The Significance of The Islamic Festival Muharram

Muharram

Muharram is one of the most important months in Islam and has special significance for Muslims. The Quran describes this month as being extremely sacred and significant, and it also marks the start of a new Islamic year. Muslims commemorate the month of Muharram, which literally translates as “forbidden,” as a time for prayer and reflection. The 10th day of this month is a day of sorrow, and they fast throughout the month.
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic New Year, is based on the lunar Hijri calendar and is regarded as a holy month, second only to Ramadan in importance. On the final day of the Islamic calendar, Muharram begins once the new moon is seen.

History of Muharram

For both Shia and Sunni Muslims, the tenth day of Muharram is the most significant day. Additionally, today is Ashura Day, which is the tenth day. Muslims mark this day as a day of sadness and remember the passing of Hussain Ibn Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. The Prophet Muhammad’s grandson and his son were killed in the Battle of Karbala by a monarch almost 14 centuries ago on the Day of Ashura. Hussain’s family suffered horrendous treatment and was incarcerated after his death. Muslims all across the globe observe a day of mourning to honor their revolutionary hero on the 10th day of Muharram, when all of this occurred.
The Prophet Muhammad traveled to Medina from Mecca at this time. Other myths surrounding this include the Sunni Muslim belief that on the tenth day of Muharram, Moses led Israel to victory over the Egyptian Pharaoh by crossing the Red Sea. Another idea is that on the tenth day of this holy month, Adam and Eve were created.

How Is It Celebrated?

How Is It Celebrated?

In order to express gratitude, many Muslims choose to fast on Ashura Day and other days during the month of Muharram. Shia Muslims have mourning customs as well. Those who mourn Hussein’s passing and recall the significance of what the Prophet’s family achieved for justice congregate in mosques, while others engage in public rituals such as chest-beating, self-flagellation with chains, and forehead-cutting.
Muharram is a significant and holy month for everyone, regardless of whether Muslims are commemorating the start of the Islamic New Year or mourning the loss of life. Many Muslims observe fasts, offer more prayers, and spend extended periods of time at the mosque. For Muslims worldwide, Muharram will always be a month of in-depth meditation despite its complexities.

The 10th of Muharram – Day of Ashura

The significance of Muharram is demonstrated on Ashura Day. Ashura literally translates to “tenth” in Arabic. A phrase that was used when camels were deprived of water for 10 days before being permitted to drink is derived from that. Similar to how we get goodness on this day after becoming spiritually parched, particularly on festive days,

Muharram’s Importance

Muharram's Importance

The Prophet Muhammad said that those who observe the Ashura fast will be absolved of their sins and have happier lives. Sharp tools are used to cut the body as a sign of respect for their leader. Sunni Muslims, however, abstain from such rites. Muslims attend mosques to observe their New Year and offer prayers to their God for prosperity. They spend time with their loved ones, preparing special meals and sharing them.

What Occurs On This Day?

Since it commemorates the passing of Imam Hussain, the Muslim community holds the month of Muharram in high regard. Shia Muslims honor their sacrifice by refraining from any form of enjoyment. They don dark clothing, fast, refrain from sensual enjoyment, etc.
On the Day of Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, they break their fast. Muslims are frequently seen cutting themselves with knives and other sharp items, as well as publicly beating themselves. This demonstrates their admiration and devotion for Hussain, their leader.
However, Sunni Muslims often brings out non-violent items to honor their leader in numerous locations. Sunni Muslims fast from the first to the tenth day of the month in observance of Muharram. The children of Israel were delivered from the Egyptian Pharaoh on the tenth day of Muharram, according to Islamic tradition.

Several Muharram-Related Traditions

Several Muharram-Related Traditions

Tazia Celebration

The festival of Muharram includes Tazia, when a variety of Imam Hussain replicas are created. The Muslim community brings Tazia home at any point throughout Muharram, and it is buried on the tenth day, or the Day of Ashura. Tazia is handled with a lot of tenderness and care and put in a location designated exclusively for Muharram.
Tazia is held in a very holy and reverend location. It is spread out over the area and is ornamented with flowers. Tazia literally translates as expressing respect and sympathy to the deceased. During Muharram, males lead the Tazia procession outdoors while women perform morning rituals at the location where Tazia is housed.

• Matam

The Muslim community observes matam, which is a kind of mourning, throughout the month of Muharram to remember the passing of their spiritual leader. Chest pounding, bodily harm to oneself, participating in depressing processions, etc. are all examples of mourning.

 

• Tatbir

Few Shia Muslims engage in the practice of bloodletting. The practice of self-harm is controversial among Muslims since many of them think it is haram and should be outlawed. Even yet, only a very tiny percentage of Shia Muslims practice this.

 

• Noha

This poetry and tale are drawn from Maqtal al-Husayn, a book that recounts the events surrounding the Battle of Karbala and the passing of Hussein Ibn Ali. People read the poetry in Noha, which is accessible in a number of languages like Arabic, Urdu, fuzzy, etc. Other Muharram-related practices include flagellation, weeping, procession, pounding the chest, and alam and rawda.
Bottom Line
To sum up, the information provided above about Muharram is quite helpful if you want to understand more about the biggest Islamic event.

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