Muharram is the second holiest month among all Islamic months revered by Muslims. It has 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 sanctity of this month.
One of the most notable events associated with Muharram is the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This event, known as Ashura, is observed on the tenth day of Muharram. For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of mourning and remembrance, as they remember the tragic battle of Karbala in 680 CE, during which Imam Hussein and his companions were killed.
When is Muharram in India?
As Saudi Arabia officially ushers in the first day of the Islamic New Year on July 19, India is preparing to eagerly look for the crescent moon of the Holy Month of Muharram a day later. Consequently, the much-awaited first day of Muharram is expected to dawn on Thursday, July 20.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia declared the beginning of Muharram on Tuesday after confirming the sighting of the crescent moon. According to the Saudi state press agency (SPA), no substantial evidence emerged that the crescent was sighted on the night of Dhul Hijjah 29 (Monday, July 17). Consequently, July 18th now concludes the month of Dhul Hijjah. Thus, Wednesday, July 19, boldly announces the arrival of Muharram, in Saudi Arabia, which means the beginning of the new Islamic year 1445.
history of muharram
The roots of Muharram lie in pivotal events in early Islamic history, particularly during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the martyrdom of his grandson, Imam Hussein.
The Islamic lunar calendar marks Muharram as its first month, introduced when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emigrated from Mecca to Medina in the year 622 CE, known as the Hijrah. The Battle of Karbala, a major event linked to Muharram, took place in 680 CE (61 AH – After Hijri) during the rule of Yazid I, the Umayyad Caliph, in which Imam Hussein, the prophet’s grandson, participated. Muhammad.
Imam Hussein, son of Imam Ali and Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter, refused to swear allegiance to Yazid I due to his tyrannical rule, leading him and his small group to Kufa, Iraq, for support. However, they faced a formidable army loyal to Yazid I at Karbala. Despite being outnumbered, they bravely resisted oppression and injustice. Tragically, on the tenth day of Muharram (Ashura), Imam Hussein and his companions lost their lives in the battle of Karbala.
For Shia Muslims, Muharram and the events of Karbala have deep religious significance. Imam Hussein is revered as a symbol of martyrdom, righteousness and resistance against tyranny. Shia communities observe Muharram with mourning, reflection and solidarity, holding processions, majlis and various rituals to honor the memory of Imhonourssein.
Sunni Muslims also recognize the importance of Muharram and fast on the tenth day (Ashura) to express gratitude for God’s intervention in saving the prophet Moses from the oppression of Pharaoh. While Sunni scholars recognize the tragedy of Karbala, its celebrations may not involve the same level of mourning as that seen in Shia communities.
How is Muharram observed?
Muharram is observed differently by Sunni and Shia Muslims due to their historical and theological differences. While both branches of Islam recognize the importance of Muharram, their practices and commemorations during this month vary significantly.
The most notable difference lies in the observance of Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, which marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of deep mourning and remembrance of the tragic battle of Karbala in 680 CE, where Imam Hussein and his followers were killed. They carry out processions, beat their chests and recite elegies to express their pain.
Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, also recognize the significance of Ashura, but observe it differently. Some Sunni communities fast on this day, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who fasted in commemoration of the liberation of Moses 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 that day.
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Source: ptivs2.edu.vn