It is the first ten days of Muharram, that hold profound significance for Shia Muslims, as they leave every form of comfort and entertainment and join in the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
Members of families who are away from their ancestral home, converge to it a few days earlier to organize the specified room in their homes or their Imambaras (a hall) where the symbolic Alams (banners, standards) of the martyrs are placed for holding of Majlis ( gatherings)
I have attended as many majlises as I could possibly reach in daily gatherings, in mosques, imambargahs, or private homes.
I have heard the Scholars or zakirs narrate the historical accounts, often focusing on specific events or of martyrs each day of martyrdom.
The narration consists of ‘Fazail’ (virtues, excellence) of the the beliefs, wisdom, moral character and valor of the family and the companions who fought at Karbala and the ‘Musaib’ (calamities) the atrocities faced by the martyrs during the battle and thereafter. During the heart rendering Musaib, I invariably can not control my tears and weep in grief.
The Majlises reinforced and strengthened my spiritual connection to Imam Hussein’s sacrifice. It served as a reminder of standing against oppression and injustice, which are the core themes of Karbala.
During the Majlises I perform matam, by beating my chest, to express grief. The soulful nauhas (recitation of elegies) rendered in deep grief filled voices touch my heart completely. I have observed overzealous perform zanjeer-zani (using chains or blades) matams, which is controversial and discouraged due to health risks.
The Nauhas & Matam symbolize empathy with the physical and emotional suffering of Imam Hussein and his companions. It is a physical manifestation of sorrow and a commitment to their legacy.
On a few occasions I have marched through streets carrying alams (banners or standards) along with the mourners who also carried replicas of Imam Hussein’s shrine with zuljanah (a symbolic representation of his horse) following them The processions were often reited nohas (recitation of elegies) and performed matam.
These processions include reenactments of Karbala events, such as carrying a tazia (a replica of Imam Hussein’s tomb) or a cradle symbolizing Ali Asghar, the infant martyr.
These Processions publicly express devotion and solidarity with Imam Hussein’s cause, spreading awareness of his stand for justice and resistance against tyranny.
I fast on the 10th, though many Shia fast, on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (Tasua and Ashura), as an act of mourning and in solidarity with the thirst and hunger endured by Imam Hussein’s camp, which was denied water by the enemy for many days.
There are no celebrations, weddings, or joyous activities during the month of Muharram. The wearing of black or somber clothing is an out pour of mourning for the martyred.
Fasting and abstaining reflect solidarity with the hardships faced at Karbala and emphasize spiritual reflection over worldly pleasures.
Food and drink, such as sherbet (sweetened milk or water) or tabarruk (blessed food), are distributed in memory of the martyrs, particularly to honor their deprivation of food and water.
Community kitchens (sabils) are set up to provide free meals or water to the public, especially the poor.
These acts of charity emulate the generosity of Imam Hussein and fulfill the Islamic principle of helping others, reinforcing community bonds.
Many visit holy shrines, particularly the shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala, Iraq, or perform symbolic ziyarat at local imambargahs.
I was fortunate to visit Imam Hussein’s shrine at Karbala(Iraq) a few years ago.
Ziyarat strengthens the spiritual bond with Imam Hussein and reaffirms commitment to his values of justice and sacrifice.
The Battle of Karbala is replete with stories of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice by Imam Hussein, his family, and companions. Here are a few tales of valor of the martyrs who laid down their lives so that Islam could survive in its purity and originality. These are often highlighted during the first ten days during the majalises
Imam Hussein, the leader of the small band of 72 against Yazid’s army of thousands, refused to pledge allegiance to the tyrannical Umayyad caliph Yazid I. Despite knowing the outcome, he stood firm for justice, sacrificing his life on Ashura.
His stand symbolizes resistance against oppression and the preservation of Islam’s true teachings. His martyrdom is seen as a universal call to uphold truth, even at the cost of one’s life.
Known as the “Moon of the Hashimites,” Abbas, Imam Hussein’s half-brother, was the standard-bearer of the camp. On the 7th day, when water was cut off, Abbas attempted to fetch water from the Euphrates River for the thirsty children. He fought valiantly but was ambushed, losing both arms before being martyred.
Abbas represents loyalty, bravery, and selflessness. His title Saqqa (water-bearer) and Alamdar (flag-bearer) are honored in processions with alams.
The six-month-old son of Imam Hussein was killed by an arrow to his throat when Hussein pleaded for water for him. The arrow was shot by a soldier on the orders of the commander of Yazid’s Army. This heart-wrenching event is often commemorated on the 6th or 7th day.
Ali Asghar’s martyrdom highlights the brutality of Yazid’s army and the innocence of the victims, evoking deep emotional responses in majlis.
The 18-year-old son of Imam Hussein,resembling Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in appearance and character, fought courageously on Ashura but was martyred in battle.
His sacrifice represents the loss of youth and potential for the sake of principle, inspiring Shia youth to emulate his piety and bravery.
The young nephew of Imam Hussein, Qasim, fought heroically despite his tender age and was trampled by enemy horses. His martyrdom is often mourned on the 6th or 7th.
Qasim’s courage underscores the willingness of even the young to stand for justice, symbolizing the universal call of Karbala across generations.
Imam Hussein’s sister, Zainab, did not fight but played a crucial role after Ashura. She protected the survivors, delivered powerful sermons in Kufa and Damascus, and preserved the message of Karbala through her resilience.
Zainab’s role as the “Messenger of Karbala” highlights the strength of women in upholding truth and ensuring the legacy of the martyrs endures.
Sent as Imam Hussein’s emissary to Kufa, Muslim was betrayed, captured, and martyred before the battle. His story is often recounted on the 1st or 2nd day.
Muslim’s loyalty and sacrifice foreshadow the betrayal faced by Imam Hussein, emphasizing the cost of standing for truth.
To fulfill my spiritual desire and well being, I pray five times every day, feed a person for a month to compensate my inability to fast at this age, have performed Haj and help the weak and financially challenged through all means available to me.
And yet I seek and commemorate Moharram. The holy Quran does not ask me to do so! Then why?
For the simple reason, if the sacrifice oh Hazrat Imam Hussain did not resonate and capture the minds of Muslims, the very roots of Islam would have been decimated. The teachings of the Quran would have been diluted or forgotten.
The revelations to our Prophet by Allah would have never been followed.
Except the Wahabis & Salafis all other Sunnis revere Hazrat Imam Hussein (AS) and pay there homage and gratitude to him for upholding the banner of his grandfather even when he his family members and companions sacrificed their lives in doing it.
The tales of Karbala teach values such as courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and resistance against injustice. Imam Hussein’s stand is seen as a model for confronting tyranny in any era.
Impressions, Perceptions and Views. 