is a time for Muslims to engage in mourning rituals, processions, and the recitation of elegies to express sorrow and solidarity with Imam Hussein's sufferings. It encourages reflection on principles such as justice, compassion, and standing against oppression, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual growth within the Muslim community.

Why is Muharram Sacred?

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar and is historically significant as the month during which Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina. The martyrdom of Imam Hussein in the Battle of Karbala symbolizes sacrifice, bravery, and resistance against injustice. Muharram is a time for Muslims to reflect, remember, and renew their spirituality.

How to Observe Ashura

Observing Ashura is a significant religious practice for Muslims, particularly Shia Muslims. Here are some guidelines on how to observe Ashura:

• Learn about Ashura: Understand the historical events associated with Ashura, particularly the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
• Observe fasting: Fasting on the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram is recommended.
• Attend religious gatherings: Participate in mourning processions or Majlis held in mosques or community centers.
• Engage in acts of charity: Donate food, clothing, or money to those in need.
• Reflect and pray: Take time for personal reflection, offer prayers, and engage in remembrance of Allah and the Ahlul Bayt.
• Abstain from joyous activities: Refrain from celebrations or entertainment that contradicts the solemn atmosphere.
• Show empathy and compassion: Offer support and assistance to those grieving the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.

Muharram 2024 Quotes and Messages

May Muharram 2024 bring you peace, prosperity, and countless blessings from Allah.

"Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - their Lord will guide them because of their faith. Beneath them rivers will flow in the Gardens of Pleasure." - Quran, Surah Yunus [10:9]

May the Islamic New Year bring you good health, happiness, and success in all your endeavors.

"And for all religions, We have appointed a rite [of sacrifice] that they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. For your god is one God, so to Him submit. And, [O Muhammad], give good tidings to the humble [before their Lord]." - Quran, Surah Al-Hajj [22:34]

On the auspicious day of Muharram, may Allah bless you with health, wealth, peace, and happiness!

"Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'" - Quran, Surah Al-An'am [6:162]

As the new year begins, let us pray for new peace, new happiness, and an abundance of all. May Allah bless you throughout the new year.

"Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'" - Quran, Surah Al-An'am [6:162]

Take the beginning of the holy month as an opportunity to thank Allah and count your blessings.

"And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass." - Quran, Surah Al-Hajj [22:27]

By observing Muharram 2024 with devotion and understanding, Muslims can honor the sacrifices of Imam Hussein and his companions, reflecting on the values of justice, compassion, and unity.

"The best of years is the year of patience." - Prophet Muhammad

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