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Assalamalekum Brothers and Sisters, It's the holy month of Muharram and the great Ashura has already passed. I would like to draw and topic to you and share my findings on the context. Kindly guide me on the issue if required. Fasting on 10th of Muharram is a common practice all over the world. However, I'd like to dissect the issue based on a lecture of Syed Ammar Nakshwani below: 1. Hadith of Fasting in Ashura Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about that. They replied, "This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So, Moses fasted this day." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "We have more claim over Moses than you." So, the Prophet fasted on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to fast (on that day). Sahih Bukhari: Book of Fasting, Hadith# 222 Narrated Abu Musa: The day of 'Ashura' was considered as `Id day by the Jews. So the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered, "I recommend you (Muslims) to fast on this day." Sahih Bukhari: Book of Fasting, Hadith# 223 Narrated Ibn `Abbas: When Allah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) came to Medina, he found the Jews observing the fast on the day of Ashura. They (the Jews) were asked about it and they said: It is the day on which Allaah granted victory to Moses and (his people) Bani Isra'il over the Pharaoh and we observe fast out of gratitude to Him. Upon this the Prophet of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: We have a closer connection with Moses than you have, and he commanded to observe fast on this day. Sahih Muslim: Book of Fasting, Hadith# 2518 Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) arrived in Medina and found the Jews observing fast on the day of 'Ashura. The Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said to them: What is the (significance) of this day that you observe fast on it? They said: It is the day of great (significance) when Allaah delivered Moses and his people, and drowned the Pharaoh and his people, and Moses observed fast out of gratitude and we also observe it. Upon this the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: We have more right, and we have a closer connection with Moses than you have; so Allaah's Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) observed fast (on the day of 'Ashura), and gave orders that it should be observed. Sahih Muslim: Book of Fasting, Hadith# 2520 2. Narrators of the Hadith Now let’s dissect this issue in the light of the narrators of the Hadith: Ibn `Abbas: Abd Allah ibn Abbas or ′Abd Allah ibn al-′Abbas otherwise called (Ibn Abbas; Al-Habr; Al-Bahr; The Doctor; The Sea) was born c. 619 CE. He was the son of Al-‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib, an uncle of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and a nephew of the Maymunah bint al-Harith, who later became Muhammad's wife. He was one of Muhammad's cousins and one of the early Qur'an scholars. Since Ibn Abbas was only approx. 3-4 years old (as our Prophet (SAW) migrated on 622 CE), it’s quite ironic that a child of such age experienced the event of Jewish fasting and can explain the whole event such accurately later on. Abu Musa: Abu-Musa Abd-Allah Ibn Qays al-Ash'ari, better known as Abu Musa al-Ashari (d.ca. 662 or 672) was a companion of Muhammad and an important figure in early Islamic history. He was at various times governor of Basra and Kufa and was involved in the early Muslim conquests of Persia. Abu Musa came originally from Zabid, region of Yemen, where his tribe, the Ashar, lived in the pre-Islamic period. He accepted Islam at Mecca prior to the hijra and returned to his native Yemen to propagate the faith. There was no news of him for more than a decade until following the conquest of Khaybar in 628 when he came to Muhammad in Medina with more than fifty converts from Yemen including his two brothers Abu Ruhm and Abu Burdah. Since Abu Musa returned in Khaybar on 628 CE, it can be seen that he was not also present during the Jewish Fasting issue. 3. Meaning of Ashura Although the term Ashura is considered as the 10th of Muharram, but according to the explanation of Arabic language scholar Ali-Ibn Al Athir (1160-1233), the word Ashura has two meanings, an old meaning and a new meaning. Ashura came from ‘Ashrah’ which means ten in Arabic, so according to the old meaning- the 10th day of any month is known as Ashura, and according to the new meaning- after the martyrdom of Hussain bin Ali (AS) the term Ashura refers to 10th day of Muharram month. So if for the sake of argument if we believe that the Jewish fasting was on Ashura, it’s not necessary that it was the 10th of Muharram. 4. Arabic Calendar VS Jewish Calendar It’s quite ironic that Jews of medina were following the Arabic calendar that time, whereas they had their own calendar. It’s assumed that the day they referred that time could be the 10th of Tishri or 15th of Nisan according to the Jewish calendar. 10th of Tishri in Judaism is known as YOM KEPOOR or Ayiam e Kaffara (Year of Attonment) was the date when Moses (AS) came back from mount Sinai and saw his followers worshiping the golden calf. And 15th of Nisan was the date when the Jews were saved from being drowned in Nile. Now let’s peep into the miscalculations of dates for the event: 1. If the event referred to 10th of Tishri, the only year that time when 10th Muharram and 10th Tishri collided, was on 40th Year of Hijrah. So it could not be the Year when Prophet (SAW) entered Medina. 2. If it was 15th of Nisan, then it should have been the 23rd of Ramadan of the Year of Hijrah, not 10th of Muharram. 3. Last but not the least, Prophet (SAW) entered Medina on Rabiul Awwal, not Muharram!! Considering the discussed facts we can conclude that the Hadith of Jewish fasting is a fabrication and should not be let supersede the greatness of the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his holy family. Jazakullah Khairan.

