PM Modi: Sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain Continues to Inspire Many on Muharram

On the occasion of Muharram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on Friday, saying that the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) continues to inspire people across the world to remain steadfast in the pursuit of truth and justice. The message underscores a tradition of Indian political leaders publicly acknowledging the religious significance of Muharram for the country's Shia Muslim community.

What PM Modi Said

On the occasion of Muharram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) continues to inspire people across the world to remain steadfast in the pursuit of truth and justice. PM Modi took to social media 'X' and said, "The sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) continues to inspire many people to remain steadfast in the pursuit of truth and justice. It is also a reminder of the enduring power of courage and conviction".

In his message, the Prime Minister framed the occasion as a broader reflection on universal moral values. Taking to X, the Prime Minister said the occasion serves as a reminder of values such as truth, justice, courage and conviction.

What Muharram and Ashura Commemorate

Muharram holds deep religious significance across the Islamic calendar. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, considered one of the holiest periods. The 10th day, Ashura, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala. The observance is closely associated with Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), in the Battle of Karbala.

The historical event itself remains one of the most significant in Islamic history. Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, reaches a crescendo on the 10th day of Muharram, the day when Imam Hussain Ibn Ali and his followers were martyred in 61 Hijri or 680 CE at Karbala, in present-day Iraq. The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is considered one of the most significant and spiritually important days in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions at the Battle of Karbala, an event that symbolises sacrifice, steadfastness, faith and resistance against injustice.

How Shia and Sunni Muslims Observe the Occasion Differently

While Muharram is observed across the Muslim community, the traditions associated with it vary by sect. While both Shia and Sunni Muslims observe Muharram, their traditions differ. For Shia Muslims, the first 10 days of Muharram are marked by mourning to honour the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS). Many wear black, attend special prayer gatherings and majlis, refrain from celebratory activities such as weddings and music, and participate in mourning processions on Ashura. In some communities, devotees engage in chest-beating as an expression of grief and remembrance.

Sunni observance follows a different but related practice. Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, often observe voluntary fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th, following Islamic traditions. Fasting on Ashura is considered a virtuous act, and those who observe it are believed to receive spiritual rewards from Allah.

Processions and Observances Across India

Muharram is widely observed across the country, with notable participation in several states. Religious gatherings, mourning processions and prayer meetings are organised across many parts of India and the world during this period. Meanwhile in Jammu and Kashmir, a large number of Shia Muslims gathered on the streets of Srinagar to participate in the 8th Muharram procession. In Delhi and Srinagar, processions saw participants mourning and paying respects... This event, marked by solemnity, saw participants paying respects to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala as the procession moved through routes in the city. The participants pounded their chests in a display of their sorrow and mourning. In India, the Shia Muslim community, along with people of different religions, participate in large processions and tazias.

The Broader Significance of Muharram

Beyond Ashura itself, Muharram carries additional religious weight as one of Islam's sacred months. Muharram holds immense religious and historical significance for Muslims, not only because it is one of Islam's four sacred months but also because several important events in Islamic history are associated with it. The word "Muharram" means "forbidden," signifying that it is one of the four sacred months in Islam during which warfare is traditionally prohibited. Muslims are encouraged to engage in increased worship, prayer and reflection during this holy month. Muharram also marks the beginning of the Islamic or Hijri New Year, based on 12 lunar months, with the sighting of the new moon determining the start of each month.

For readers interested in a deeper exploration of Muharram's history and the events at Karbala, the Encyclopaedia Britannica's entry on Muharram offers an authoritative overview of the observance's religious and historical context.

A Recurring Gesture of Interfaith Acknowledgment

PM Modi's message follows a consistent practice of Indian political leaders publicly marking major religious occasions across the country's diverse faith communities. By framing Imam Hussain's sacrifice in terms of universal values like truth, courage, and justice, the message aims to resonate with audiences beyond India's Shia Muslim community specifically, positioning the occasion as a moment of shared reflection during a period when millions across India and the world observe mourning processions and prayer gatherings tied to the events of Karbala.