Muharram is the second holiest month among all the Islamic months revered by Muslims. It has special significance for Muslims all over the world as it marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. The word “Muharram” itself means “forbidden” or “sacred”, signifying the reverence and sacredness of this month.
One of the most notable 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, known as Ashura, is observed on the 10th day of Muharram. For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of mourning and remembrance, as they recall the tragic Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, in which Imam Hussein and his companions were killed.
When was Muharram in India?
As Saudi Arabia officially inaugurated the first day of the Islamic New Year on July 19, India was again eagerly preparing to look for the crescent moon of the Holy Month of Muharram a day later. Thus, the much-anticipated first day of Muharram is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 20.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia 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 substantial evidence that the crescent was seen on the evening of 29 Dhul Hijjah (Monday, July 17). Thus, July 18 now ends the month of Dhul Hijjah. So Wednesday, July 19, boldly heralded the arrival of Muharram, in Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1445.
History of Muharram
Muharram’s origins lie in important events in early Islamic history, especially in the time of the Prophet Muhammad (may he be at peace) and the martyrdom of his grandson, Imam Hussein.
The Islamic lunar calendar marks Muharram as the first month, introduced when the Prophet Muhammad (bless him) migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD, called Hijra. The Battle of Karbala, an important event related to Muharram, took place in 680 CE (61 AH – After Hijra) during the rule of Yazid I, the Umayyad king, involving Imam Hussein, the Prophet’s grandson Muhammad.
Imam Hussein, son of Imam Ali and Fatimah, daughter of the Prophet, refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid I due to 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 they were outnumbered, they bravely resisted oppression and injustice. Tragically, on the 10th day of Muharram (Ashura), Imam Hussein and his companions lost their lives in the Battle of Karbala.
For Shia Muslims, the Muharram and events in Karbala carry deep religious significance. Imam Hussein is revered as a symbol of martyrdom, justice and resistance against tyranny. Shia communities observe Muharram with mourning, reflection and solidarity, holding processions, ceremonies and various ceremonies to honor Imhonourssein’s memory.
Sunni Muslims also acknowledge the importance of Muharram, fasting on the 10th day (Ashura) to express gratitude for God’s intervention in saving the prophet Moses from Pharaoh’s oppression. While Sunni scholars acknowledge the Karbala tragedy, their observance may not be linked to the same level of mourning as in Shia communities.
How is Muharram observed?
Muharram is observed differently by Sunni and Shia Muslims due to their historical and theological differences. Although both branches of Islam acknowledge the importance of Muharram, their activities and celebrations this month are significantly different.
The most notable difference lies in the celebration of Ashura, the 10th 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 profound mourning and remembrance of the tragic Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where Imam Hussein and his followers were killed. They hold processions, pat their chests and recite songs to express their grief.
On the other hand, Sunni Muslims also recognize the importance of Ashura, but they see it differently. Some Sunni communities fast on this day, in the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who fasted to commemorate Moses’ liberation 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.
| Islamic New Year 2023: All you need to know about Hijri . New Year
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn