Muharram 2023: All you need to know about Ashura

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Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, also known as the Islamic New Year, and is considered to be a sacred month. The month of Muharram holds special importance and it is known as the ‘Month of Allah'. During the entire month of Muharram, Muslims are encouraged to engage in religious activities.

However, the tenth day of Muharram is referred to as the Day of Ashura - is known for being a period of mourning. It is observed with great reverence by Muslims across the globe.

The month of Muharram began on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. However, the Day of the Ashura, i.e., the 10th day of Muharram will be observed on Saturday, July 29, 2023.

What is Ashura?

The day of Ashura is observed on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. On this day, the Muslim community, across the globe, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

On the tenth day of the month, Imam Hussain Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the third Imam of the Shia community, was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

In 680 AD, during the Battle of Karbala, Imam Hussain and his followers valiantly stood against a tyrannical ruler, Yazid, sacrificing their lives for the principles of justice and truth. This event holds immense spiritual significance for Shia Muslims, who view Imam Hussain as a symbol of resistance against oppression and a model of steadfastness in the face of adversity.

The Shia Muslims mark the ceremonial mourning on this day and it's called Ashura.

Shia Muslims take out mourning processions on the day of Ashura and wear black.

The day of Ashura stands as a symbol of the struggle against injustice and oppression.

Ashura also marks the day Musa (Moses) was saved from the Pharaoh of Egypt by God. The Prophet Muhammad used to fast on Ashura in Mecca, where it became a common tradition for the early Muslims.

Fasting is considered of great importance on the day of Ashura. It is believed that God parted the Red Sea and helped Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers escape the Pharaoh of Egypt. It is also said that on this day, Prophet Musa observed a fast to pay his gratitude to God. People observe fast to mark the victory of Moses.

'Ashura' day, which is the emotional peak day of Muharram when Muslims typically intensify their expression of suffering.