Ashura Starts

Ashura History

Ashura, a significant observance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims, marks the 10th day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Though the essence of this day differs for the two sects, it commonly symbolizes a day of mourning, fasting, and reflection. For Shia Muslims, the day commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Sunni Muslims observe this day to remember the day when Prophet Moses and his followers were saved from the Pharaoh by Allah, by creating a path in the Red Sea.

In India, Ashura holds a significant place in the hearts of millions of people. The Indian subcontinent has a rich history and is an important center for both Sunni and Shia Muslims. Here, the day is commemorated through various rituals and ceremonies, blending the cultural and religious traditions of India with Islamic customs and beliefs. For the Shia population, Ashura symbolizes the eternal struggle against oppression and injustice, embodying the values displayed by the martyrs of Karbala, and is deeply ingrained in their religious practice and identity.

Several cities across India, like Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, witness grand processions and events during the observance of Ashura. Devotees participate in acts of mourning, like self-flagellation or Matam, and recount the story of Imam Hussain's martyrdom through poetic recitals called Marsiyas. Some people donate food and alms to the poor, as charity is an important aspect of this day’s remembrance. The date of Ashura varies depending on the sighting of the moon, as it follows the Islamic lunar calendar. Ashura begins on July 28th.

Ashura Starts facts

• It is common for Sahih Muslim to fast on the 10th of Muharram (first month of the Islamic calendar). According to Sahih Muslim writings of Abu Qatada (a companion of the prophet Muhammad), this fast atones for the sins of the preceding year.
• Shi'a Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn (also spelled Hussein) Ibn Ali on Ashura. He was killed in the Battle of Karbala in the year 680 AD. Husayn was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad as well as the third Shia Imam.
• Commemorations of Ashura in India typically involve large and intricate processions, with participants carrying alams (religious flags), tazias (replicas of Imam Hussain's tomb), and zuljinnah (an ornamented horse representing the horse ridden by Imam Hussain).
• Many followers of Imam Hussain distribute free food and drinks to the public, known as tabarruk, as a gesture of benevolence and to honor the memory of the martyrs of Karbala.

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Top things to do in India for Ashura

• To commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn Ibn Ali Husayn, Shi'a Muslims often re-enact plays of the epic battle of Karbala.
• Many Shi'a Muslims go on a pilgrimage to Karbala (Iraq) where they pay homage to Muhammad's family on the day of Ashura.
• During Ashura, mourners recite soul-stirring elegies known as Nohas and Marsiyas that describe the events related to the Battle of Karbala.
• Many devotees visit local mosques or Imambaras (Shia congregation halls) to offer prayers. Some of the famous mosques and shrines in India include Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi, Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai, and Pir Haji Dastgir Dargah in Bengaluru.