Significance of Muhurram and list of all Islamic events in this month

[Fatima]

The month of Muharram, being the first in the Islamic calendar, is of immense importance to Muslims globally. It's a time for reflection, prayer, and remembrance of pivotal historical events that have profoundly shaped the Islamic faith.

Significance of Muharram

(a) Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, where fighting is traditionally prohibited, and Muslims are encouraged to engage in peaceful worship and reflection.
(b) It's a month of spiritual awakening, where Muslims reflect on their faith, history, and values.
(c) Good deeds performed during Muharram carry multiplied rewards, while sinful actions are considered more serious .

Key Events in Muharram

(a)1st Muharram: Islamic New Year - marks the beginning of the new Islamic year based on the lunar cycle, commemorating the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Medina.
(b) 2nd Muharram: Arrival of Imam Hussain in Karbala - Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), arrived on the battlefield of Karbala.
(c) 5th Muharram: Khilafat of Uthman bin Affan - Uthman bin Affan was announced as the successor of Umar Ibn Khattab, the second Rashidun Caliph.
(d) 7th Muharram: Water ban on Imam Hussain's family - The army of Yazid banned water for Imam Hussain and his family in Karbala
(e) 10th Muharram: Ashura - a day of fasting for Sunni Muslims to commemorate the deliverance of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh's tyranny. For Shia Muslims, it's a day of mourning for Imam Hussain's martyrdom in the Battle of Karbala ¹ ².
(f) Martyrdom of Imam Hussain - Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred on the 10th of Muharram in 680 CE, along with 72 of his family members and supporters, for standing up against injustice.
(g)During Muharram, Muslims focus on spiritual growth and forgiveness by intensifying their worship, charitable acts, and introspection.

Observance and Importance

(a) Shia Muslims commemorate Muharram with mourning rituals, public processions, and passion plays to honor Imam Hussain's sacrifice.
(b) Sunni Muslims fast on Ashura, honouring both Imam Hussain's martyrdom and historical events like Prophet Musa's crossing of the Red Sea.
(c) Through increased worship, charity, and reflection during Muharram, Muslims strive for spiritual rejuvenation and divine forgiveness.