On Muharram, Shias revive the killing of Imam Hussein bin Ali

Muharram is a day of remembrance, especially for Shias as they mourn the death of Imam Hussein bin Ali. Muslims flagellate themselves on this day, reminding themselves of the sufferings the Imam went through.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and begins with mourning of the death of Imam Hussein bin Ali, who was also the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.w).

Imam Hussein and his followers were killed in the battle of Karbala on the tenth day of this month. The mourning period lasts for 10 days and the tenth day is called Ashura. Since he was a Shia imam, the day is very significant for this sect of the Muslim community.

While the Dawoodi Bohras observing Muharram marked the tenth day called Ashura on Wednesday, the rest of the Muslims will mark it today. Jamil Ahmed Qureshi, a resident of Kharghar said, “Ashura is an important day for us and so we observe roza [fast] throughout the day. It is done in a gesture of commemoration of the killing of Imam Hussein.”

Since an imam was killed during the battle, it is a month of complete mourning for the community.

“No celebration or auspicious activity is carried during the month of Muharram. Some of the popular traditions are that people re-enact the battle of Karbala to spread awareness about his sacrifice and some people also indulge in zanjir matam or self-flagellation using iron chains or sharp objects. This is to realise the pain that the imam went through,” explained Faizal Khan, a resident of Vashi.

Bewailing the loss Imam Hussein and his followers were killed in the battle of Karbala on the tenth day of this month.

The mourning period lasts for 10 days and the tenth day is called Ashura. Since he was a Shia imam, the day is very significant for this sect of the Muslim community

No celebration is carried during the month of Muharram. Some of the popular traditions are that people re-enact the battle of Karbala to spread awareness about his sacrifice.