BERLIN, Germany: Muharram-ul-Haram, first lunar month, is that
dignified month which became the kernel and fountainhead of defensive
front for the protection of Din and Shariah by matchless and
unparalleled sacrifices rendered by the grandson of holy Prophet
Hazrat Muhammad (S), his companions and lofty family.
As the crescent of Muharram-ul-Haram surfaced, black mourning
dresses were worn, mourning carpets in Imambargahs, Imambaras,
Ashour-Khanas, Aza-Khanas, Hussainiyaat and Islamic centers were
spread, and religious relics (tazia, standards etc) were decorated by
the mourners of Hazrat Imam Hussain bin Ali Ibn-e-Abi Talib (S),
across the globe to pay rich homage to his supreme sacrifice in the
burning desert of Karbala in 61 AH.
Touching voices of lamentations “Ya Hussain (S) and Wa Hussaina
(S)” 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 (S).
Muharram crescent was sighted on January 18 in some countries while in
some others on January 19 and some on January 20.
According to traditions the Chief of Martyrs Imam Hussain (S) had
sighted the crescent of Muharram 61 AH when he reached
“Manzil-e-Ashraf” passing through different places after he departed
the holy city of Mecca for Iraq.
Whenever Hazrat Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (S) sighted the Muharram
crescent, his grief increased. People used to come to him for
condolence, consolation and matam.
Imam Reza (AS) said: “In the month of Muharram nobody had ever seen
my father (S) 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 (S) was martyred brutally’.”
In previous 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 day of Imam (S) 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. The word of drink (sharbat)
is found in the original words of Imam Hussain (AS) “Shiati in
sharibtum maa azbun...” (O friends! when you drink sweet water remind
my thirst…).
