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10th Muharram History: The 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is called ‘Ashura’. This day has been considered one of the most sad and painful days in the history of the world. This day is not a festival, but a day of remembrance of the martyrs who sacrificed everything for the protection of truth, justice and humanity.
Let us know what is the historical significance of Ashura and why the story of martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) still brings tears to the eyes of every person.
Historical and religious importance of Ashura
According to Islamic history, the 10th day of Muharram (Ashura) is considered very special and sacred. This day had great importance even centuries before the incident of Karbala. It is believed that on this day Allah freed Hazrat Moses (AS) and his followers from the cruel oppression of Pharaoh, on the occasion of which people of Jewish and later Muslim community have been fasting.
However, on this date in the year 61 Hijri (680 AD), such a painful incident took place in the plains of Karbala in Iraq, which immersed this day in deep grief and tears till the end of the day.
Complete story of martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain
This battle of Karbala was not for any power or piece of land, but Haq (truth) and Batil (injustice) There was an ideological conflict between.
Yazid’s cruel rule and Imam Hussain’s denial
At that time, Yazid, the cruel and luxurious ruler of Damascus, had forcibly declared himself the Islamic Caliph. He wanted to run an oppressive rule of his own free will by changing the basic principles of Islam. To legitimize his power, he needed the support (Bayat) of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of Prophet Mohammad. Imam Hussain bluntly refused to bow before Yazid and said that a tyrant can never be a leader of religion and humanity.
Siege of Karbala and strict surveillance on water
When Imam Hussain was moving from Mecca to Kufa with his family, small children and loyal companions, Yazid’s huge army of thousands surrounded him from all sides in the scorching desert of Karbala. From the 7th of Muharram, the Yazidi army completely closed the water of Euphrates River to Imam Hussein’s camp. Despite the scorching sun, sandstorm and intense thirst for three days, Imam Hussain and his companions did not surrender.
10 Muharram: The bloody day that shook humanity
On the 10th day (Ashura), Yazid’s army attacked only 72 loyal companions of Imam Hussain. One by one, Imam Hussain’s brother, his nephew (Qasim), his 18-year-old son (Ali Akbar) were martyred in the battlefield. The limits of oppression were crossed when the archers of the Yazidi army killed the 6-month-old innocent son of Imam Hussain. Ali Asghar He was also martyred by shooting an arrow at his neck.
supreme sacrifice in sajdah
When Imam Hussain was left alone and completely exhausted from his wounds, he decided to offer Asr prayers. As soon as he went into Sajdah (bowing his head) in worship of God, Shiam (Shimr) of the Yazidi army attacked him from behind and put a sword on his neck. Imam Hussain sacrificed his life with a smile, but did not succumb to oppression and dictatorship.
How is Ashura remembered around the world?
Even today, people around the world remember this day in different ways and pay tribute to the martyrs of Karbala:
Condolence meetings and processions (Commemoration): People of Shia and Sufi communities celebrate this day with deep mourning. The story of Karbala is told through Majlis (religious gatherings) and peaceful processions are held to salute the patience and sacrifice of Imam Hussein.
Fasting & Prayers: People of Sunni community keep a special fast on 9th-10th or 10th-11th Muharram on this day to express gratitude towards the victory of the prophets and Allah.
Sabil and Charity: On this day, to serve humanity, ‘Sabeel’ (pyas) of free water and sherbet are installed at various places and food is distributed among the poor, so that the memory of the thirsty martyrs of Karbala can be kept alive.
This historical tale of Karbala gives the message to the world even after centuries that no matter how small the numerical strength is, one should always remain firm on the path of truth and justice. This is the reason why the 10th day of Muharram is still considered the saddest but most inspiring day in history.
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