Ashura 2019 Significance And Date in India: Relevance And Historical Facts About Youm-e-Ashura, 10th Day of Muharram
Shia Muslims begin mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, and his family members on the first day of Muharram and continues for ten nights, climaxing on the 10th of Muharram, also known as Youm-e-Ashura.
New Delhi, September 5: Ashura, which literally means tenth in Arabic, refers to the tenth day of Muharram month under the Islamic lunar calendar. Shia Muslims begin mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, and his family members on the first day of Muharram and continues for ten nights, climaxing on the 10th of Muharram, also known as Youm-e-Ashura. The date of Ashura depends on the beginning of Muharram month. Is Muharram Celebrated as Festival? Why Do Muslims Self-Flagellate on Ashura? When Will Muharram Chand Appear? All FAQs Answered.
Ashura - Significance And Historical Facts
For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a solemn day of mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. After Prophet Mohammed's demise, Hazrat Ali did not succeed as leader of the Islamic community. Instead, Hazrat Abu Bakar became the first caliph. Hazrat Ali, a son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammed, became the fourth caliph of the Islamic world. Hazrat Ali was murdered in AD 661 and his chief opponent Hazrat Muawiya became caliph. Muharram: Relevance, Importance and Key Facts About the 1st Month of Islamic New Year.
Hazrat Muawiya was later succeeded by his son Yazid, but Ali's son Imam Hussain refused to accept his legitimacy as Yazid and his followers had compromised on key Islamic principles. Yazid asked Imam Hussain to accept his leadership. However, the Prophet's grandson fought an uphill battle rather than submitting to the tyrannical regime of Yazid. This resulted in the battle of Karbala.
Imam Hussain and his followers were massacred in the battle of Karbala. Shia Muslims, who believe Hazrat Ali should have become the first caliph, flagellate themselves to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. They cut themselves with swords, knives and sharp chains to emulate the suffering of Imam Hussain. Muslims following the Sunni school of thought also remember those who suffered during the battle of Karbala and lost their lives.
Ashura 2019 Date in India:
In India, Mushrram month started from September 1. Therefore, Ashura or Youm-e-Ashura will be observed on September 10. Throughout the first-ten day period of Muharram, leading to Ashura, commemoration meets are held post the night prayers (Namaz-e-Isha) to recall sacrifices of Imam Hussain and his followers. Ashura also marks the day that Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by God creating a path in the sea.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2019 10:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).