As a father myself, and many of you will know as parents too, our children's lives are so precious, so important, more so than our own. When a child is hurt, we feel that pain, it happens even when we hear about someone else's child. The sorrow, the ache in the heart, we feel it as if they were our own. So it shocks me how the tragedy of Ali Asghar doesn't cause grief, hurt and anger to Muslims worldwide, not just Shi'a Muslims. As many Muslims are parents themselves, the loss of a six month old baby should resonate with everyone. Yet many Muslims deny or question the events of Karbala, over what? Sectarianism? Stubborness to accept the truth? These people value their ideology over innocent lives, innocent children. Nobody would, in their worst nightmares, wish a child to die, a child to be thirsty, a child to be locked up like a criminal and taunted, crying every day until their soul left this world. At the very least nobody would wish to deny these atrocities. Yet, they do, or at least they refuse to speak out against injustice, they refuse to learn from the realities of Karbala. The day of Ashura will go by without even a mention in most of the mosques around the world, isn't that sad? The family of the Prophet gave so much, yet most remember them so little. Beyond Hasan and Husayn being lifted upon the Prophet's shoulders, or being compared to sweet basil, what else do most people remember about Husayn? How sad.

I heard that it isn't good to do so, are we allowed and what can’t we do this month?

The sad heart has arrived, The eye filled with tears have arrived. Has arrived the Month of Aza, The Army of Hussain has arrived An Army Dressed in Black, Beating their Chest for their Master Through out the night they recite elegies of their Master O My Master, O You who sacrificed everything O Thirsty Prince

My some sunni friends and my family mentioned yesterday night that they have seen the words closely resembling Ya Hussain in the moon in Pakistan. Today at night of 10th Muharram i also saw the words with very much resemblance of Ya Hussain in the bright part of moon. If any one has its pic that can be shared for the information of others. WS

The first ashra of Muharram is in full swing across the globe, and with it comes our annual call to all ShiaChat members: polish off the advanced search skills and locate those elusive local Imambargah YouTube channels in an attempt to gather the most viewed collection of event-specifc Shia lectures on the Internet and spread the message of Imam Hussein (a). Previous threads have already racked up thousands of views as people continue to come back to find lectures that were linked to in these threads; let's keep the trend going inshallah. Past Years:

Salam everyone, i am trying to educate myself on Muharram, when I was a kid I use to watch a movie about the battle of Karbala and Muharram but I can’t seem to find any anymore. Can anyone help me out? Whether it’s episodes or a movie even if it’s a cartoon one, I don’t mind. Preferably in English please? Thank you so much in advance.

Salaam, I want to recite a majlis and I know that there are many duas that you can read to begin a majlis, however, I need a transliteration of some dua (preferably short) that I could use. If anyone could help me I'd appreciate it

MashaAllah, I am glad to announce that we have got a new Shia Islamic Center, Al-Murtaza at Greenville / Spartanburg, South Carolina. It is a small community with 50-60 people in and around Greenville, SC. They have a website with phone number and contact details. They are looking for land and building very aggressively. https://al-murtaza.com The nearest center is Al Zahra Islamic Center of Charlotte, NC which is around 70 - 80 miles. The website for this center is http://azicc.org. They have there own iphone and android app as well. MashaAllah, Shia community is increasing day by day in NC and SC. PixelGenies is blessed for being associated with these communities for its technology needs. May Allah give us all guidance to be on right path and keep doing what is best for the community. PixelGenies Solutions

I am newly converted to shiaism, actually still in converting process. I want to ask what is the right islamic date to wear kalawa in muharram and when do we put them down? Also please tell me what to do with that kalawa or kara after putting them down? Also is it compulsory to wear kalawa or kara in muharram?

