Muharram

Muharram

Etymology and Translation

Muharram (Arabic: مُحَرَّم) comes from the Arabic root ḥ-r-m, meaning ‘forbidden’ or ‘sacred’. Turkish translation: Muharrem.

Overview

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds significant religious and historical importance for both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims. It is one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which warfare is prohibited.

Historical Significance

1. Change of Qiblah: It is traditionally believed that it was in this month that the direction of prayer (qiblah) was changed from Jerusalem to Mecca.
2. Turning Point for the Muslim Community: The migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina took place in this month, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Shi’a Observances

For Shi’a Muslims, the first ten days of Muharram, culminating in Ashura (10th of Muharram), are a period of intense ritual mourning. These days commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala. Shi’a Muslims participate in lamentation assemblies, public processions, and other rituals to express grief and solidarity.

Sunni Observances

For Sunni Muslims, Ashura also holds religious significance. It is traditionally a day of fasting as the Prophet Muhammad recommended fasting on this day to commemorate the day when Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh’s tyranny when they crossed the Red Sea.

Rituals and Practices

• Mourning Rituals: Attended particularly by Shi’a Muslims, gatherings known as Majlis to lament Husayn’s martyrdom.
• Public Processions: Known as Tatbeer or Qama Zani, participants often engage in acts of self-flagellation or recreate the battle scenes.
• Fasting: Both on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, as per the Prophet’s recommendation.

Takeaways

• Interfaith Importance: While primarily a period of mourning for Shi’a Muslims, Ashura also holds ritual fasting significance for Sunni Muslims.
• Impact on Islamic History: The change of the qiblah and the martyrdom of Husayn inuence pivotal moments and sectarian identity within Islam.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

• **“The History of al-Tabari” Volume XIX: “The Caliphate of Yazid b. Mu’awiyah” translated by I. K. Howard.
• **“Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction” by Adam J. Silverstein.
• **“Karbala and Ashura: Essays on Significance and Perspectives” edited by Alireza Korangy and Whe Jesus Skeletal.

Conclusion

Muharram is a cornerstone of Islamic culture encompassing both solemnity and reverence. Understanding its layers provides deep insights into the historical developments, sectarian dynamics, and shared traditions of the global Muslim community.