Muharram 2021: Know the History and Significance of the day

Muharram is considered as the second most sacred and holy occasion of Islam. This festival will be observed today on August 20. The date of celebration of this festival depends on the date of moon sighting and is also called Muharram-ul-Haram. It is celebrated in the first month of the Islamic Year or the Hijri calendar that has 354 or 355 days. As per the Islamic mythology, Prophet Muhammad was considered to be a messenger of God, he called the month of Muharram as the ‘sacred month of Allah’.

In India, the month of Muharram commenced on August 11, August 20 will mark the day of Ashura also known as the most remembered day of the month. The day lays emphasis on the day when Hussain was left in the desert without food and water and was killed mercilessly by enemy soldiers. 

History and Significance of the day 

The history of Muharram dates back to 1443 years when Prophet Muhammed and his companions were forced to move from Mecca to Medina on the first day of Muharram in Circa 622 AD. As reported by News18 the legends say, "in Mecca he was forbidden from spreading the message of Islam. Ashura is observed on the 10th day of Muharram to mourn the death of Imam Hussain, the son of Hazrat Ali and the grandson of the Prophet. Imam Hussain was martyred in the Battle of Karbala on the day of Ashura in 680 AD."

Muharram marks a month of mourning and praying and no celebrations take place. This month holds a significant importance for Shia Muslims. Shia Muslims mourn the death of Hussain by forming a chain and beating themselves, which is known as Tatbir or Qama Zani. However, the Sunni Muslims spend their day by observing fast and chanting “Ya Hussain” or “Ya Ali”.