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Muharram 2024: The first day of Muharram is designated as the Islamic New Year, also known as Al Hijri or Arabic New Year. However, Muslims observe Ashura on the 10th day of Muharram as a day of mourning in commemoration of Hussain Ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was martyred in Karbala. Prophet Muhammad used to fast at Mecca on the day of Ashura.

Ashura 2024: Muharram 2024 Date In India

For both Sunni and Shia Muslims, the Day of Ashura is a significant historical and spiritual event in the Islamic calendar. This year, some nations will mark Ashura on July 16th, while others will observe it on July 17th. In India, Muharram will be celebrated on 17th July.

Ashura 2024: Significance Of This Islamic Event

Ashura is a holiday celebrated by Muslims on the day that God parted the Red Sea to free the Israelites under the leadership of the Prophet Moses (Moses) from the oppressive Pharaoh of Egypt, enabling them to cross without incident. In Sunni communities, the day is marked with fast and religious festivities that include speeches and group meals.

Muslims who observe fasts on Ashura Day believe that God will pardon their transgressions from the previous year. (Image Source: Canva)

The fact that Hussein, who is regarded as an Imam, or the legitimate head of the Muslim community, passed away on this day adds to the day's significance for Shia Muslims. As the name implies, Twelver Shias acknowledge twelve Imams who are descended from the Prophet Muhammad via his daughter Fatima and cousin and son-in-law Ali.

The Battle of Karbala is the culmination of Hussein's attempts to usurp the leadership of the Muslim community from the Umayyads under Yazid. Hussein is the third of these successors. Hussein and most of his men were murdered in a brutal battle that took place in what is now Iraq, close to the Euphrates River.

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Hussein's sacrifice is revered to this day at his mausoleum in Karbala and in mourning rituals held throughout the Muslim world because, to Shias, it signifies paying the ultimate price in the quest for justice and righteousness.