Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and it is marked with the events that took place with “Aal-e- Muhammad (P.B.U.H) ” in the battleground of Karbala. This whole month is specifically observed by Shia Muslims as they start mourning from the 1st of Muharram and then it climaxes on the 10th of Muharram.
Sunni Muslims also grieve for Imam Hussain (R.A) and his family, and traditionally mark the 9th and 10th (Ashura) with fasting, as the Prophet ﷺ taught. See our Muharram guide.
BACKGROUND- BATTLE OF KARBALA
It all started after the death of our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) when Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) was given caliphate. Many people disagreed to it as they believed Hazrat Ali (R.A) must be the chosen one for the throne but eventually they gave in. After Hazrat Abu Bakr(R.A), Hazrat Umar (R.A) came and then after him Hazrat Usman(R.A). When he was killed by the rebels, the power was handed over to Hazrat Ali (R.A) which was challenged by few of the followers of Hazrat Usman (R.A) and the whole Muslim community fell a prey to the “First Islamic civil war”. After two years of Hazrat Ali (R.A) caliphate, he was assassinated and the throne was quickly grasped by Muawiya.
Muawiyah wanted his son Yazid to be the next caliph but people were adamant on making Hazrat Hussain (R.A) as their next caliph as he displayed all the qualities of a good man and a great ruler as described in the Holy Quran.
After Muawiyah’s death, Yazid became ruler, and Imam Hussain (R.A) refused to give him allegiance. The people of Kufa wrote to him inviting him to lead them, so he set out from Makkah with his family and a small group of companions.
Before he arrived, the Kufans withdrew their support, and Yazid’s governor Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad sent an army that stopped them at Karbala. On the 10th of Muharram (61 AH) Imam Hussain (R.A), his family members and companions, about 72 in all, were martyred after being kept from water for days. Sunni and Shia Muslims alike grieve over this tragedy.
IMPORTANCE OF MUHARRAM
Narrated Abu Bakr (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Time had come back to its original state, which it had when Allaah created the heavens and the earth. The year is twelve months, four of which are sacred; three of them are in succession: Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and (the fourth being) Rajab Mudar (named after the tribe of Mudar as they used to respect this month) which is between Jumada-at-Thaniyah and Sha’baan.” You should also have a look at these 20+ Best Quotes from Imam Hazrat Ali & Sayings In English.
Saheeh Al Bukhaari – Vol 4, Hadeeth 3197
There are portrayals in hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that say, out of the four consecrated months referenced in this ayah, one is Muharram. Hence, from ayah, the sacredness and significance of the month of Muharram can’t be denied or disregarded. Also, the other thing to see in this ayah is the way that Allah Almighty plainly expresses that Muslims ought not off-base themselves in these sacred months. It implies that one should avoid a wide range of evils conceivable as the punishment against them could increment generously.
Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates of the Prophetic tradition of fasting on the day of Ashoora in the following way:
The following hadith demonstrates the acumen of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) relating to fasting in Muharram. From the description unmistakably, He was as keen for fasting upon the arrival of Ashoora as enthusiastic He was the point at which it came to fasting in the times of Ramadan.
Customs Observed In Muharram
– “Pilgrimage to the holy shrine” of Hazrat Hussain (R.A) as situated in the city of Iraq. Every year a large number of Shia Muslims go there and weep, remembering the cruelty that had taken place.
– “Matam” is an act of mourning mostly observed when someone departs. It was actually initiated by the sister of Hazrat Hussain (R.A), Hazrat Zaynab (R.A). Men and women both take part in it and observe chest-beating and also hurting themselves with things like knives, razors, blades, and chains.
– Re-enactment of the day of Karbala is also common among Shia on the day of Ashura. It is known as “Taziya”.
-“Noha” is a type of poem or poetry that is recited in the remembrance of the Hazrat Hussain (R.A) and his sufferings.
– “Alam” is considered as a flag of bravery and truth. In the ground of Karbala it was in the hands of Hazrat Abbas (R.A), brother of Hazrat Hussain(R.A), who was killed while coming back with water from the River of the Euphrates for the young kids who were thirsty for three consecutive days.
– “Fasting” is observed by Shia as well as Sunni Muslims on the 10th of Muharram to feel the thirst and hunger of Aal-e-Muhammad.
Muharram Messages, Wishes, Quotes, Greetings & Text SMS
Muharram’s Message For Muslims Around The Globe
The event of Karbala is a gift to all the humanity as it teaches us how to be brave, truthful, faithful and how one should fight for their rights with peace, tranquillity and a strong set of beliefs.
May Allah provide us with a great vision, help us all in walking on the right path and for all the right reasons. AMEEN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Muharram important?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months. The Prophet (peace be upon him) called fasting in Muharram the best fasting after Ramadan (Sahih Muslim).
Is it permissible to send New Year wishes?
Scholars differ. Some say there is no basis for celebrating the Islamic New Year, so they prefer a simple dua instead of festive wishes. Others allow exchanging kind words. Keep messages modest and avoid anything resembling religious innovation.
What is Ashura and how is it observed?
Ashura is the 10th of Muharram. It is recommended to fast on it along with the 9th or 11th. Fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year.
Can I share these quotes as status updates?
Yes, but choose reminders and duas rather than celebratory messages. Related reading: quotes on sunnah fasting.