Muharram word as you all know,the basic info, is the name of sacrifices and reminds us of the history of early days of Islam. Muharram is the feel of sacrifices as the sacrifices of “ahlul bayt” of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUM).Muharram is also the first month of Islamic Calendar. Muharram is the other word of sacrifices as the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (A.S) for Islam and not only Imam Hussain but also his family and followers who were also included the Battle of Karbala in this Holy month of Muharram.
Muslims are very much involved in the sorrowful expressions developed by the nature of Islam.Muharram is the month to give the most valuable things to one who has great meaning for you.
The month of Muharram is of great religious importance to Islamic people world wide. It is held to be the most blessed of all the months. The word “Muharram” is often considered identical with “Ashura“, the tenth day of the Muharram month. The most unhappy Day in Islam ever.
For both sects of Islam “Ashura” is a extremely imperative day – the Shias and the Sunnis. The Shia muslims believe that Hussain ibn-e-Ali (A.S), the grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad (PBUH) , became a martyr at the Battle of Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram in 61 AH(680 AD).
Hussain (A.S) was the ruler of the part of the empire around modern day Medina & Mecca. The other part in modern Iraq was ruled by the Umayyads. Hussain (A.S) was called upon by the Peoples 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 peoples of Kufa, Hussain (A.S) 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 72 followers. Hussain (A.S), his family and his troops were agonized and killed, and Hussain’s (A.S) head was detached and presented to the king. They received no help from the people of Kufa.
As this sad event happened on the tenth day of Muharram, Shia Muslims consider this a day of sorrow. They commemorate the martyrdom of Hussain (A.S) as a religious occasion called “Muharram” (named after the month of its observance). The incident starts on the 1st day ofMuharram and lasts for 10 days until 10th of Muharram. As Muharram approaches, they put on black clothes, as black is regarded as a color of grief. During the entire 10 day period, they keep themselves away from music and all joyous events that can distract them in anyway from the sorrowful commemoration of that day. During each of the first nine days of Muharram, “Majalis” are held where Shia orators brightly depict the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) and his family. Mainstream Shia Muslims fast until the evening. On “Ashura”, devoted Muslims assemble and go out in large processions. They procession the streets holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people, who fell at Karbala. This is an expression of their grief on the death of their favorite head Hussain (A.S), considered to be the representative of Allah. It is a sad occasion and everyone in the procession chants “Ya Hussain”, howling loudly. Many decorated as perceived is the belongings of Imama Hussain (A.S) and his family. The Horse of Imam Hussain, his Child bed and the houses and the reminders of temporary hoses set out in Karbala in that crucial time. It serves to bring back the memory of the empty mount of Hazrat Imam Husain (A.S) 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.
Muharram cannot be described in words, it's something as deep as that. However, I'm posting this to create awareness in those who are ignorant of these facts, hope it helps!
