Muharram is a sacred Muslim festival, which commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, who as the grandson of Prophet Mohammad. This is a 10 day long festival which starts on the 1st day of the month of Muharram, as per the Islamic calendar and lasts till the 10th day. This month is yet another sacred month for the Muslims.
History behind Muharram
The month of Muharram is considered to be one of the most sacred months of the Islamic calendar and is an auspicious day both the sects of Muslim i.e. Shias and Sunnis. The Shia muslims believe that Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, became a martyr at the Battle of Karbala on the tenth day of the month of Muharram in 61 AH(680 AD). On the occassion of Muharram that day is remembered. It is predominantly significant to the Shias and till date their veneration of Martyrdom centres on this incident. Husayn had to wrestle, for integrity, albeit he was shoddily outnumbered. His death is as well mourned by the Sunni sect. This day is also referred as the day of Ashura. It is believed that when Hussain was injured and haemorrhage, with his all potency he reached the riverside to drink water for the last time and on the riverside his enemy killed him with their arrows.
Rituals observed on Muharram
On the occasion of Muharram, people dress in black clothes to mourn the death of their Caliph Husayn ibn Ali. People visit mosques and shrines with their relatives and friends and offer their condolences to the martyr. People keep themselves away from music and festive events, such as weddings, that are likely to divert them from the mournful commemoration of the event. On the 10th day, Shia Muslims take out huge processions through the streets carrying banners and vibrantly decorated taziyahs (bamboo and paper replicas of the martyrs) embroidered with painted gold and mica. They even carry colorful models of the sepulcher of Hazrat Imam Husain at Karbala. They walk barefoot on the roads, while beating drums. They chant and weep loudly as an act of mourning for Husain, his family and his followers. To convey their woe over the death of Hazrat Imam Husain, they beat their chest with hands, known as matam. Others flagellate their bodies with chains or whips, consisting of small knives and sharp objects, thereby drawing out blood. Wrestlers and dancers even perform scenes that depict the battle of Karbala. The Sunni Muslims observe the occasion as a festival even if the core aspect behind the festival remains intact. They observe fasts and remember the occasion as a low affair.
History behind Muharram
The month of Muharram is considered to be one of the most sacred months of the Islamic calendar and is an auspicious day both the sects of Muslim i.e. Shias and Sunnis. The Shia muslims believe that Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, became a martyr at the Battle of Karbala on the tenth day of the month of Muharram in 61 AH(680 AD). On the occassion of Muharram that day is remembered. It is predominantly significant to the Shias and till date their veneration of Martyrdom centres on this incident. Husayn had to wrestle, for integrity, albeit he was shoddily outnumbered. His death is as well mourned by the Sunni sect. This day is also referred as the day of Ashura. It is believed that when Hussain was injured and haemorrhage, with his all potency he reached the riverside to drink water for the last time and on the riverside his enemy killed him with their arrows.
Rituals observed on Muharram
On the occasion of Muharram, people dress in black clothes to mourn the death of their Caliph Husayn ibn Ali. People visit mosques and shrines with their relatives and friends and offer their condolences to the martyr. People keep themselves away from music and festive events, such as weddings, that are likely to divert them from the mournful commemoration of the event. On the 10th day, Shia Muslims take out huge processions through the streets carrying banners and vibrantly decorated taziyahs (bamboo and paper replicas of the martyrs) embroidered with painted gold and mica. They even carry colorful models of the sepulcher of Hazrat Imam Husain at Karbala. They walk barefoot on the roads, while beating drums. They chant and weep loudly as an act of mourning for Husain, his family and his followers. To convey their woe over the death of Hazrat Imam Husain, they beat their chest with hands, known as matam. Others flagellate their bodies with chains or whips, consisting of small knives and sharp objects, thereby drawing out blood. Wrestlers and dancers even perform scenes that depict the battle of Karbala. The Sunni Muslims observe the occasion as a festival even if the core aspect behind the festival remains intact. They observe fasts and remember the occasion as a low affair.