Journalism of Courage
Muharram is observed all over the world by Muslims. However, for some, it is an event of celebration while others mourn and flog themselves. Shia and Sunni Muslims observe Muharram for different reasons. Shias mourn and weep on this day to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala, while Sunnis celebrate it by fasting. This is to mark victory of Moses over the Egyptian Pharoah by freeing the Isrealites from slavery. Muharram is a holy and sacred month of the Muslims and the 10th day, called Ashura, holds special importance. Click through to see photos of how Muharram is being observed around the world.
Pakistani Shiite Muslims flagellate themselves with chains during a Muharram procession in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday.
(Source: AP)
Muharram is the beginning of the Islamic New Year but is a time when the Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Unlike other festivals, it is not a joyful occasion. Muslims wear black on this day which is the colour of mourning and visit mosques and shrines. Pakistani Muslims gather in Islamabad.(Source: AP)
Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram and just like last year, it is being observed consecutively with Dussehra this year too. Both the days signify the constant battle between the good and the evil. A young boy in Islamabad, Pakistan holding chains attached to knives.(Source: AP)
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is considered sacred. The word 'Muharram' is derived from 'haram', which translates as ' forbidden'. A Muharram procession on boats in Kashmir.(Source: AP)
Sunni Muslims celebrate Ashura to commemorate the victory of Moses over the Egyptian Pharoah when he brought the Israelites out of slavery. Prophet Muhammad urged his followers to fast on the day of Ashura and on the day before that - Tasu'a, the ninth day. Pakistanis pay their respect to the horse, Zul Jinnah in Peshawar, Pakistan.. (Source: AP)
The battle of Karbala has a bloody and tragic story where the Hussain and his family were surrounded by an army of thousands finally after keeping them starved and thirsty in a desert. The story of the killing of Hussain's six-month-old son still makes people break out in tears. Boy flagellates himself in Islamabad, Pakistan.(Source: AP)
The Sunni Muslims fast on this day as Moses also fasted when god saved him and the Israelites and drowned Pharoah and his army when they tried to cross the Red Sea. A procession in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Source: AP)
Shiite faithful pilgrims gather between the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (left) and the holy shrine of Imam Abbas (right) during the Muslim month of Muharram, in Karbala, south of Baghdad, Iraq, on Saturday. (Source: AP)
Shiite pilgrims gather around the holy shrine of Imam Hussein during the Muslim month of Muharram, in Karbala, south of Baghdad, Iraq, on Saturday. (Source: AP)
Pakistani Shiite Muslims flagellate themselves with chains during a Muharram procession in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday. (Source: AP)
A Shia Muslim breaking tube lights during a Muharram procession at Rajnagar in Birbhum district of West Bengal on Sunday. (Source: PTI)
Muslims gather as they carry out a Tazia during a Muharram procession outside the Jama Masjid, in New Delhi on Sunday. (Source: PTI)
Shiite Muslims flagellate themselves with knives attached to chains during a procession to mark Ashoura in Peshawar, Pakistan. (Source: AP)
A Muharram procession passes in front of Durga Puja Pandal at Narkeldanga Main Road, East Kolkata. (Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
(Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
A Muharram procession in progress at B B Ganguly street. (Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
(Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
(Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
(Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
(Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
(Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
(Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
(Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)
