Muharram is considered more as mourning than celebration. In fact, on this day Muslims hurt themselves and morn for Hazret Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Mohammad. Muslims of Shia community observe Muharram with great fervor.

Muharram is the first month of Islamic calendar and is one of the four sacred months as well. This event is carried out for 10 day. Muslims are not allowed to fight as the entire month is considered holy and dedicated Muslims fast during the entire month.

Significance of Muharram 

Have a quick look at the significance of Muharram.

• Muharram is the month with which the lunar Hijrah calendar of Muslims starts.

• It is one of the four sanctified months and this is stated in Holy Quran also.

• Fasting in Muharram is not obligatory. Yet many Muslims fast at least on the tenth day.

The Story behind Muharram 

The story behind observing the event of Muharram is quite touching. Muslims believe that Muharram has a historical background. Prophet Mohammad had two grandsons – Hassan and Hussein. Hassan was caught by enemy and was put to death. Hussein fought bravely and the war went on for 20 days. He was surrounded by enemies when crossing a desert and was poisoned for 10 days. Here he was deprived of food and even drink. And he was put to death on the tenth day.

How is Muharram Observed? 

The event of Muharram lasts for ten days. A place is selected where mourners gather regardless of age. Some of them even hurt themselves while some simply mourn for Hussein. Muslims give alms to the poor and weep for Hussein. They pray through the day. A procession is taken out through the streets in which devotees carry Tazias, replicas of the tomb of martyr. These are extremely decorated and are glittering and sparkling. Devotees beat themselves and impose wounds on their own bodies. Many tie sharp objects to chains to inflict the wounds.

Some Muslims gather and organise speeches and discussions on the happenings of Karbala and lives of sacrificial victims and martyrs. Many put on black clothes as black is considered as dress code for mourning. Some of the groups take beautifully decorated yet empty white horse along with the procession to show they miss the mount of Hazret Imam Hussein.

What is Ashura? 

Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram and is a special holy day. This is a very important day for all Muslims. Shia Muslims mourn and wear black on this day. They avoid any lively celebration this day and most of them fast during the day and they also organise drinking posts and offer water and juices to passersby.

Sunni Muslims believe that it is very important to fast on Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram. They believe that prophet Mohammad kept fast on this day and asked his followers to pursue the same. The only thing is that Sunni Muslims fast either a day before Ashura or a day after that.

The occasion of Muharram is not only observed by Muslims. Hindus too show their grief and sorrow and participate in the procession or mourning with their Muslim neighbours. They offer drinks and juices to the mourners. Some of them even follow the Tazias and offer flowers and sweets to the Tazia.

Learned people are of the opinion that the best homage that we can pay to this great event of tragedy is by doing some self interrogation or self searching activities. Only then one will understand the real message of Karbala.