Muharram 2024: History And Significance

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16 July 2024

Muharram - also known as Muharram-ul-Haram - is the first month in the Hijri calendar that marks the beginning of the new year for the Muslim community

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It is considered the second holiest month in the Islamic calendar after Ramadan. This year, Muharram started on July 7, and the ten-day mourning period will end on July 17

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The word Muharram stands for forbidden and sinful, which basically prohibits the community from participating in any kind of warfare

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During Muharram, Muslims mourn the death of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the son of Hazrat Ali

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Hazrat Imam Hussain was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, after being tortured by the army of Yazid I

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Therefore, the Shia community mourns his death by taking part in the Ashura procession, during which people engage in self-flagellation to relieve Imam Hussain's anguish

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People also carry tazias, which are basically miniature replicas of the tomb of Imam Hussain

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Muharram is extremely significant for the Muslim community as it is considered as the day of sorrow and remembrance of the death of Hazrat Imam Hussain

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Muslims belonging to the Shia sect usually wear black clothes on Muharram

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The customs also include storytelling, sobbing and chest-thumping, street processions, and reenactments of the Battle of Karbala

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