Moharram

Muharram is the month that marks the beginning of the year according to the Islamic calendar. It is one of four months that have been designated as holy and is the most important second only to the month of Ramadan.

Fasting is advocated in this month. Though it is not mandatory it is encouraged since there is a belief that those who fast during these days will be greatly rewarded by Allah. Fighting is prohibited in the four sacred months and that is where it derives its name from, ‘haram’ meaning forbidden. .

The tenth day of the month is called ‘Ashura’ and holds significance because the death of Imam Husain is mourned.

History:
In this month, many centuries ago (approximately 680 A.D.) a tragedy took place in Kerbala, Iraq on the bank of the river Euphrates. A large army, which had been mobilised by the Umayyad regime, besieged a group of 72 people and pressurized them to pay allegiance to the Caliph of the time and submit to his authority. The Caliph was a man deviated from the Islamic way of life. They were deprived of food and water and underwent extreme sufferings. The group resisted and a severe battle took place in which they were all killed. The leader of the group was Imam Husain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

Celebrations:
The festival starts at the 1st day of Muharram and lasts for 10 days. It is of importance for Shia Muslims as they mourn the death of Imam Husain and the Karbala tragedy. They wear black clothes and keep themselves away from any kind of joy or celebration. Majalis are held every day during the first nine days where orators relate the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his party in detail. Mainstream Shia Muslims fast until the evening.

On the 10th day, Ashura - large processions are formed and the devoted followers parade the streets holding banners and carrying taziyas (bamboo and paper replicas of the martyr's tomb). The mourners walk barefoot to the beat of drums. Everyone in the procession chants "Ya Hussain", with loud shouting and weeping. Some Shia sects whip themselves to express grief.
During these first ten days of Muharram, drinking posts are also set up temporarily by the Shia community where water and juices are served free of cost.

While Shia Muslims consider Ashura to be a sorrowful occassion, Sunni Muslims consider it as a festival and celebrate Asura keeping the religious aspect intact. Pious Sunnis keep a fast as per the ‘Hadith’ of Prophet Muhammad. Usually they fast either on the 9th and 10th day or on the 10th and 11th day of the month.
On the evening of the 12th day people stay awake all night, reading the Quran and reciting verses in honour of Husain. On the 13th day particular food is cooked and given to the poor after saying the fatihah over it. With this act of charity the celebrations come to an end.
Author: Ms Coutinho.

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