Why is Muharram celebrated, and what is Taaziya?

This is a post about Muharram, which is one of the four sacred months in Islam. It celebrates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his family's who were killed in battle during their war against Yazid. One of the most important practices that occurs during this month are Taaziya - rituals that happen on the tenth day to commemorate Imam Hussein's death.

The first thing to know is that the month of Muharram is not named after Imam Hussein. It is named after the first battle that he participated in during his life, which occurred a year or two into his rule as the Imam of Kufa. This battle was known by many names and was referred to as Al-Ashura (the tenth day), Battle of Karbala, Battle of Umm al-Hiran, or Battle of Ahzab (the eight). However, it was later called Battle of Muharram. Throughout history, people have referred to this battle as the most important day of Shi'ism.

As we approach the 10th month of Hijri, Muharram, Muslims all over the world get excited and make special preparations to commemorate this sacred occasion.

The Shiites celebrate the first ten days of Muharram as a time of fasting in commemoration of Prophet Mohammad’s victory over his adversaries which culminated in the Battle of Karbala on 10th Muharram (680 CE). The day is called Tasu'a and it is also an auspicious day for worshipping Allah and reciting Quran.

The rest of Muslims celebrate only 9 days to commemorate Ashura which commemorates Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali's martyrdom.

Adherents of both sects take part in mourning rituals together, but most Shiites and some Sunnis, especially in South Asia, visit the tombs of Husayn ibn Ali and his relatives and descendants.

Mohammad was born on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal. The first ten days of Muharram are included in the month of Safar (“the month of seeking”). Muslims usually try to be more kind to each other at this time. It is also a time when the believers pay more attention than usual to their relationship with Allah. Every day one should spend at least a few minutes meditating on Allah's greatness and magnificence.

The day of Muharram is a big day for the followers of Islam. According to Islamic calendar, Muharram is the first month of the year, and the second holiest month, after the month of Ramzan. It is also known as Hijri.