With the beginning of the new year of Islamic calendar from October 3, the Shiite Muslims of the State capital have started donning black attire to mark the greatest sacrifice of the mankind and to observe Moharram that would be observed on Wednesday, October 12. Majlis and Tazia preparations were started and the Shiite Muslims are also doing Matam in memory of Imam Hussain.
All India Muslim Tehwar Committee Chairman Ausaf Shahmiri Khurram in a statement said, “With the sighting of Moharram moon daily Majlises were started in various Imambaras of Bhopal. Alam procession was taken out on seventh of Moharram that was on October 9, on the ninth of Moharram that is today Matam on fire was held and on the tenth of Moharram that would be October 12, Alam and Tazia procession would be taken out.”
The month of Muharram is one of the holiest months for Muslims because of its significance. During this month prophet Muhammad’s younger grandson Imam Hussain was martyred in the battle of Karbala. It is said Imam Hussain preferred a death of a martyr rather than surrender to a tyrant.
Muharram marking the first month of Islamic calendar carries a message of awakening for the entire humanity. For the first ten days, people gather in public for mourning ceremonies and gently remind the entire community of how good wins over the evil.
Muharram period has its rituals. During this period especially Shiite Muslims prefer to wear black clothes as a mark of mourning and serve mourners of Imam Hussain with food and special drinks made of milk and fruits.
The biggest mourning ceremonies take place on the tenth day of the month Ashura, for the whole night people gather at mosques and revive the whole episode of the battle of Karbala, and reiterate the fact that they will do whatever possible to carry on the mission of Imam Hussain.