Muharram -2009
Posted on June 10, 2008 in Festivals by Chris
Muharram is a very important occasion for Muslims all over the world. It is considered to be the first month in the Islamic Calendar. The first month is celebrated with great sorrow and mourning. This month is considered to be a month of forbiddance for the Muslims.
Muharram is derived from the word “Harram” which means forbidden. It is during this month that any kinds of fight are prohibited. It is believed that on this day Husayn , the grandson of prophet Mohammed was brutally killed in the city of karabala along with his friends and family.
This loss is especially mourned greatly by the Shia Muslims. They hold various mourning ceremonies to express their grief and recall the righteous deeds and sacrifices of the martyrs and holy men.
The battle of karabala led to the death of Husayn and his family members. The battle began on the day of Muharram,and reached its climax on the 10th day. This day is also known as “Ashurah”. The duration of the battle is still being debated on; some say it continued for 40 days, while some believe it continued for 60days.
Muharram in 2009 is said to start on December 18th and continue till January 15th.
The recommended activities during this phase of mourning are
To Give Charity
To help Relatives who are in distress
To meditate and recite the Surah Ikhlas 1000 times a day.
To pray th Dua-E –Ashurah
To help out an orphan
To visit the graves of the dead
To cut one’s nails and have bath regularly
To put surma in one’s eyes
To establish ties with one’s enemies
Muharram is a month associated with various auspicious events. It is believed that it was during this month that God created the heavens and the Earth. Allah is also said to forgive Hazrath Adam for all his sins, rescue Hazrath Ibrahim from fire, and save Hazrath Musa from the pharoh.
All these events have a very close resemblance with events related to the Old Testament in the bible. Every religion has its own interpretation of events, with different names used to symbolize the importance of each occasion.
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