Understanding Muharram and 'Ashura

[MuslimahAK]

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. 

[AfricanShia]

The month of Muharram is a month of mourning. A month dedicated to the Grandson of the Holy Prophet (SAWA), Al-Husayn (as). Ashura is the day of the martyrdoom of Al-Husayn (as), who was killed at the hands of the evil tyrant Yazid, beheaded. One should grieve during the first ten days leading up to Ashura and one should abstain from joy during these times. After Ashura, its seems fitting to mourn the rest of Muharram. 

[Sindbad05]

5 hours ago, MuslimahAK said:

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. 

Yes, because of Imam Hussain's great sacrifice. 

Muslim months are: 1. Muharram, 2. safar, 3. Rabiul Awal, 4. Rabiul Sani, 5. Jamadal-Awal, 6. Jamadal Sani 7. Rajab, 8. Shaban, 9. Ramadan, 10. Shawal, 11. Zul Qad, 12. Zul Hajj

[islam25]

5 hours ago, MuslimahAK said:

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. 

Mohharam is the ist Islamic month. It is in this month imam Hussain as was martyred. So we remember his martyrdom with with mourning. 

It's not obligatory to grieve whole month. But definitely we have to learn the basics cause and reason of his martyrdom. The expression of grief is secondary secondary. 

[Sindbad05]

2 hours ago, islam25 said:

The expression of grief is secondary secondary. 

Both are primary, to cry for the father of the Ummah and curse the wrongdoers and learn from his acts.

[islam25]

9 minutes ago, Sindbad05 said:

Both are primary, to cry for the father of the Ummah and curse the wrongdoers and learn from his acts.

 No martyrdom of Imam Hussain was not so that others will express grief. It was only for guidance of people towards Haq.Our primary concern must be to implement shariah islam guide people towards Allah and mourning. 

[S.M.H.A.]

We Remember their sacrifice for Islam. Our Salvation depends on it. They protected Islam, and still protecting it. 

After The Martyrdom Of Al-Husayn (as)

https://www.al-islam.org/event-taff-earliest-historical-account-tragedy-karbala-abu-mikhnaf/after-martyrdom-al-husayn

The Household Of Al-Husayn (as) In Kufah

https://www.al-islam.org/event-taff-earliest-historical-account-tragedy-karbala-abu-mikhnaf/household-al-husayn-kufah

The Household Of Al-Husayn (as) in Sham (Syria)

https://www.al-islam.org/event-taff-earliest-historical-account-tragedy-karbala-abu-mikhnaf/household-al-husayn-sham-syria

*****

After Martyrdom

https://www.al-islam.org/nafasul-mahmum-relating-heart-rending-tragedy-karbala-shaykh-abbas-qummi/after-martyrdom

 

[Sirius_Bright]

9 hours ago, MuslimahAK said:

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. 

Alaikis Salaam sister, 

There are controversies surrounding Muharram being the first month of the Islamic calendar. Even if it is new year, it holds no importance in front of Imam Hussain's (a.s.) martyrdom. Remembering him and the calamities that befall him and his family and companions carries enormous reward. 

For sure, taking lessons from his sacrifice will benefit one in this world and hereafter but crying and lamenting for him is more beneficial and of prime importance. 

Cursing his enemies and all those who layed foundation for his martyrdom, will be rewarded immensely. 

Imam Sajjad (as) and Baqir (as) said, “Those that mourn Husayn (as) will be protected from Hellfire”

We read in Yanabi al Mawaddah fil Qurba by Sheikh Suleiman Qandozi Balkhi, Page 398

“A narration in the Exegesis of Ali ibn Ibrahim from Imam Mohamed Baqir (as) says that he said, “My father Ali (as) s/o Husayn (as) said, “The person who weeps upon my father and his companions and his tears flow down his cheeks, shall receive from Allah a chamber in Paradise. Whosoever remembers the calamities and heartbreaking incidents which my father and his companions faced in Karbala and weeps for them, for him shall Allah remove the intense pressure and excruciating pain of the Day of Judgment and shall keep him under his care and protection”.

http://www.shiapen.com/comprehensive/azadari-mourning-for-imam-hussain/rewards-for-mourning.html

Edited September 19, 2017 by Sirius_Bright

[S.M.H.A.]

