The profound significance of Muharram, the Islamic New Year, through its enduring customs, explored here.
Muharram marks the Islamic New Year and commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
Muharram 1446 AH (2024 CE) marks the first year of the Islamic calendar since the COVID-19 pandemic, symbolizing a new era of resilience and hope globally.
In India, the tradition of Taziya, a symbolic replica of Imam Hussain's tomb, was started by Mongol ruler Taimur in the 14th century.
In Iran, the city of Mashhad holds the world's largest Muharram procession, with millions of mourners participating in the Ashura rituals annually.
In the 14th century, Taimur (Tamerlane) introduced Taziya, a symbolic reenactment of the Battle of Karbala, to the Indian subcontinent, influencing Muharram celebrations.