Day of Ashura 2024: Virtues of 10th Muharram
Ashura is a significant day observed primarily by Shia Muslims on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
Imam Hussein is along with his family and companions, stood against the oppressive rule of Yazid ibn Muawiya, seeking to uphold justice and righteousness. Despite being vastly outnumbered, they faced a tragic and heroic defeat, with Imam Hussein ultimately sacrificing his life rather than submitting to tyranny.
Ashura is a day of mourning and reflection, marked by processions, speeches, and rituals that include recitations of poetry and hymns recounting the events of Karbala. It is a time for Shia Muslims to remember the values of courage, sacrifice and devotion to principles, as exemplified by Imam Hussein and his companions.
In addition to its religious significance, Ashura holds universal lessons of standing up against injustice, defending human dignity and resisting oppression. It is a solemn occasion that inspires believers to reflect on their own lives and actions in the pursuit of justice and truth.
While Ashura is predominantly observed by Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims also recognize its importance and may observe it with fasting and prayers, albeit with different historical interpretations.
Overall, Ashura remains a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle for justice and the noble principles upheld by Imam Hussein, resonating deeply across the Muslim world and beyond.
