Imam Hussain's Martyrdom: What 10th Of Muharram Signifies For Shias And Sunnis?
The 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, has historically been a very significant day for Muslims across the world. While both Sunnis and Shias mourn the death of Hazrath Imam Hussain in the Battle of Karbala in AD 680, there are differences in observing the day between the two groups.
Who Is Imam Hussain, And Who Murdered Him In The Battle Of Karbala?
A grandson of the prophet Muhammed, Imam Hussain is the younger son of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, and Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter. A revered figure in Islam, Hussain and his sibling Hassan were one of prophet Muhammed’s most loved ones. The prophet has said that loving them is like loving the prophet himself, urging others to love them as well, expressing his deep affection for the grandchildren.
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Imam Hussain was murdered in the Battle of Karbala, marking a dark day in Islamic history. After the death of Mu’awiya, Yazid’s father and the founder of the Umayyad dynasty, his son became the next caliph, which Hussain refused, leading to Yazid’s confrontation with the prophet’s grandson.
The battle was between a small group of Hussain and his supporters against a much larger army of Yazid. The Umayyad caliph demanded Hussain’s allegiance, which Hussain refused, leading to Yazid confronting Hussain and his group at Karbala. Several individuals within the Umayyad forces directly participated in the killing.
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Umayyad’s caliph, Yazid, is believed to have ordered the killing of Hussain in the battle. While some historical records claim the caliph may have denied his direct involvement in the murder and expressed anguish and regret the killing of the prophet’s grandson, the narrative, especially among the Shia Muslims, holds the caliph accountable for the killing. The battle is considered a struggle against injustice and oppression, with Imam Hussain standing as a symbol of righteousness and truth.
Both Sunnis and Shias mourn the death of Hussain and the war in Karbala. Shias in particular organize annual mourning during the first ten days of Muharram, with the climax occurring on the tenth day, Ashura, commemorating the sacrifice of Imam Hussain. While Shia Muslims primarily observe Ashura with mourning, with various rituals, including mourning processions, reciting prayers, and sometimes self-flagellation as a symbol of the suffering endured by Imam Hussain, Sunni Muslims also hold the day in high regard, acknowledging Imam Hussain as a martyr. Groups of Sunni Muslims observe fasting, given various historic events, including the day when Prophet Musa and his followers were saved from the tyranny of the Pharaoh in Egypt.
Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “The sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) emphasize his commitment to righteousness. He inspires people to uphold truth in the face of adversity.”
