Muharram
June 27, Friday
Religious Significance
For Sunni Muslims, Muharram is a time of fasting and prayer, especially on the 10th day, known as Ashura. It is believed that on this day, Prophet Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh's tyranny by the parting of the Red Sea.
For Shia Muslims, Muharram is a period of mourning to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. This event is seen as a symbol of the struggle against injustice and tyranny.
Key Observances
- Fasting: Many Sunni Muslims fast on the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th days of Muharram, following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad.
- Mourning Rituals: Shia Muslims observe Muharram with mourning rituals, including recitations of elegies, reenactments of the Battle of Karbala, and public processions.
- Ashura: The 10th day of Muharram, Ashura, is the most significant day. For Sunnis, it is a day of fasting and reflection. For Shias, it is the climax of mourning and remembrance of Imam Hussain’s sacrifice.
Cultural Practices
Different cultures observe Muharram in various ways, including:
- Holding majlis (gatherings) where the story of Karbala is recounted.
- Wearing black clothing as a sign of mourning.
- Participating in processions and symbolic acts of grief, such as chest-beating (latmiyah) or passion plays (ta'ziya).