Muharram

Held on : 30th July

Muharram is the name of a month which marks the beginning of the new year as per the Islamic calendar (hijrah calendar). Muharram is one of four months of a year which has been designated as holy according to the Islamic calendar, the other three being - Dhul-Qa'adah, Dhul-Hijjah and Rajab. The date of Muharram is not fixed because the Islamic calendar is lunar. The Islamic calendar is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year so Muharram moves from year to year when compared with the Gregorian calendar. The word 'Muharram' is derived from the word 'Haram' which means 'Forbidden' and as such it is unlawful and unholy to indulge in any type of quarrel during this month. It is both, a festival of celebration and day of mourning. As a solemn occasion, it is to be observed to mourn the martyrdom of the revered Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad. It is a sanctified month as a whole and is observed for 10 days and the most important day of this month is Tenth day, by the end of which the mourning culminates.

History

As per the Muslim traditions many centuries ago in 61 AH (approximately october 20th 680 A.D.) during the pre-Islamic period in the Arabian peninsula, there were many warring tribes. This situation was prevalent because of the absence of a strong leadership. As a result, there were regular conflicts and battles, even on minor issues. However, fighting was prohibited in four months of the year. These months were considered sacred and Muharram was one of these months. The inhabitants on the banks of rivers Euphrates and Tigris were traditional rivals. Their animosity was contained to some extent by Prophet Muhammad. But when his son-in-law Hazrat Ali was the Caliph (muslim civil and religious leader considered to be Allah's representative on earth), the old enmity re-surfaced. Hazrat Ali had two descendants, Hazrat Imam Hussain and Hazrat Imam Hassan. Hussain was the ruler of the part of the empire known today as Iran. The other part in modern Iraq was ruled by the Umayyads.

Hussain was called upon by the Shiahs of Kufa, a small town in the Umayyad kingdom, to accept their allegiance and claim his place as the leader of the Islamic community. This was against the wishes of the ruler of Kufa, Yazid, who instructed his governor, Ibn-e-Ziad to take appropriate action. Meanwhile, in response to the call of the Shiahs, Hussain accompanied by his family members, headed for Kufa. When they reached Karbala, en route to Kufa, the forces of the governor surrounded them and their 70 men. Hussain, his family and his troops were tortured and killed, and Hussain's head was severed and presented to the king. They received no help from the Shiahs of Kufa. As this tragic incident happened on the tenth day of Muharram, Shia Muslims consider this a day of sorrow. His martyrdom at Karbala represents a conscious confrontation with anti-Islamic forces and a courageous resistance for a sacred cause. The tragedy was that the one who stood up to defend Islam was cut down in so cruel a manner. It is for this reason that the death of Imam Hussain is mourned annually in the Muslim world.

Events / Activities

There are a lot of variations in the way this occasion is observed. The two sects of Muslims - Shia and Sunni have their own practices. These practices pertain to the way they fast and mourn.

Fasting - Most of the events which take place during Muharram include Fasting, lamentations, mournings which express grief and above all, repulsion against what Yazid stood for. Fasting is advocated in the month of Muharram. Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not compulsory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty (God). Fasting on the tenth day of Muharram, called Ashura, is particularly important, as it supposed to lead to great rewards. A person does not have to fast for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit.

Ashura - Also known as 'Yaumu-l 'Ashurah' in the local dialect, Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram. It is the most important day of the holy month. People put on black clothes as symbol of mourning. People in large number assemble and take out large processions. They parade the streets holding banners depicting Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people, who fell at Karbala. It is a sad occasion and everyone in the procession chants "Ya Hussain", wailing loudly. Generally a white horse is beautifully decorated and included in the procession. It serves to bring back the memory of the empty mount of Hazrat Imam Husain after his martyrdom. Drinking posts are also set up temporarily by the Shia community where water and juices are served to all, free of charge.

Some of the activities during Ashura:

• Majalis - Many of the events associated with Muharram take place in congregation halls known as 'Hussainia'. Amongst the various events is the gathering of people known as 'Majalis' which reviews Islamic teachings and commemorates Imam Hussain's sacrifice. Majalis-e Aza, also known as Aza-e Husayn, includes mourning congregations, lamentations, matam and all such actions which express the emotions of grief and above all, repulsion against what Yazid stood for.
  
  
• Holy Pilgrimage - Many Shia embark on a pilgrimage to the Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala itself, as it is one of the holiest places for Shias outside of Mecca and Medina.

• Matam - Matam is form of mourning in which participants beat their chests as as a display of their devotion to Imam Hussain and in remembrance of his suffering. Matam is held in a congregation in full view of public. In some Shi'a societies, such as those in Bahrain, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Iraq, some male indulge in self-flagellation using knives or razors swung upon chains. They beat and bleed their bodies especially their backs, for the sacrifice of their martyr.
  
  
• Taziya - Taziya is another form of mourning. It is a theatrical re-enactment of the Battle of Karbala. It is mostly observed in Iran where it is also known as 'Taziyeh'. This re-enactment is organised by theatrical groups known as 'Taziya Groups'. In South Asia 'Taziya' is observed by building replicas of Husayn's mausoleum, referred to as Taziya. These are then carried in processions. The concept behind this type of Taziya originated form the fact that many Indian Muslims were not able to pilgrim to Karbala or be buried near the tomb of Imam Hussain. So some Indian Muslims brought soil from Karbala and sprinkled it on certain spots establishing a local Karbala as future cemeteries. Taziya of various shapes and sizes, after being carried in processions may be buried at the end of Ashura or Arbain, the 10th day of Muharram.
  
  
• Nazar - As per custom, various mosques provide free meals known as 'Nazar' on certain nights of the month to all people. These meals are considered as special and holy, as they have been consecrated in the name of Imam Hussain and participating in these is considered an act of communion with God (Allah), Imam Hussain and Humanity.
  
  
• Sunni Observance - Sunni Muslims observe Ashura as a festival. According to their tradition known as 'Hadith' (sayings and activities of Muhammad and his companions), the Prophet saw the Jews fasting on the 10th of Muharram to commemorate their liberation from Egyptian slavery and the extermination of the army of the Pharoah in the waters of the Red Sea. Prophet Mohammed liked the custom for he believed that it was Allah who saved the Israelites from their enemy in Egypt. He started to fast on the same day as the Jews but he planned to fast on the 9th and 10th from the following year. But death came in between him and his pious wish. Usually, Sunni Muslims are recommended to fast either on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or on the 10th and 11th of Muharram. Pious Sunnis keep a fast (roja) on this day.

Alternate Names - Remembrance of Muharram, Amun Jadid (Philippines).

Holiday Status - It is a Gazetted Holiday in India and other Islamic Countries.