What Karbala Signifies For Muslims During Muharram?

Karabala holds a special place for Muslims, particularly Shia Muslims, which signifies a profound tragedy and a symbol of sacrifice, resilience against injustice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Karbala is a city in central Iraq, located nearly 100 km southwest of Baghdad. It is the capital of the Karbala governorate and is a major center for Shia Muslims.

The city is considered one of the holiest sites among Shia Muslims, particularly due to the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and son of Ali and Fatima, was martyred by the forces of Umayyad Caliph Yazid.

The Imam Hussein Shrine and the Al-Abbas Mosque are the major pilgrimage sites in Karbala. The city attracts millions of pilgrims, especially during Ashura, the anniversary of Imam Hussein’s death. Every year, millions of people – mostly Shia Muslims- make their way to Karbala to see the shrine where Imam Hussein is believed to be buried.

Karbala signified the ultimate of sacrifice for religious principles and standing up against tyranny. Imam Hussein’s refusal to pledge allegiance to Yazid, who was an unjust ruler.

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For Shia Muslims, Karbala is a place of intense mourning, particularly during the month of Muharram. The 40 days are called Arbaeen in the Arabic language and signify the mourning period for Hussein and others killed at Karbala.

Shia Muslims often participate in processions, recite poetry, and engage in acts of self-mortification to express their grief and devotion, some even in self-flagellation to recreate the suffering experienced by Imam Hussain. Imam Hussein is revered as a 7th Century social revolutionary representing strength of character and courage in the face of tyranny.

The battle of Karbala resulted in the massacre of Hussein and his companions, solidifying the battle as a symbol of resistance against tyranny and injustice, commemorated annually on Ashura. Following the death of Mu’awiyah I, Yazid ascended to the caliphate, and while Hussein, who was considered the rightful successor, refused to obey him.

Hussein, with his family and a small band of supporters, traveled to Kufa (Iraq), expecting some support from the people who invited him. However, Yazid’s forces confronted them near Karbala, cutting off access to water and supplies.

On the 10th of Muharram, the battle commenced, and Hussein’s small group was overwhelmed by Yazid’s superior forces. Hussein, along with most of his family and companions, was martyred during the Battle of Karbala. The day of battle, Ashura, is observed as a day of mourning and remembrance.

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However, Shia Muslims observe processions commemorating the battle of Karbala and the martyrdom of Hussein. Sunni Muslims equally remain mournful during this month and avoid celebration and organizing festivities during the month of Muharram.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar. Muharram is considered the second-holiest month in the Islamic calendar after Ramadan. It is one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which fighting and violence are generally prohibited.

In India, the crescent Moon was sighted on June 26, and the first day of Muharram-Ul-Haram begins on June 27 (Friday), as declared by the Masjid-e-Nakhoda Markazi Rooyat-e-Hilal Committee. Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, will be observed on Sunday, July 6.

People from all across the world come to Karbala, and the benevolence of the locals starts on the pilgrimage route, at service stations known as mawkibs on Karbala’s approach roads, where people serve free food, sweet tea, and rose-flavoured water for pilgrims.