Asking the Clergy: Why is Muharram important?

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, begins in July. This week’s commenters discuss the history and meaning of the holy observance celebrated by Muslims worldwide.

Rizwan Alladin

President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Long Island, Amityville

Like January in the Gregorian calendar, Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. Per the lunar calendar, on July 7, feel free to wish your Muslim friends “Happy New Year!” However, there’s a lot more to this month. Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) would fast on the 10th of Muharram (“Ashura”) to honor Prophet Moses (peace be on him) and his people’s deliverance from the Pharaoh’s cruelty. Even today, Muslims are encouraged to fast as a recognition of the world’s oppressed on this day. Coincidentally, almost 50 years after the passing of the Prophet, it was on the 10th of Muharram that his beloved grandson, Imam Hussein, was cruelly martyred by a ruthless despot who had undemocratically taken rule of the Islamic Empire, which served as the death knell to the spiritually inspired successorship to Prophet Muhammad. What then followed was centuries of power struggles and leadership motivated by political conquest in the Muslim world. For this Muharram, amidst today’s global unrest and human misery, consider what a boon it would be for Muslims, instead, to revive a single spiritual leadership promoting Islamic principles of peace and justice!

Faroque Ahmad Khan

Chairman, Interfaith Institute of Long Island

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds great significance for Muslims. It commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Makkah to Medina, where he found the Jews in Medina fasting. He said, “I am closer to Moses than Jews.” So, he observed the fast (on that day), and Muslims followed this tradition, an early example of interfaith outreach. Muharram also marks the month of salvation for Moses and the Israelites, who successfully escaped enslavement and persecution in Egypt, after the parting of the Red Sea. The month is especially revered in memory of the Battle of Karbala (in modern-day Iraq) on the 10th day, known as Ashura, in which the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Imam Hussain, along with his 72 followers were martyred by the army of Yazid, who was cruel and considered unworthy of being Khalifah (leader). This event symbolizes the struggle against injustice and oppression. Today, while Muslims from different sects and denominations commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, Shia Muslims often express their grief with more intensity. It could be argued the lessons from Karbala are relevant the world over. Muharram is a time for Muslims to renew their faith, reflect on history and commit to living with integrity and righteousness, honoring the legacy of Imam Hussain and those who uphold principles of justice, compassion and resistance.

Sanaa Nadim

Chaplain and director, Islamic Society, and chairwoman, Interfaith Center, Stony Brook University  

The month of Muharram is mentioned in the Quran as one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar. It has different significances for the diverse Muslim communities. It marks the migration of Muslims from Mecca, where they were persecuted, to Medina and the establishment of the first Islamic state in 622 CE. Also in the month of Muharram, the Islamic religious calendar was established. During this sacred month, warfare is forbidden, and it is said that good deeds are multiplied. So, acts of charity are encouraged. Fasting is encouraged on the 9th and the 10th of Muharram, and on the 10th is done to commemorate the exodus of prophet Moses from Egypt. Muslims celebrate the New Year, but with a solemn reminder of the martyrdom of Master Hussein, grandson of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). For the Shia community, there is more emphasis on commemorating the tragic event leading to the death of the noble master Imam Hussein in the battle of Karbala, a city now in central Iraq. His death marked a very sad day in Muslims’ history.