As a Pakistani Shia, I don't understand majority of Arabic latmiyat, despite this my heart aches to hear them and I love listening to them please help me understanding two of my current favourites, jazakAllah khair: and Either, or both will be very much appreciated:)

Salam Alaykum brothers and sisters in Islam and equals in humanity. This is a poem I wrote and recorded this poem for this year's Arbaeen period. May Allah shower you all with blessings infinitely. Feedback and comments are appreciated.

Imam Hussain (AS) who did not accept the tyranny of Yazid and his immoral manners, was invited by the people of Kufa [ a city in ancient Iraq]. They asked him to help them and declared their opposition to Yazid's unlawful ruling. But, they did not keep their promises and finally left Imam Hussain (AS)'s representative alone to be martyred by Kufa forces. http://salamislam.com/content/invitation-infidels

Salam, lately i've been very interested to know more about muharram and what shia do. Can anyone please tell me what do shia do in there majlis, in detail. From the start till the ending. That would be great

Salaam alaikum all, I am sure you all aware of the circumstances surrounding how Hazrat Abbas (as) was martyred fetching water for Imam Hussain (as) and the children. I came across some opposition from Sunni muslims (not directly towards me) questioning the way some of the companions of Imam Hussain (as) were martyred. Particularly with the way Abbas (as) was martyred. The claim is that circumstances surrounding his (as) martyrdom are deliberately exaggerated to make people shed tears. They don't question that he was killed trying to get water but the way in which things played out are exaggerated to make people cry and weep. I decided to do some research and find authentic sources describing the martyrdom of Abbas (as). I looked on al-islam.org and found this: http://www.shiachat.com/forum/forum/26-muharram-14392017/ The sources cited for the martyrdom of Abbas (as) is a source called 'Roudhatul Ahbab' Has anyone heard of this source? Is it authentic? Can anyone direct me to other reliable sources on this subject? Any help is much appreciated

Asalam-u-alaikum! I've a question!! That can we fast in the first 10 days of muharram? I'll be thankful if anyone will answer this as soon as possible! JAZAKALLAH

Bismillah ir Arahman ir Rahim Salamu Alaikum! I have been Shi'a now for a little less than a year and am still having a hard time understanding things. I have heard that Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Calender, but this whole month is a month of grieving because of 'Ashura? I am just trying to have things a little clearer in my head. Shukran.

Old video, but good. Previously recorded footage from 2011. lll Karbala TV - Live Quran, Adhaan and Maghrib prayers from Roza-e-Imam Hussain AllahisSalam

