The first month of the Islamic calendar is known as the Moharram and this month is of special importance to the Muslim community around the world. Moharram is considered the month of mourning and is extremely sacred to Muslims.
Although the entire month of Moharram is considered to be special and holy, the tenth day of this month, known as Yum-e-Ashura or Ashura, has special significance in the Muslim community. Ashura was the son of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson Imam Hussein Yazid during the Karbala War in modern day Iraq.
Ashura 2020 Date:
Ashura falls on the tenth day of the month of Moharram, and according to the Islamic calendar – which is based on the observation of the moon – the month of Moharram began on August 21, 2020, so Ashura day, which falls on August 30 this year, is Sunday.
Asura 2020 Significance:
Ashura Day marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. In the Battle of Karbala on October 10, 680 AD, Yazid’s army defeated Shiraz of Hussein. Thus, this day is considered a period of mourning for Muslims.
In another instance, it is believed that Allah saved the Egyptians, another messenger – Moses (Moses) from the Egyptians, and split the sea to help his people escape. Some people think that the day Noah (Noah) left the ark.
Differently identified by Shia and Sunni Muslims:
Ashura Day is marked by Shia and Sunni, two groups of Muslims from around the world. While this is of great importance to Shia Muslims, the day is not so important to Sunni Muslims, so the day highlights the divide between Shia and Sunni Muslims.
Shia Muslims:
Shia Muslims regard Ashura as a day to commemorate the sacrifice of Imam Hussein and his companions, martyred by the Yazid army during the Karbala War. On this day the Shiites chant a large procession and Izam Hussein’s Tajia (the replica of the Holy Tomb) as Ta Ya Husain and Ya Ali.
Shia Muslims recall the agony suffered by the Imam. They recount an event that took place centuries ago to teach their children about their great martyrdom. They shot themselves with sharp weapons, and this ritual is known as Tatbir or Khama Jani.
People of the Shia community fast from the 1st to the 9th of the month of Moharram, however, they refrain from fasting on the 10th day of the Moharram or Ashura. In the Shia community, this cycle lasts 2 months and 8 days.
Sunni Muslims:
While Shia Muslims march and mark this day as miserable, Sunni Muslims mark this day for a few different reasons, including the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. The Sunnis believed that on this day Prophet Mohammed began his journey from Mecca to Medina.
Also, it is believed that Allah saved the Prophet Moses (Moses) and his Ummah (his followers) from the Pharaoh of Israel by creating a path at sea. This day also marks the time when the Prophet Noah left his ark.
Sunni Muslims celebrate fasting on the ninth and tenth day (Ashura) of Muharram as the Prophet Mohammed celebrates this fast. However, since fasting is compulsory only during the month of Ramadan, it is not mandatory for Sunni or Shia Muslims to observe this fast.