It starts from the day Son of Sayeda Fatima Az Zahra(sa), and his Brothers and sisters and family left Mediena. Some of us, like me are not real good people so we get busy after that with worldly stuff, we may remember at around Hajj, and the martyrdom in Kufa, after Hajj as we get near Muharram. It's like we are in that time, it's happening real time for us, two days ago I was a work at I thought about it, and lookup to see if i can find on this day, where would they be, at what station. So, you see, it's not a day thing for us, we live it as a reality happening today, We are travelling with him(as), we will be in Karbala and we will leave with them ...after the 10ht we remember what the Daughter of Sayeda Fatima Az Zahra(sa) and our fourth Imam is going through as they are taken to Kufa and to Syria( what is happening on the way) . We narrate the events and remember . It's our salvation, as you see if you want to know the status and power of women, follow the daughter of Sayeda Fatima Al Zahra(as) at listen to her in the Kufa/court and Syra/Court. You want to know why we can't be afflicted with disbelief, follow our fourth  Imam(as) and see what he went through before the 10th and after and imagine the book he left us. Karbala is the cure for us from disbelief, depression....Because want to get some of their faith, the faith that kept them firm. So we say, Ya Hussain, Ya Abbas(as), Ya Zainab(as) they are role models ...whatever we do , we do it to remember them and their ordeal and sacrifice and promote it.

So, follow you Imam(as) as he goes to save Islam...

[786:)]

2 hours ago, S.M.H.A. said:

We Remember their sacrifice for Islam. Our Salvation depends on it. They protected Islam, and still protecting it.

Our salvation depends on the expression of grief of Karbala? That's a bold statement. Please present proof.

[Sindbad05]

2 hours ago, islam25 said:

 No martyrdom of Imam Hussain was not so that others will express grief. It was only for guidance of people towards Haq.Our primary concern must be to implement shariah islam guide people towards Allah and mourning. 

If Prophet PBUHHP cried then it is Sunnah to cry bro. Do not say anything against Sunnah. 

[islam25]

9 hours ago, Sindbad05 said:

If Prophet PBUHHP cried then it is Sunnah to cry bro. Do not say anything against Sunnah. 

I do not negate crying. But my understanding was the only and clear message of Imam Hussain martyrdom was to guide people towards Allah. And that yes expression of grief is indication of love .But if we will not follow primary reason and Aim of martyrdom. Our crying won't have any benefit. 

[Sindbad05]

9 hours ago, islam25 said:

I do not negate crying. But my understanding was the only and clear message of Imam Hussain martyrdom was to guide people towards Allah. And that yes expression of grief is indication of love .But if we will not follow primary reason and Aim of martyrdom. Our crying won't have any benefit. 

Crying is also one among the good actions and if you cry you definitely fell pain and if not totally would do some good deeds. 

[islam25]

16 minutes ago, Sindbad05 said:

Crying is also one among the good actions and if you cry you definitely fell pain and if not totally would do some good deeds. 

Yes. If anybody understood the message of Imam of scarifying life for Allah then his crying has value. 

And if we confine Imams sacrificing for Mattam then we have totally misinterpreted the Imams sacrifice. 

[Sindbad05]

5 minutes ago, islam25 said:

Yes. If anybody understood the message of Imam of scarifying life for Allah then his crying has value. 

And if we confine Imams sacrificing for Mattam then we have totally misinterpreted the Imams sacrifice. 

Brother, if Allah AWJ gave someone capability to cry over Imam Hussain a.s, He AWJ had done a great blessing over him for that person soon will try to do things which Allah AWJ and Imams would like for them to do. 

Tears does not come without sincerity bro. 

[islam25]

9 minutes ago, Sindbad05 said:

Brother, if Allah AWJ gave someone capability to cry over Imam Hussain a.s, He AWJ had done a great blessing over him for that person soon will try to do things which Allah AWJ and Imams would like for them to do. 

Tears does not come without sincerity bro. 

It seems shia have forgot the imam Hussain as. And limited his martyrdom to weeping. This is  most unfortunate. 