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. On the first day of Muharram, the Islamic New Year is observed by Muslims. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year. Hence it is a little different from the Gregorian calender that is used in the western nations. When compared with the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar calendar, the lunar month of Muharram shifts from year to year. The month of Muharram is of great religious significance to Islamic people the world over. It is held to be the most sacred of all the months, excluding Ramadan. The word "Muharram" is often considered synonymous with "Ashura", the tenth day of the Muharram month. "Ashura" is a highly important day for both sects of Islam - the Shias and the Sunnis. The Shia muslims believe that Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, became a martyr at the Battle of Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram in 61 AH(680 AD). The pre-Islamic period in the Arabian peninsula was the era of warring tribes. In the absence of a strong leadership, there were conflicts and battles on minor issues. But fighting was prohibited in four months of the year. These months, of which Muharram was one, were considered sacred. Muharram is so called because it was unlawful to fight during this month; the word is derived from the word ‘haram’ meaning forbidden. This period of inactivity was a necessity in heavily decorated replicas of the tomb of the Imam and his family are made for Muharram the era of warring tribes. The tradition was maintained even after the advent of Islam, though provisions to accommodate and accept war in special situations, like a threat to the sovereignty of an empire, were introduced. The gory battle of Karbala was fought against this law and tradition of Islam. The inhabitants on the banks of rivers Euphrates and Tigris were traditional rivals. Their animosity was contained to some extent by Muhammad. But when his son-in-law Hazrat Ali was the Caliph(Muslim civil and religious leader considered to be Allah's representative on earth), the old enmity re-surfaced. Hazrat Ali had two descendants, Hazrat Imam Hussain and Hazrat Imam Hassan. Hussain was the ruler of the part of the empire known today as Iran. The other part in modern Iraq was ruled by the Umayyads. Hussain was called upon by the Shiahs of Kufa, a small town in the Umayyad kingdom, to accept their allegiance and claim his place as the leader of the Islamic community. This was against the wishes of the ruler of Kufa, Yazid, who instructed his governor, Ibn-e-Ziad to take appropriate action. Meanwhile, in response to the call of the Shiahs, Hussain accompanied by his family members, headed for Kufa. When they reached Karbala, en route to Kufa, the forces of the governor surrounded them and their 70 men. Hussain, his family and his troops were tortured and killed, and Hussain's head was severed and presented to the king. They received no help from the Shiahs of Kufa. As this tragic incident happened on the tenth day of Muharram, Shia Muslims consider this a day of sorrow. They commemorate the martyrdom of Hussain as a religious occassion called "Muharram" (named after the month of its observance). The occassion starts on the 1st day of Muharram and lasts for 10 days until 10th of Muharram. As Muharram approaches, they put on black clothes, as black is regarded as a color of mourning. During the entire 10 day period, they keep themselves away from music and all joyous events (e.g. weddings) that can distract them in anyway from the sorrowful remembrance of that day. During each of the first nine days of Muharram, "Majalis" (assemblies) are held where Shia orators vividly depict the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his party. Mainstream Shia Muslims fast until the evening. On "Ashura", devoted Muslims assemble and go out in large processions. They parade the streets holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people, who fell at Karbala. Some Shia sects observe "Ashura" by beating themselves with chains in public, cutting themselves with knives and sharp objects and holding mournful public processions. This is an expression of their grief on the death of their favourite leader Hussain, considered to be the representative of Allah. (But no Shiite scholar affirms any extreme behavior that harms the body and Shia leaders consider such acts as "Haram", or forbidden.) It is a sad occasion and everyone in the procession chants "Ya Hussain", wailing loudly. Generally a white horse is beautifully decorated and included in the procession. It serves to bring back the memory of the empty mount of Hazrat Imam Husain after his martyrdom. Drinking posts are also set up temporarily by the Shia community where water and juices are served to all, free of charge. While Shia Muslims consider "Muharram" to be a sorrowful occassion, Sunni Muslims observe it as a festival and look at "Ashura" as a happy day though the religious aspect remain intact. Pious Sunnis keep a fast("roja") on "Ashura" as per the "Hadith"(a tradition based on reports of the sayings and activities of Muhammad and his companions) of Prophet Muhammad. According to the "Hadith", the Prophet saw the Jews fasting on the 10th of Muharram to commemorate their liberation from Egyptian slavery and the extermination of the army of the Pharoah in the waters of the Red Sea. Prophet Mohammed liked the custom for he believed that it was Allah who saved the Israelites from their enemy in Egypt. He started to fast on the same day as the Jews but he planned to fast on the 9th and 10th from the following year. But death came in between him and his pious wish. Usually, Sunni Muslims are recommended to fast either on the 9th and 10th Muharram or on the 10th and 11th

S/w, I was looking if someone could help me! I am preparing for Pre-med exam(NEET) in India and I have an exam in my coaching institute on the 10th of Muharram. My mother wants me to give that exam but I'm VERY confused what to do! Can anyone help me?

Assalam O Alaikum, I want to understand why only Rajab, Du al Qiddah, Du al Hajj and Muharram are sacred months in Islam with Reference to Quran and Hadith? I am here to learn and understand Kind regards, Muhammad Danial

Salam Alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatu Dear brothers and sisters, if one of you could transliterate this noha in english, I would be extremely grateful.

(Salam) I am follower of Ayatullah Ali Sistani (hz). I read his (hz) fatwas on net about Zanjeer Zani (Hitting one's back with Knives hanging with chains) that one should avoid this because if a non-muslim sees this he does not understand it. I intend to do Zanjeer Zani this year. I live in Lahore/Pakistan where majority is muslim and even during the procession `majorty is Shia`. My question is that if it is not declared absolute haram by Ayatullah Sistani (hz), then i will like doing this year.

time to eradicate false practices