Moharrum is the first month of Islamic calendar. It
is very sacred and important month of the Muslims. It reminds us the great
martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussein, the grandson of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) at
Karbala.
The whole story behind this martyrdom is that Yazd,
the Caliph of Damascus, was an ambitious man. And he did not like to see the
direct descendants of the Holy Prophet claiming any position to him. He
troubled Imam Husain in many ways, till a broke out which lasted a long time.
Eventually, Imam Hussein died in the field of Karbala. He was kept without food
and drink for several days, and this makes the tragedy he died hungry and
thirsty.
As Hazards Imam Hessian martyr at the 10th of
Moharrum. So the festival of Moharrum lasts for ten days the festival lasts for
ten days, in which the death of Imam, the hero is mourned by pious Muslims.
They sing funeral songs, elegies, lamenting the death of Hussein, and spend
their time in weeping and wailing. Alms are distributed among the poor, and
cold sweetened drinks are specially supplied to the thirsty.
Big processions of Taziahs are held on the 10th
day. Taziahs are huge bamboo structures covered with cultured papers of various
designs are carried in solemn procession through the town, and buried outside,
where a big meal is held. Tania’s are sometimes made of wood and ivory, also,
and are very costly. They represent the tomb of Imam Hussein at Karbala. The
procession is composed of mourners. Who remembering the martyrdom of the holy
hero, are filled ‘the great spiritual anguish. They revere the Taziahs or Talbots.
The worshipers follow or precede these Taziahs, repeating in a very excited
manner the name of ‘Hussein’ (A.S). On the night of 10th Moharrum
‘Sham-e-Khareban” is held.
But there is also another side of the picture, and
that is breakout of riots. These riots are results of religious fanaticism.
Though the mourning in honor of Imam Hussein is observed by all sections of
Muslims, yet the Taziahs are the symbols of worship only among the Shias.
Quarrels break out among Shias and Sunnis, and Ahl-i-Hadith-Shias riots, also,
occur in some places on those occasions.
People should learn religious toleration, and help
one another in observing all religious ceremonies. Mutual concord and sympathy
are very necessary for our national well-being. So we should co-operate with
each other on various religious ceremonies.