Floods of tears mark crescent of Muharram

By: Raza Ali

ONTARIO, Canada: As soon as appeared on the sky the crescent of Muharram-ul-Haram, the mourners of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) bin Ali Ibn-e-Abi Talib (AS), the grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), across the globe wore black mourning dresses, spread mourning carpets in Imambargahs, Ashur-Khanas, Aza-Khanas, Hussainiyaat and decorated relics to pay homage to the great Imam (AS).

Heart-rending voices of lamentations “Ya Hussain (AS) and Wa Hussaina (AS)” are being heard from every nook and corner and tears are being gushed out of every eye with intense grief over the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) along with his 72 companions in the burning plain of Karbala at the hands of Yazid (L) in 61 AH.

In some countries, Muharram crescent was sighted on February 20 while in some others on February 21.

According to reports the Chief of Martyrs Imam Hussain (AS) when departed the holy city of Mecca for Iraq and reached “Manzil-e-Ashraf” passing through different places, there he sighted the crescent of Muharram 61 AH.

Hazrat Sadiq-e-Ale Muhammad (AS) whenever he sighted the Muharram crescent, his grief increased. People came to him for condolence and matam.

A saying of Imam Reza (AS) goes: “In the month of Muharram nobody had ever seen my father (AS) happy and merry. During this month he remained in continuous grief and pain and on the 10th of this month he was used to say, ‘Today Imam Hussain (AS) was martyred brutally’.”

Muharram-ul-Haram is that dignified and eminent month which became the kernel and fountainhead of defensive front for the protection of Din & Shariah by matchless and unparalleled sacrifices rendered by the grandson of Rasool-us-Saqalain (SAW), his companions and lofty family.

In old times in Indian city of Lucknow, as the Muharram crescent was sighted the brood and youth were prohibited from laughing; married women even newly married weds were asked to smash their bangles; wear out red outfits. Mouth-watering dishes were prevented till the 40th of Imam (AS) on Safar 20 rather for 2 months and 8 days; Desserts were not prepared; Sweet dishes were put on the table on Rabi-ul-Awwal 9; fish was also not allowed. Cold drink was considered the best tabarruk in majalis even in the winters and patients after drinking it became healthy. We find the word of drink (sharbat) in the original words of Imam Hussain (AS) “ Shiati in sharibtum maa azbun............” (O friends when you drink cold water remind my thirst…).

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