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The Holy Month of Muharram
Muslims observed Muharram, which is also known as
the first month of the year for Muslims (as per the Islamic calendar).
The first ten days  of
Muharram are observed in the memory of Hazrat Imam Hussain
(peace be upon him), who attained martyrdom while fighting the evil
forces of Yazid in battle of Karbala, Iraq in 680 AD. The Karbala
tragedy is named after the month of Muharram. The tenth
day of Muharram is called the Ashura, which is also observed
as the day for public expression of grief on the supreme sacrifice
of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his family.
According to Islamic history, a cruel ruler by the name of Yazid,
surfaced on the land of Arabia. The tyrant Yazid wanted Hazrat Imam
Hussain, who is the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace
be upon him), to accept his suzerainty, which would mean an overlordship
of the entire Muslim community.
Hazrat Imam Hussain, who represented the spirit of Islam had strongly
opposed the oppressive regime of the tyrant Yazid. Hence, Yazid
decided to send his huge army to defeat Hazrat Imam Hussain. Despite
being heavily outnumbered by the enemy, Hazrat Imam Hussain fought
gallantly against the troops of Yazid. Hazrat Imam Hussain and his
entire family attained martyrdom in the battle of Karbala, which
is reckoned as the most significant battle in the history of Islam.
Muharram is observed by the Sunni and Shia sect of the Muslim
community all over the world. Muslims congregate in mosques and
listen to the speeches on the sacrifice of the martyrs of Karbala.
During the first ten days of Muharram, drinking posts called
Sabil are set up temporarily by the Muslims, for the purpose of
offering free water and juices to the people. Muslims also make
Khichda - a special delicacy made up of meat, grain, and dal, which
is served to the poor. Tazia, which is made of bamboo and pasteboard
and decorated with tinsel are taken in procession and deposited
in a river on the tenth day of Muharram.
All kinds of celebrations in the form of marriages or parties are
strictly avoided by Muslims in the month of Muharram. “The
month of Muharram is of unparallel significance for the Muslims.
It highlights the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain
and his family. We also get an opportunity to study the teachings
of Hazrat Imam Hussain,” said Aisha Nazir, a housewife,
in Mumbai.
By: Wasim Siddiqui
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