We have  only one task to do in this world. That is become more and more pious day by day  and know Allah. And this is only message of Ambias as and Awlias. And  it was the central cause and Aim of martyrdom of Imam Hussain. If we can't acquire it weeping and crying won't have benefit. 

 

Edited September 20, 2017 by islam25

[Sindbad05]

18 minutes ago, islam25 said:

It seems shia have forgot the imam Hussain as. And limited his martyrdom to weeping. This is  most unfortunate. 

We have  only one task to do in this world. That is become more and more pious day by day  and know Allah. And this is only message of Ambias as and Awlias. And  it was the central cause and Aim of martyrdom of Imam Hussain. If we can't acquire it weeping and crying won't have benefit. 

Brother, leave alone shias, they are not your business. You should work for unity instead of mocking and causing sectarianism. If shias are permitted for weeping, who are you to judge ? 

Allah AWJ has not granted you this job to declare who is momin who is not. 

[islam25]

16 minutes ago, Sindbad05 said:

Brother, leave alone shias, they are not your business. You should work for unity instead of mocking and causing sectarianism. If shias are permitted for weeping, who are you to judge ? 

Allah AWJ has not granted you this job to declare who is momin who is not. 

I am shia Muslim. And I didn't commented anything regarding who is momin and whom not. 

[Sindbad05]

1 hour ago, islam25 said:

I am shia Muslim. And I didn't commented anything regarding who is momin and whom not. 

Brother, your constant criticism over Shias fail to convince me that you are a Shia. Nevertheless, you know that we Shias are granted every permission from religion to mourn and you think that we have forgotten Imam Hussain a.s. How much you follow Imam Hussain a.s  ? Every person among Shias try to follow as much Imam Hussain a.s as they can and this is also according to the verse of Quran which says: "Allah does not ask you to do virtues beyond your capacity". 

The mourning over Imam Hussain a.s is also one among the duties to remind the message and you want to say constantly: no this is least important and that is most important. Is not Tabligh of deen important ? This mourning is Tabligh of Deen and Tabligh of Principles of Imam Hussain a.s. So,please, do not teach Shias what to do. 

[islam25]

11 minutes ago, Sindbad05 said:

Brother, your constant criticism over Shias fail to convince me that you are a Shia. Nevertheless, you know that we Shias are granted every permission from religion to mourn and you think that we have forgotten Imam Hussain a.s. How much you follow Imam Hussain a.s  ? Every person among Shias try to follow as much Imam Hussain a.s as they can and this is also according to the verse of Quran which says: "Allah does not ask you to do virtues beyond your capacity". 

The mourning over Imam Hussain a.s is also one among the duties to remind the message and you want to say constantly: no this is least important and that is most important. Is not Tabligh of deen important ? This mourning is Tabligh of Deen and Tabligh of Principles of Imam Hussain a.s. So,please, do not teach Shias what to do. 

Mr. I am shia that too born shia. I felt that Shias have restricted the martyrdom of Imam Hussain to mourning. 

But yes there are some scholars who try to convey the people the real message of Imams martyrdom. 

Even some great scholars said that yazeed only martyred the Imam physically. But some shia Zakir have martyred imam Hussain spritualy by wrongly coveyin the message of of Imam. 

[ali_fatheroforphans]

"Every day is Ashura and every land is Karbala".

However this month is a reminder for us to strengthen our love for Imam Hussein (as). In this month we should try our very best to stay away from anything which Imam Hussein(as) would not be pleased with.

Imam Hussein went through all that pain so we could see Islam in its true form. 

If it wasn't for us Shias mourning every month, the message of Hussein (as) would of been forgotten. The reason many salafis put us down when we mourn is because they find it hard to accept the fact that they follow those who had love for the ignorant Umayyads.

[Sindbad05]

8 minutes ago, islam25 said:

Mr. I am shia that too born shia. I felt that Shias have restricted the martyrdom of Imam Hussain to mourning. 

But yes there are some scholars who try to convey the people the real message of Imams martyrdom. 

Even some great scholars said that yazeed only martyred the Imam physically. But some shia Zakir have martyred imam Hussain spritualy by wrongly coveyin the message of of Imam. 

hahahahaha, listen bro, are you aware as to how many people on earth learn from Hussain's martyrdom and this great mourning ?

Do you have any apparatus to calculate that how many people in the world gave up their wrong ideologies that saw the mourning and listened to it.

Yeah it may happen that for many people Quran has no significance but when Allah wants, He AWJ through Quran lights up many lives. 

Similar is the case of Karbala, you do not know that when and where a person may understands Hussain. Do you think that 313 will come out of nowhere ?

So, instead of saying that shias have forgotten everything and assuming that you have knowledge of ghaib that Allah AWJ have told everything, you should focus on yourself and do not adopt this strict approach. 

If you really want Shias to follow message of Hussain a.s then adopt policies of Hussain a.s and be a role model for them in this way it may happen that someone among million may consider you as inspiration instead of a person who always criticizes and nothing good to speak about.

[ShiaMan14]

22 hours ago, 786:) said:

Our salvation depends on the expression of grief of Karbala? That's a bold statement. Please present proof.

Our salvation depends on the remembrance of Karbala. 

Karbala was not Hussain vs. Yazeed. It was really about "one like Hussain" vs "one like Yazeed". So to this day, we remind the world about the eternal battle of Haq vs Batil and it was epitomized in Karbala.

[islam25]

26 minutes ago, Sindbad05 said:

hahahahaha, listen bro, are you aware as to how many people on earth learn from Hussain's martyrdom and this great mourning ?

Do you have any apparatus to calculate that how many people in the world gave up their wrong ideologies that saw the mourning and listened to it.

Yeah it may happen that for many people Quran has no significance but when Allah wants, He AWJ through Quran lights up many lives. 

Similar is the case of Karbala, you do not know that when and where a person may understands Hussain. Do you think that 313 will come out of nowhere ?

So, instead of saying that shias have forgotten everything and assuming that you have knowledge of ghaib that Allah AWJ have told everything, you should focus on yourself and do not adopt this strict approach. 

If you really want Shias to follow message of Hussain a.s then adopt policies of Hussain a.s and be a role model for them in this way it may happen that someone among million may consider you as inspiration instead of a person who always criticizes and nothing good to speak about.

Mr. I did not say that Shia have forgot everything. But I said that Shia have limited imam Hussain to only mourning. 

Definitely there are some great shia scholars we try to teach people real message of karbala. And it is not my view rather shia scholars. 

And I never opposed mourning. But yes give primary importance to why imam gave sacrifice. 

Definitely not for source of mourning for shias. 

[ShiaMan14]

On 9/19/2017 at 9:29 AM, islam25 said:

 No martyrdom of Imam Hussain was not so that others will express grief. It was only for guidance of people towards Haq.Our primary concern must be to implement shariah islam guide people towards Allah and mourning. 

How is this acheived? ISIS style?

If the mourning over Imam Hussain (as) all over the world among the 200+ million shias leads just ONE PERSON on the right part, it is totally worth it.  

[ShiaMan14]

3 minutes ago, islam25 said:

Mr. I did not say that Shia have forgot everything. But I said that Shia have limited imam Hussain to only mourning. 

Definitely there are some great shia scholars we try to teach people real message of karbala. And it is not my view rather shia scholars. 

And I never opposed mourning. But yes give primary importance to why imam gave sacrifice. 

Definitely not for source of mourning for shias. 

You fail to understand the importance of azadari and mourning for Hussain so you trivialize it. Or you fully understand its importance and trivialize  it.

The institute of azadari instills a deep love and understanding for the AhlulBayt which brings us closer to Islam and Allah. But you probably know that - that is why you disparage it.

 

[786:)]

9 minutes ago, shiaman14 said:

Our salvation depends on the remembrance of Karbala. 

Karbala was not Hussain vs. Yazeed. It was really about "one like Hussain" vs "one like Yazeed". So to this day, we remind the world about the eternal battle of Haq vs Batil and it was epitomized in Karbala.

