Meaning, one should be extra careful about how he/she acts in a relationship, at work, during worship and even in his/her health and time management.Ī Muslim’s past deeds carry more weight during the month of Muharram, just like in the Kaaba and its surroundings. It is believed that both the Muharram and Al-Masjid Al-Haram obtained their names from the same root word, and both are sacred spaces where every action, good or bad, holds a lot of weight. The word ‘Muharram’ precisely means ‘forbidden’, making it so sacred that certain actions are considered to be forbidden during it as they would violate this festival’s holiness.

Prohibitions during MuharramĪs Muharram is amongst the most sacred months mentioned in the Quran, acts like warfare are forbidden. Though Muharram is celebrated differently by various sects, it holds great importance among Muslims. This version of the history of Muharram month is observed without any sadness and grief. Even though he was slain in the battle, his victory and message of justice, kindness and equality still live among his followers.Īlso, it is an auspicious day because Muslims believe that on the 10th day of Muharram, Moses (an important prophet in Islam) led the people of Israel through the Red Sea and gained victory over the Egyptian Pharaoh. Therefore, Muslims celebrate this day as the day that Husayn Ibn Ali was martyred. This led to the Battle of Karbala where he was beheaded and his family imprisoned. It is said that in 680 AD, Hussain protested against the Caliph Yazid and led a revolution against him. About fourteen centuries ago, Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was killed in the Battle of Karbala. The history of Muharram is a story of tragedy and huge loss in Islam. He encourages them to have pure intentions and righteous behaviour. The significance of Muharram month is rooted in the fact that Allah chose it to be and He commands His followers to not wrong themselves during the month. Indeed in that are surely signs for everyone who is patient and grateful’.

‘And We certainly sent Musa with Our signs, (saying), “Bring out your people from layers of darkness into the light and remind them of the days of Allah”. The Day of Ashura is one of the most blessed and historically significant days of the year. Also, most people perform non-violent practices to mourning by holding sad processions and chanting “Ya Hussain” and wailing loudly. This painful practice is an expression of their grief and reiterates the significance of Muharram. Some Muslims even cut themselves with knives and sharp objects, beat themselves with chains and hold a mournful public procession. Muslims wear black clothes, keep away from joyous events and practice fasting. The mourning period begins on the 1st day of Muharram till the next 10 days until the death anniversary of Imam Hussein. The dates can change as per the English calendar as Islamic calendar works according to the phases of the moon. Muharram start after the sighting of the new moon on the last day of the Islamic calendar. As the name of the Prophet Muhammad is attached to it, it is also referred to as ‘the sacred month of Allah’. It is the second holiest month in Islam, after Ramadan. On this day, the Muslim honours the sacrifice of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. It is the start of the Islamic new year, and the tenth day of Muharram is known as the Day of Ashura. Muharram-ul-Haram or the month of Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. Also, they read the ziyarat book, Ziyarat Ashura, which is a Salutatory Prayer to Husayn Ibn Ali and the saints of the Battle of Karbala, and contains salutations to the martyrs of Karbala. They eat as little as possible some Muslims don’t take anything until zawal (afternoon) as a part of mourning. To honour his martyrdom, they express sadness and grief in many ways. Muslims usually get together on this day to mourn the death of Imam Hussein, peace and blessings be upon him. The month of Muharram is a period of fasting, prayers, and refrain (from any joyous event).

Islamic calendar 2021 muharram