Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds great significance for Muslims worldwide. It marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam. Muharram 2024 is particularly important as it includes Ashura 2024, a day of profound historical and religious importance.
Ashura 2024 Date in India
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, so Muharram dates change each year in the Gregorian calendar. In Saudi Arabia, the crescent moon for Muharram was not seen on the evening of Friday, July 5, 2024, which was the 29th day of Dhul Hijjah. Therefore, authorities in Saudi Arabia announced that the 1st of Muharram 1446 would begin after evening prayers on Saturday, July 6, 2024. According to the Gregorian calendar, this makes July 7, 2024, the first day of Muharram in Saudi Arabia, marking the start of the Islamic New Year 1446.
The same applies to the UAE, USA, UK, Oman, and other Gulf countries or Western nations that follow Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting. In countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other South Asian nations, the crescent moon is usually sighted a day later.
However, the crescent moon was not seen after evening prayers on July 6, 2024, in these countries. Therefore, July 7, 2024, will be the last day of Dhul Hijjah 1445, and Muslims in these countries will celebrate the Islamic New Year 1446 on July 8, 2024, which will be the first day of Muharram 1446/2024. Ashura 2024, the 10th day of Muharram, will be observed on July 17. These dates are determined based on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Significance of Ashura
Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, commemorates various events, notably the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. This day is a time of mourning for Shia Muslims, who remember the sacrifice of Imam Hussain and his followers. Sunni Muslims also observe Ashura by fasting and praying, reflecting on the day as a means of gratitude to Allah.
History and Importance of Muharram
Muharram is important for both Sunni and Shia Muslims. It remembers key events, especially the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. This battle has great religious and political importance in Islamic history.
The battle happened during the rule of Yazid I, the second Umayyad caliph. It was a conflict between Imam Hussein’s forces and the Umayyad army. Imam Hussein, his family, and a small group of loyal followers did not pledge allegiance to Yazid I because they believed his rule was unjust and against Islamic principles.
They traveled to Kufa in present-day Iraq, answering calls for support from its people. However, when they reached Karbala, they were met by a large Umayyad army. Despite being outnumbered, Imam Hussein and his followers stayed committed to justice and the true teachings of Islam.
On the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, Imam Hussein and his supporters fought a fierce battle against the Umayyad forces. The small group of Imam Hussein’s followers, including men, women, and children, were surrounded and deprived of food and water for several days. In the end, they were brutally killed, and Imam Hussein was martyred.
How Muharram is Observed
Mourning and Processions
Shia Muslims begin mourning from the first night of Muharram and continue for over two months. The first ten days are particularly significant. On the opening day, they wear black clothes, symbolizing grief, and offer prayers. On Ashura, processions are taken out on the streets, with participants walking barefoot and chanting in remembrance of Imam Hussain.
Fasting and Prayers
Fasting on Ashura has historical roots even before Islam. Prophet Muhammad observed that Jews fasted on this day to commemorate Moses’ victory over Pharaoh. He encouraged his followers to fast on Ashura, and this tradition continues among Sunni Muslims, who also often fast on the 9th and 10th days of Muharram.
Muharram’s
Virtues
Muharram offers a special opportunity to seek Allah’s favor and mercy. Recommended practices during this sacred month include:
Fasting: Fasting on the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th of Muharram, is believed to expiate sins.Reading the Qur’an: Engaging in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and Qur’an recitation.Giving Charity: Starting the Islamic New Year with regular charity brings blessings.
Public Life During Muharram
Ashura is a gazetted holiday in India, leading to the closure of post offices, banks, and government offices. Islamic businesses and stores may also have reduced hours. Large processions and prayer meetings can disrupt local traffic, especially in Muslim-dominated areas.
Celebrating Muharram in India
Muharram is observed across India, with notable celebrations in Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. These states are known for their vibrant Muharram observances, making them ideal places to witness the true spirit of the festival.
Muharram 2024 and Ashura 2024 are times of reflection, mourning, and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide. Understanding their significance and participating in the observances can provide a deeper appreciation of this important Islamic tradition.
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