Muharram commemorates the martyrdom of the prophet Mohammeds grandson- Hazrat Imam Hussein. It is observed all over the world by the Muslims, especially the Shia community. Tazias, glittering replicas of the Martyr s tomb, are carried in procession through the streets. The Tazias of Lucknow and Hyderabad are noted for their splendor. In places like Lucknow, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, grand-scale processions are held. People beat their chest in mourning to the tune of beating drums and chant Ya Hussain. Devotees beat themselves and inflict wounds on their bodies.
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Significance of Ashura:
- For Shia Muslims, Ashura marks the day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali and his companions. It is observed with processions, reenactments of the Battle of Karbala, and public displays of grief.
- For Sunni Muslims, Ashura also holds significance as it is believed to be the day when Moses (Musa) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh, as well as the day when Noah’s (Nuh) Ark rested on Mount Ararat.
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Observances and Rituals:
- Mourning Processions: Participants often wear black, chant elegies (known as Marsiya and Noha), and engage in symbolic acts of mourning.
- Majlis: Gatherings where the events of Karbala are recounted, and sermons (Majlis) are delivered to remember the sacrifices made by Husayn and his followers.
- Public Displays of Grief: Practices such as chest-beating (matam) and self-flagellation (zanjeer zani) are performed by some Shia communities as expressions of sorrow and solidarity with Husayn's suffering.
- Fasting: Some Sunni Muslims observe fasting on the 9th and 10th days of Muharram, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, who recommended fasting on Ashura to commemorate the deliverance of Moses and the Israelites.
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Cultural and Regional Variations:
- The observance of Muharram varies across different cultures and regions. In countries with significant Shia populations, such as Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, India, and Pakistan, Muharram is marked with large-scale public events and processions.
- In some regions, plays and reenactments (Taziya) depicting the Battle of Karbala are performed to educate and remind the community of the historical events.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds significant importance in Islam, particularly for Shia Muslims. The most notable aspect of Muharram is the commemoration of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, during the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. This event is remembered with deep mourning and various rituals, especially on the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura.
The mourning starts from the 1st day of Muharram and lasts for 10 days until 10th of Muharram. Muharram is the first month of Islamic calendar. During this month, while on a journey, Hazrat Imam Hussain, his family members and a number of his followers were surrounded by the forces of Yazid, the Muslim ruler of the time. During the siege, they were deprived of food and water and many of them were put to death. The incident happened at a place called Karbala in Iraq in 61st year after Hijra. This dispute was a result of a disagreement among Muslims on the question of succession after the demise of Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph. Some sects of Muslims hold meetings where speeches are made on the happenings of Karbala and the lives of martyrs.
The Shias, however, observe this festival differently. As Muharram, the first month of the Muslim year, approaches, they put on black clothes, as black is regarded as a colour of mourning. Majalis (assemblies) are held every day during the first nine days where Shia orators relate the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his party in a great detail. On the 10th day of Muharram, large processions are formed and the devoted followers parade the streets holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people, who fell at Karbala. 
They show their grief and sorrow by inflicting wounds on their own bodies with sharp metal tied to chain with which they scourge themselves. This is done to depict the sufferings of the martyrs. It is a sad occasion and everyone in the procession chants "Ya Hussain", with loud wails of lamentation. Generally a white horse beautifully decorated for the occasion, is also included in the procession, to mark the empty mount of Hazrat Imam Husain after his martyrdom. During these first ten days of Muharram, drinking posts are also set up temporarily by the Shia community where water and juices are served to all, free of charge.
Key Points about Muharram:
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Significance of Ashura:
- For Shia Muslims, Ashura marks the day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali and his companions. It is observed with processions, reenactments of the Battle of Karbala, and public displays of grief.
- For Sunni Muslims, Ashura also holds significance as it is believed to be the day when Moses (Musa) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh, as well as the day when Noah’s (Nuh) Ark rested on Mount Ararat.
-
Observances and Rituals:
- Mourning Processions: Participants often wear black, chant elegies (known as Marsiya and Noha), and engage in symbolic acts of mourning.
- Majlis: Gatherings where the events of Karbala are recounted, and sermons (Majlis) are delivered to remember the sacrifices made by Husayn and his followers.
- Public Displays of Grief: Practices such as chest-beating (matam) and self-flagellation (zanjeer zani) are performed by some Shia communities as expressions of sorrow and solidarity with Husayn's suffering.
- Fasting: Some Sunni Muslims observe fasting on the 9th and 10th days of Muharram, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, who recommended fasting on Ashura to commemorate the deliverance of Moses and the Israelites.
-
Cultural and Regional Variations:
- The observance of Muharram varies across different cultures and regions. In countries with significant Shia populations, such as Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, India, and Pakistan, Muharram is marked with large-scale public events and processions.
- In some regions, plays and reenactments (Taziya) depicting the Battle of Karbala are performed to educate and remind the community of the historical events.
मुहर्रम के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें