Contents
Events of the month of Muharram
The Significance of Muharram in Islamic History: A Month of Reflection and Martyrdom
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds a deeply sacred position in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. It is a time of mourning, remembrance, and reflection, particularly due to the tragic events of Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, which marks the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali (AS), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
This article explores the historical events of Muharram, the unparalleled sacrifice of Imam Husayn (AS), and why this month serves as a reminder of faith, justice, and resistance against tyranny.
The Historical Significance of Muharram
The name “Muharram” translates to “forbidden,” reflecting its sanctity even before the advent of Islam. It is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an, during which warfare was traditionally prohibited. However, its importance escalated due to the events that unfolded in the year 61 AH, forever embedding this month into the spiritual and emotional fabric of the Muslim community.
The Martyrdom of Imam Husayn (AS)
Imam Husayn (AS), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and son of Imam Ali (AS) and Lady Fatimah (AS), is remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice and his ultimate sacrifice in the face of oppression.
In 61 AH, Imam Husayn (AS) stood against the tyrannical rule of Yazid ibn Muawiyah, whose actions were a stark deviation from Islamic principles. Refusing to pledge allegiance to Yazid, Imam Husayn (AS) embarked on a journey with his family and companions to uphold truth and preserve the moral teachings of Islam.
The Battle of Karbala: A Defining Moment in Muharram
The journey of Imam Husayn (AS) culminated in the plains of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram, also known as Ashura. Outnumbered and surrounded by Yazid’s forces, Imam Husayn (AS) and his small band of loyal supporters—including women and children—faced unimaginable hardship.
Despite severe thirst and exhaustion, Imam Husayn (AS) refused to surrender to injustice. On this day, he and his companions were martyred in one of the most harrowing episodes in Islamic history. This act of selflessness and resistance against tyranny became a timeless symbol of courage and righteousness.
The Importance of Muharram for Muslims
- Commemoration of Ashura: The day of Ashura is marked by mourning processions, lectures, and gatherings where Muslims remember the sacrifices of Imam Husayn (AS) and his companions. These events reinforce the values of truth, justice, and sacrifice.
- A Lesson in Resilience: The events of Karbala are not just historical occurrences but moral lessons for Muslims. They emphasize the importance of standing against injustice, regardless of the cost.
- Unity in Mourning: Muharram transcends sectarian boundaries, bringing Muslims together to honor the legacy of Imam Husayn (AS). His stand for justice resonates with believers of all backgrounds.
- Spiritual Reflection: Muharram is also a time for personal reflection and renewal of faith. Many Muslims fast on the day of Ashura, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who observed fasting on this day to commemorate the deliverance of Prophet Moses (AS) and his people from Pharaoh.
The Legacy of Imam Husayn (AS)
Imam Husayn’s (AS) martyrdom in Muharram was not just a fight against a tyrant; it was a battle for the preservation of Islamic values. His sacrifice continues to inspire millions, reminding them of the eternal struggle between truth and falsehood. Muharram calls on us to reflect on the lessons of Karbala and strive to embody the principles of justice, courage, and steadfastness in our own lives.
Conclusion
Muharram is more than just the beginning of the Islamic New Year; it is a time of spiritual awakening and a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by Imam Husayn (AS). His stand against tyranny serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for humanity.
Let us honor the legacy of Imam Husayn (AS) by upholding the values he died for and ensuring his message of justice continues to resonate across generations.