Right. So Karbala is not limited to chest beating and blood letting. It is light years beyond that. The problem is that we have created such a dogmatic illustration of Karbala that outsiders only see our wicked barbaric rituals when it comes to it. Also, some people only care to protect their rituals instead of the actual message of Karbala. Karbala is not safeguarded by these rituals as some may perceive. Rather it is these practices and rituals which keep millions away from ever getting a quench of Imam Husain (as).

[islam25]

19 minutes ago, shiaman14 said:

How is this acheived? ISIS style?

If the mourning over Imam Hussain (as) all over the world among the 200+ million shias leads just ONE PERSON on the right part, it is totally worth it.  

Those who want bring others to right path. Let them first be on right path taught by imam Hussain as. 

[islam25]

18 minutes ago, shiaman14 said:

You fail to understand the importance of azadari and mourning for Hussain so you trivialize it. Or you fully understand its importance and trivialize  it.

The institute of azadari instills a deep love and understanding for the AhlulBayt which brings us closer to Islam and Allah. But you probably know that - that is why you disparage it.

 

You are free to do Azadari of Imam Hussain with more love and belief. 

But do not change or blur  message of Imam Hussain of guiding people and do not limit it to Azadari. 

[MuslimahAK]

@islam25 what is it that you feel is the true message of Karba'la and Imam Hussain (as)? Can you please explain more. 

Also, what is Azadari?

[ShiaMan14]

3 hours ago, islam25 said:

Those who want bring others to right path. Let them first be on right path taught by imam Hussain as. 

so all the people who commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) are not on the right path. All of them?

3 hours ago, islam25 said:

You are free to do Azadari of Imam Hussain with more love and belief. 

But do not change or blur  message of Imam Hussain of guiding people and do not limit it to Azadari. 

I havent seen anyone blur the message of Imam Hussain (as). You need to hand around better people brother.

[ShiaMan14]

4 minutes ago, MuslimahAK said:

@islam25 what is it that you feel is the true message of Karba'la and Imam Hussain (as)? Can you please explain more. 

Also, what is Azadari?

Azadari = mourning for Imam Hussain (as).

The true message of Karbala is different for each person. To me, it is the age-old strugggle of haqq (righteousness) over batil (wrong). From the time of Adam's sons until now, batil has always tried to eliminate haqq for a variety of reasons. This was epitomized in Karbala.

It also shows us how to maintain steadfastness in faith - refusal to bow down to evil.

I could go on and on...

[Urwatul Wuthqa]

Muharrum as well as Safar are the months specific for remembering the tragedy of Karbala, the sufferings of Ahlul Bayt (a.s)

18th Dhulhajja was the day of perfection of Islam (alyouma akmalto lakum deenokum), 10th Muharram was the day of protection of Islam.  

This is the month of "Zibhe Azeem":

Surah As-Saaffat, Verse 107:

وَفَدَيْنَاهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ

And We ransomed him with a Feat sacrifice.

(English - Shakir)

Those who have offered the sacrifices of their lives & their belongings, were the beloved of Allah, His Apostle (pbuh), Amirul Momineen (a.s) & Syeda Fatima (s.a). 

[Sindbad05]

3 hours ago, islam25 said:

Mr. I did not say that Shia have forgot everything. But I said that Shia have limited imam Hussain to only mourning. 

Definitely there are some great shia scholars we try to teach people real message of karbala. And it is not my view rather shia scholars. 

And I never opposed mourning. But yes give primary importance to why imam gave sacrifice. 

Definitely not for source of mourning for shias. 

Well bro, It is Ayotullah who can criticize us but we cannot. Because Prophet PBUHHP said: "Before criticizing any other look in yourself if you do not possess that thing for which you are criticizing other". 

Since we both, you and me are involved in this sin not to have applied full principles of Imam Hussain a.s so why should we accuse others ? Let us first be like that and if you then feel then you can do that Like Agha Hasan Nasarullah and Ayotullah Rohullah Khomeini. 

If you have not done anything like that then according to Prophet PBUHHP you lack that qualification bro. 

who knows that many Shias are above you who mourn and you are also alleging them without understanding that. 

[MuslimahAK]

What is Zibhe Azeem? What Argha? Sorry I'm still fairly new and don't understand many things.