Muharram is the beginning of a new year and the first month of the new year, according to the Islamic Calendar. It is one of the most sacred months for Muslims. The tenth day of the month of Muharram or the Ashura holds great importance as it denotes the anniversary of the battle of Karbala.

It is a month of reminiscence. The month is remarked with extreme grief and mourning due to the battle of Karbala and the Shahadat (martyrdom) of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad. It was also the month in which Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina, which is also called Hijrah, and therefore Muharram holds true significance.

Muharram date in India

This year, the festival started on July 31 and end on August 9.

Muharram significance

The literal meaning of the word Muharram is prohibition or impermissible. The sight of the new moon commences the new Islamic year. During this sacred month conflicts and wars are forbidden. 

Ashura also had importance in other Ibrahimic religions like Judaism and Christianity.  Before his prophethood also, Prophet Muhammad fasted many times on this day and after he migrated to Medina also ordered the Muslims to fast on this day and also on the ninth and eleventh day of Muharram as well. But the fasting became optional after Ramadan fasting was made mandatory.

Muharram history

The Muslim community is broadly divided into two sects, the Sunni and the Shia sects. Shia Muslims practice chest-beating, which is also known as Latyma and some other remorseful acts like cutting their foreheads. Sunni Muslims also consider Ashura as a day of respect for the Prophet Moses but they do not take part in the self-flagellation acts. They believe that self-flagellation is an un-Islamic practice.

Instead, Sunni Muslims celebrate the new year by visiting the mosque, praying to Allah for well-being, doing charity and spending time with their family and near and dear ones. They also cook some sweet delicacies like sweet rice, popularly known as Zarda and share it with their family and circle of friends to break their fast.

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