| Year | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Bi’that | 1 Muharram | Start of the economic boycott of the Prophet (PBUH) and Banu Hashim in the valley of Abu Talib |
| 7 AH | 1 Muharram | Start of the Battle of Dhat al-Riqa to thwart the war conspiracy by Banu Muharib and Banu Thalaba of Ghatafan |
| 20 AH | 1 Muharram | Conquest of Egypt by Amr ibn al-As during the reign of the second caliph |
| 37 AH | 1 Muharram | Declaration of truce in the Battle of Siffin between Imam Ali (AS) and Muawiya, resuming later in Safar |
| 81 AH | 1 Muharram | Death of Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah, son of Imam Ali (AS) |
| 220 AH | 1 Muharram | Imam al-Jawad (AS) summoned to Baghdad by Al-Mu’tasim Al-Abbasi |
| 2 Muharram | Death of Prophet Adam (AS) | |
| 61 AH | 2 Muharram | Arrival of Imam Husayn’s (AS) caravan in Karbala |
| 7 AH | 3 Muharram | The Prophet (PBUH) invites kings of different nations to Islam |
| 61 AH | 3 Muharram | Imam Husayn (AS) sends a letter to the people of Kufa |
| 61 AH | 3 Muharram | Umar ibn Sa’d, commander of Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad’s army, arrives in Karbala |
| 61 AH | 4 Muharram | Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad mobilizes people in Kufa against Imam Husayn (AS) in the mosque |
| 61 AH | 4 Muharram | Martyrdom of Qays ibn Musahir al-Saydawi, Imam Husayn’s (AS) envoy to Kufa |
| 61 AH | 5 Muharram | Ibn Ziyad sends troops to prevent the people of Kufa from supporting Imam Husayn (AS) |
| 6 Muharram | Martyrdom of Prophet Yahya (AS), one of the prophets of Bani Israel | |
| 61 AH | 6 Muharram | First blockade of the Euphrates River in the events of Karbala |
| 61 AH | 6 Muharram | Completion of the arrival of Kufa’s army to fight Imam Husayn (AS) |
| 406 AH | 6 Muharram | Death of Al-Sharif Al-Radi, a scholar and compiler of “Nahj al-Balagha” |
| 61 AH | 7 Muharram | Water cut off from Imam Husayn (AS) and his companions on Umar ibn Sa’d’s orders |
| 61 AH | 8 Muharram | Imam Husayn (AS) meets Umar ibn Sa’d |
| 61 AH | 9 Muharram | Tasua of Imam Husayn (AS) |
| 61 AH | 9 Muharram | Umar ibn Sa’d declares the beginning of war, surrounding Imam Husayn’s (AS) camp in Karbala |
| 61 AH | 9 Muharram | Umar ibn Sa’d attacks Imam Husayn’s (AS) camp after the afternoon prayer |
| 61 AH | 10 Muharram | Ashura: Martyrdom of Imam Husayn (AS) and his companions |
| 61 AH | 10 Muharram | Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad killed by Al-Mukhtar’s forces |
| 61 AH | 11 Muharram | Captives of Karbala begin their journey toward Kufa |
| 61 AH | 12 Muharram | Burial of Karbala martyrs (according to one account) |
| 61 AH | 12 Muharram | Family of Imam Husayn (AS) enters Kufa |
| 95 AH | 12 Muharram | Martyrdom of Imam Sajjad (AS), the fourth Imam (according to one account) |
| 61 AH | 13 Muharram | Burial of Karbala martyrs (according to one account) |
| 61 AH | 13 Muharram | Family of Imam Husayn (AS) presented before Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad |
| 61 AH | 15 Muharram | Heads of Karbala martyrs sent to Damascus |
| 200 AH | 15 Muharram | Imam al-Ridha (AS) begins his journey from Medina to Marw |
| 61 AH | 19 Muharram | Captives of Karbala begin their journey toward Damascus |
| 726 AH | 21 Muharram | Death of Allama al-Hilli, a scholar and theologian |
| 169 AH | 23 Muharram | Death of Al-Mahdi Al-Abbasi, the third Abbasid caliph |
| 1427 AH | 23 Muharram | Destruction of the shrine of Al-Askari Imams by terrorists in Iraq |
| 95 AH | 25 Muharram | Martyrdom of Imam Sajjad (AS) on the orders of Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik |
| 61 AH | 28 Muharram | Captives of Karbala reach Baalbek, in modern-day Lebanon |
| 220 AH | 28 Muharram | Imam al-Jawad (AS) exiled to Baghdad by Al-Mu’tasim Al-Abbasi |
| 656 AH | 28 Muharram | Execution of Al-Mustasim Al-Abbasi by Hulagu Khan, ending the Abbasid Caliphate |
| 61 AH | 29 Muharram | Captives of Karbala reach Damascus |
