Muharram 2024: Know the history, significance of Ashura and cultural practices
Muslims worldwide. It marks the beginning of the new Islamic year and is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which warfare is traditionally prohibited. The month is particularly notable for the Day of Ashura, a day of deep mourning and reflection for many Muslims, especially those of the Shia sect. Muharram and Ashura hold profound religious, historical, and cultural significance for Muslims. While the observances and rituals may differ between Sunni and Shia communities, the underlying themes of faith, sacrifice, and justice resonate universally.
When is Ashura in 2024?
In 2024, Ashura will be observed on July 17th. The exact date may vary slightly depending on the sighting of the moon, which can affect the start of Muharram. Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram and is the focal point of the month’s observances.
Historical Background of Ashura
The significance of Ashura dates back to various events in Islamic history. For Shia Muslims, Ashura is predominantly a day of mourning in memory of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. This battle, which took place on the plains of Karbala in present-day Iraq, saw Imam Hussein and his small group of supporters brutally killed by the forces of Yazid I, the Umayyad caliph. This tragic event is a defining moment in Shia history and has profound religious and cultural implications.
For Sunni Muslims, it is associated with the day when Prophet Moses and the Israelites were saved
