Is Muharram Celebrated as Festival? Why Do Muslims Self-Flagellate on Ashura? When Will Muharram Chand Appear? All FAQs Answered
Non-Muslims and even some Muslims are not aware of the fact that Muharram is not an occasion but a month. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions of FAQs and their answers ahead of Muharram.
New Delhi, August 25: Is Muharram a festival? Why is Muharram celebrated? Why do some Muslims celebrate and some mourn on Muharram? Is Muharram 2019 a government holiday in India? When will Muharram chand appear? These are some of the most frequently asked questions about Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Non-Muslims and even some Muslims are not aware of the fact that Muharram is not an occasion but a month. Not many know that Muharram and Ashura are not the same. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions or FAQs and their answers ahead of Muharram. Several questions in Hindi such as "Muharram kab hai?", "Muharram ka chand kab dikhega?" and "Muharram manana chaiye ya nahi?" are widely searched on Google. Muharram 2019: Date, Moon Sighting, Significance And How to Download PDF of Noha in Urdu, Hindi & English.
What is Muharram?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. The Battle of Karbala, which resulted in the martyrdom of Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, was fought during this month. Muharram: Relevance, Importance and Key Facts About the 1st Month of Islamic New Year.
What is Ashura?
Ashura, which literally means tenth in Arabic, refers to the tenth day of Muharram month. On Ashura, also known as Yom Ashura, Hussain and his family members were martyred.
When is Muharram in India?
Under the Islamic lunar calendar, a new month begins upon sighting of the Moon on the 29th day of the ongoing month. If the Moon is not sighted, the month completes 30 days. Subsequently, a new month begins. Muslims in India will watch for the Moon on August 31, 29th day of Dhu al-Hijjah month. If the Moon is sighted, Muharram will begin from September 1. If the crescent remains invisible, September 2 will be the first day of Muharram.
Is Muharram a festival?
Muharram is not a festival but the name of the first month of the Islamic calendar. Misinformed about facts and significance of Muharram, many people send "Happy Muharram" wishes, thinking that this is some kind of festival. First, Muharram is not a festival. Secondly, many tragic events involving Muslims took place during this month. Therefore, one should not send "Happy Muharram" message.
Why do Some Muslims Celebrate and Some Mourn on Muharram?
Muslims don't celebrate Muharram. Shia Muslims mourn the martyrdom of Hussain and his family members. The mourning begins on the first day of Muharram and continues for ten nights, climaxing on the 10th of Muharram, known as the Day of Ashura. They take out Taziya processions that reenact the death of Imam Hussein, and flagellate themselves to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Shia Muslims cut themselves with swords, knives and sharp chains to emulate the suffering of Imam Hussein.
Muslims following the Sunni school of thought remember those who suffered during the Battle of Karbala and lost their lives. They also offer special prayers and observe fast. They also commemorate Ashura as a victory God gave to Prophet Musa (Moses) over Pharaoh.
Is Muharram 2019 a Government Holiday in India?
Yes, there is a public holiday on September 10 for Muharram/Ashura.
Throughout the first-ten day period of Muharram, leading to Ashura, commemoration meets are held post the night prayers (Namaz-e-Isha) to recall the War of Karbala. The battle was necessitated as Yazid, who compromised on key Islamic principles, demanded Imam Hussain (as) to accept his leadership. The Prophet's grandson fought an uphill battle rather than submitting to the tyrannical regime of Yazid.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2019 07:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).