By Fatema BhallooIn Shia tradition, Muharram is not only the beginning of the Islamic calendar but marks the period in which we remember the sacrifice of Prophet Mohamed (SAWW)’s grandson, Imam Hussain. Therefore, during this month Shias remember and lament the tragedy that occurred between Imam Hussain (AS)’s small band of followers and Yazid, the governor of…
By Aia JaberContent warning: This post contains graphic descriptions of death and violence. Part of what we memorialize and commemorate during Ashura is the sermon delivered by Zainab (as). Following the massacre of Ahlul-Bayt and their companions, our Lady Zainab (as) delivers a sermon in the court of Yazid, forever becoming a beacon of strength for Islam…
By N.H. KhimjiEvery year, upon the emergence of the crescent of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, Shi’i Muslims around the world cloak themselves in black garments and prepare to mourn Imam Husayn, peace be upon him, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family. On the day of Ashura, the…
By Maliya NazAshura is the tenth day of the month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. It marks three historical events: the day Nuh (Noah) left the Ark, the day that Prophet Musa and his people were liberated from Firawn, and the day Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet, was martyred. In a Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim,…
By Fatimah SThe events that led up to Karbala were crucial in determining the reason the Imam Hussain had to go to fight. Yazid had taken control and was demanding bayat (an oath of allegiance) from the imam. Imam Hussain refused to give bayat to Yazid, but after immense pressure from Yazid, the imam knew that he…
By Guest BloggerWritten by Alefiyah Shikari Ashura. My heart and mind tremble when I think about what transpired on that day. Husain ibn Ali, his family, and his 72 companions left everything and traveled to Karbala in the name of Islam. Even before Moharram begins, my senses are already prepared for the following 10 days known as Ashara…
By Maysoon KhatibAs someone who grew up in a relatively Sunni community in Southern California, I didn’t really learn about the significance of Ashura, Imam Hussein, and the relevance Karbala played for Muslims, and Shia in particular, until I moved to Dearborn, Michigan in 2000. Here’s a powerful video on the Who is Hussein? Facebook page for you…
By Guest BloggerWritten by MG Staff Writer Ayesha Mosaddeq Muharram is one of the most blessed months in the Islamic calendar, as it is also the month that commences the Hijri year. It has been pointed out that fasting in the month of Muharram is better than any other month after Ramadan (Sahih Muslim). Fasting on the 10th…
By Sepideah Mohsenian-RahmanThe holy day of Ashura, marking the 10th day of Muharram or the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds special significance within Islam. Its significance is rooted in honoring one of the most important Prophets of the monotheistic faiths, Moses (Musa). Ashura marks the day that God saved the Children of Israel from…
