Muharram, the first month of Islamic Lunar Calendar is the second holiest month for Muslims, after Ramadan. It commences with the sighting of the New Moon and announces the starting of one of the four holy months, the remaining three being Dhu al-Qi’dah, Dhu al’Hiijah and Rajab. The ‘Ashura’ (10th day) of Muharram 2016 falls on 12th October. Both Shia and Sunni communities observe different practices in this month.
It was on the 10th day of Muharram that Moses (Musa) and his people obtained freedom from the cruel Egyptian Pharoh Fir’awn hence, Sunni Muslims observe fasts in this month, especially on Ashura, as guided by the hadith.
Shia Muslims observe mourning on the Ashura, in the honour of the Hussein ibn Ali, the martyred son of Ali and the grandson of Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala (in modern day Iraq). The Shias mourn for Hussein and refrain themselves from all the joyous events.
While the entire world is familiar with Islamic history and ideology behind observing Muharram, here are some lesser known facts:
