Muharram is one of the most important months for Muslims and marks the start of the Islamic New Year. The tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram is significant for Sunni and Shia Muslims for different reasons.
- Prophet Muhammed, who migrated (Hijra) from Mecca to Yathrib (now known as Medina) during Muharram, observed a fast on the day of Ashura.
- Therefore, Sunni Muslims fast on this day to pay obeisance to the Prophet.
- It is said that Allah saved the people of Israel from the Pharaoh of Egypt. And Prophet Musa (Moses) observed a fast on that day.
-On this day to commemorate the momentous day, Muslims recite verses from the Holy Quran, offer their prayers, and fast on the tenth day of Ashura.
- However, the day of Ashura is important for the Shia Muslims for a different reason. Shia in Arabic means faction or followers.
- The Shia Muslims mourn the death of Imam Hussain (Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammed), who was martyred in the battle of Karbala in 680AD. Karbala is a place in modern-day Iraq.
- The Shia Muslims take part in a procession and carry a Tazia (replica of the sacred tomb) of the Imam who was beheaded during the battle.
- People gather to pay homage to their martyr by chanting "Ya Hussain" or "Ya Ali".
- They pay obeisance to the Imam by mourning and beating themselves with sharp weapons, and this custom is known as Tatbir or Qama Zani.
On the day of Ashura, many pilgrims visit the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali in Karbala to pay their respects to him.
However, to contain the spread of COVID-19 during the time of coronavirus pandemic, public gatherings on the day of Ashura shall not take place this year.