Muharram 2025: Honoring the Legacy of Imam Hussain in India

With the Islamic lunar calendar starting a new year with the month of Muharram, millions of Muslims from around the globe are preparing to observe this sacred event. In 2025, Muharram will start in the evening of Friday, June 27, and will last through the pivotal day of Ashura on Sunday, July 6. In India, this month is not just a time of mourning but a public holiday that provides an opportunity for people to assemble and remember.

This holy month is especially important for Shia Muslims, as they mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS)—the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Let’s check out some historical, religious, and social aspects of Muharram 2025.

The Historical Significance of Muharram

The Muharram activities have their origins in Islamic history, primarily the incident of Karbala. Imam Hussain (AS) and 72 of his family members and companions were martyred at the desert of Karbala (located in modern Iraq) on the 10th day of the month of Muharram, which is called ‘Ashura,’ by Yazid, the oppressive, tyrannical Umayyad caliph. “And this is a sign of Islam and the Islamic history that tells you about the struggle forever between right and wrong, and between the good and the bad, and between the truth and wrong.

Given this, the stance of Imam Hussain against tyranny and his ultimate martyrdom serve as an inspiration for both Muslims and non-Muslims. His incredible bravery in the final moments before his execution was a lasting lesson in the value of courage, the strength of faith, and the nobility of man.

Religious Observances During Muharram

Muharram is a time of mourning and spiritual reflection for Muslims. Here’s how it is observed:

1. Ashura Fast: For Sunni Muslims who fast on this day, following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), they fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. This action celebrates when Musa (Moses) and the Israelites were rescued from the tyranny of Pharaoh by the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea.
2. Majlis and Processions: Shia Muslims take out processions and conduct majlis (gatherings) where the sacrifice of Imam Hussain and his companions is narrated. They often involve the recital of poems, sermons, and elegies reflecting on the tragedy of Karbala. Processions, whose participants raise slogans of lamentation and solidarity, are also widespread.
3. Charitable Acts—Muslims help the less fortunate people during Muharram by providing food and drink to those in need. This is a tradition of compassion and charity that lives out the values of Imam Hussain.

1-Self-reflection and prayers: Muharram is the time to nourish the connection with Almighty Allah through prayers, Quran recitation, and self-reflection. A chance to recommit to Islamic values.

Cultural Practices Around the World

Activities Muharram is commemorated in various ways in different parts of the world by different communities, but all the same, they follow the same principles of mourning in memory of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, as in the following examples:

• India and Pakistan: In the southern part of Asia, Muharram is celebrated in the form of huge processions, where the replicas of the tomb of Imam Hussain are taken out by people, who also mourn the death by performing certain rituals. Remembrance of marsiyas (elegies) and nohas (lamentations) constitutes a fundamental part of these congregations.
• Iraq: Muharram, when the whole of Iraq is centered on the city of Karbala, where Imam Hussain was martyred. The shrine of Imam Hussain is a site of pilgrimage for millions of pilgrims from all over the world.
• Iran: Muharram in Iran is observed in absolute silence, so the place remains tranquil. Passion plays, or ta’ziyah, dramatize what happened at Karbala, making it real for participants and audiences.
• Lebanon and Bahrain: These are two countries where the street mourning alongside the Muharram processions is accompanied by public self-flagellation (chest-beating) and the anxious readings and performances of elegies.

Western nations: The Muslim communities in the West observe the month of Muharram by organizing events in mosques and Islamic community centers that are open to Muslims and non-Muslims and emphasize the universal values of justice and sacrifice.

The Spiritual Lessons of Muharram

“It’s not just historical matters or practice; it is, for us, a reflection on the principles of Imam Hussain.” His sacrifice teaches us

1. Justice is Key: Imam Hussain’s fight against Yazid, even if unsuccessful, is symbolic of the necessity to preserve justice, even in adverse circumstances.
2. The Power of Belief: His strong belief in Allah is a motivational factor for Muslims to hold their faith tightly.

The Price of Sacrifice: Imam Hussain’s readiness to let go of everything for the truth resonates with the need to let principles supersede personal interests.

Muharram 2025: A Precious Time For Reflection And Unity

What we should not forget, however, is that Muharram is not only about mourning but also about learning and making the past a teaching moment to build a better future. The narrative of Karbala’s trajectory extends beyond the abyss of religious identity to one of strength, compassion, and resilience that inspires and resonates with all mankind.

In the face of a world that is so often torn apart by war and oppression, the message of Imam Hussain is one of hope and one of a call to activism. Let’s all dedicate this Muharram to introspecting into our own selves, to seeking justice, and to seeking unity amongst our community.

WDC News wishes you courage to take on the next adventure, compassion to share with other graduates, and confidence to take your next step into the future.