Muhorram

Muhrram is an occasion of mourning. It is observed by the Shia community of Muslims. It is observed for remembering the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammad’s grandson, Imam Hussain. He was killed in 680AD during the battle of Karbala . Along with him Prophet’ Son-in-law Ali and Ali’s eldest son Hassan are also remembered for their acts of bravery for religious causes.

When is Muhorram Obsereved?

Muharram is the first month of Islamic calendar. It is very sacred month. Period of mourning is observed for first ten days of the month.

History behind Muharram:

 Koran became the final word for Islam after the demise of Prophet Mohammad. A loyal follower of Mohammad was elected as his successor and he and his successors reigned peacefully. But during the time of Ali, the prophet’s Son-in-Law, there was opposition from many sections. Ali and his elder son, Hassan were killed. His youngest son Hussain was brutally murdered by severing his head.

It was tenth of the month, Muharram, when Hussain was killed. This event was named as Ashura. On this day, devout people express their grief for killing of Hussain. It is Shia sect in Muslims, which consider Ali, Hussain and Hassan as the rightful successors of Prophet Mohammad.

How is Muharram observed?

Entire month of Muharram is observed as the mass mourning by the Shias. They shun all the celebrations in this month to express their grief. Women should not wear adornments and bright clothes during this month.

When new moon appears, people wear black clothes and sing mournful verses in the memory of Hussain. People make paper replicas of martyr’s tomb. On tenth day, processions are taken into the streets with decorated taziye, the replicas of tomb. These taziye are decorated with precious metals. Dancers and wrestlers display scenes from battle of Karbala . Staunch devotees torture themselves by beating themselves by iron chains or walking on burnt coals.