Mumbai: Shia Muslims prepare to mark martyrdom of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) as Muharram begins

As the holy Islamic month of Muharram begins, the Shia Muslims in Mumbai are preparing to mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his pure family.

During the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, public gatherings and processions were prohibited.

Explaining about the history and significance of Muharram, the ‘All India Shia Personal Law Board’ spokesperson Maulana Yasoob Abbas said: “During this month, 1400 years ago Imam Hussein and his family had reached Karbala, now a city in Iraq. Imam Hussein and his 72 companions were martyred on the day of Ashura (the 10th day of Muharram) in Karbala by the Army of Yazid on his orders. The Shia Muslims remember the massacre and to mark public mourning and remembering the pain inflicted upon their great leader and his family members. The community members wear black clothes, organise mourning ceremonies and take out processions to mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, peace be upon them.”

He mentioned, “The Shia community members not only in India but across the world distribute food and water to people remembering Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, his children and companions who were martyred while being without any food and water for three days.”

It is worth mentioning that during Muharram and Safar, Shia Muslims refrain from attending and celebrating joyous events due to the painful tragedy that befell the Prophet’s family, peace be upon them.