BRUSSELS, Belgium: Muharram is that dignified month which became
the kernel and fountainhead of defensive front for the protection of
Islam & Shariah by matchless and unparalleled sacrifices rendered by
the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (S), his companions and lofty family.
Mourners across the globe of Imam Hussain bin Ali Ibn-e-Abi Talib
(S), with the emergence of crescent of Muharram, wore black mourning
dresses, spread mourning carpets in Imambargahs, Imambaras,
Ashour-Khanas, Aza-Khanas, Hussainiyaat and Islamic centers and
decorated relics paying rich homage to the great incomparable
sacrifices presented by Hazrat Imam Hussain (S) and his 72 companions
in the scorching desert of Karbala some 1,400 years ago for defense of
Islam and safety of high human values.
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) along with his near and dear ones at the hands of Yazid
(L) in 61 AH.
Muharram crescent was sighted on December 17 in some countries while
in some others on December 18.
According to authentic 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 Makkah 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.
A saying of Imam Reza (AS) goes: “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…).
