Muharram 2019: Hijri New Year Begins in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran And Other Countries Barring Indian Subcontinent

Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, has begun in most parts of the world with the sighting of crescent moon. With the sighting of the moon, the new Hijri Year - 1441 - has begun in most of the Islamic nations barring those based in the Indian subcontinent. The countries of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will begin the observance of Muharram post-sunset from tomorrow.

Muharram is considered an auspicious period for Muslims, with a section of believers observing fasts on several days of the month, especially on the 10th date when Ashura is observed. This year, Ashura will fall on September 9 in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran and other parts of the globe except for the Indian subcontinent. Muharram 2019: Date, Moon Sighting, Significance And How to Download PDF of Noha in Urdu, Hindi & English

During the month of Muharram, Muslims commemorate the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (as), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (saw), who was martyred in a one-sided war fought against Yazeed -- a tyrant Umayyad ruler who had unethically appointed himself as the ruler of Islamic Caliphate.

In the battle which was fought to safeguard the principles of Islam, most of the family members of Prophet Muhammad (saw) were martyred. On the 10th date of Muharram in 680 CE, Imam Hussain (as) was beheaded by the forces of Yazeed while he was offering prayers.

Although Muharram is considered to be associated with Shia Muslims -- who resort to self-flagellation as a mean of mourning -- sections of the Sunni Muslims particularly those adhering to the Barelvi and Sufi school of thoughts also mourn and commemorate the martyrdom of Hussain (as).

"Grief for Hazrat Imam Hussain (as) and his companions is a part of the Muslims’ faith and it is not fair to associate it with any particular sect," renowned cleric Tahir ul-Qadri said. "Hussain (as) is a metaphor of love, peace, tolerance and human brotherhood, whereas Yazid is a symbol of terrorism, exploitation, oppression and evil," he added.

Although Hussain (as) was defeated in the war in Karbala (located in present-day Iraq), his martyrdom ended up rejuvenating Islam and bringing it closer to the principles of Prophet (saw).

Mahatma Gandhi, the pioneer of Indian independence movement, had also taken inspiration from the struggle of Imam Hussain (as), stating that the battle of Karbala has taught him to strive against oppression even if the defeat is imminent. "I learnt from Hussain how to achieve victory while being oppressed," he said.

Imam Khomeini (ra), the father of Islamic Republic of Iran, had said the following: "Imam Hussain (as) is a role model not only for Muslims but also for non-Muslims who value freedom, justice and dignity."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2019 09:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).