Muharram means many things to many people. A frequent phrase you hear is, "Every place is Karbala, every day is Ashura".
Here are a selection of thoughts of Muslims about what they think about Muharram.
On Ashura, we asked London Shi'a Muslims what this month of mourning means to them, watch a selection here (Dur: 3:48). Requires free Real Player
Aatif, 23
Muharram redefines for me the struggle between good and evil. It helps me appreciate standing by one's principles and never giving up. I feel humbled and inspired by those who laid down their lives for us and want to chage my own life when I reflect on their struggle. I would really like to change myself for the better for this Muharram.
Mehdi, 19, London
This is the understanding of what took place, learning about the principles that such a great man and authority stood for, his forbearance to the oppression, his courage, bravery, modesty, his character.
Jamilla, 19, London
A time to contemplate about the suffering that my ancestors went through to spread the true word of Allah. It helps me to realise how small any problem I have is compared to what they went through, to appreciate their efforts and to help me think about the way that I conduct my life and the improvements I can make to become a better person.
Farah, 33, London
A reinforcement of standing up for Justice at any cost. A time to reflect and identify whether I, myself am a Mulsim who compromises knowing what Allah (SWT) has ordered. Like those of Yazid's army...A time of great sadness at the loss of the beloved of the Prophet.
Abbas, 23, London
Muharram means standing up against oppression and commemorate it means keeping the spirit of Imam Husayn (AS) still alive in his protest against a corrupted society.
Zahra, 21, Enfield
It is the time of year when I remember and grieve for the loss of Imam Husayn (AS) and in remembering the events of Karbala and His (AS) martrydom I realise the importance of the power of Islam and true faith. It also makes me realise I have to stand up for what's right and never take oppression.
Nadia, 27, London
Everyone needs to empty their hearts and minds from time to time...for us Muslimswe gather in mosques and celebrate the birth or grieve for the death of Imams. This lets us keep going in life.
Senar, 25, Wempley
The greatest sacrifice in human history, an example that is set to be followed but never to be surpassed.
Munir Jagani
Asalam alaikum, it's our pledging to continue standing,striving and fighting for what Imam Husayn stood, strived and fought for.
Standing for what is right,
Striving to stop wrong
Fighting to the end if need be.
May God Grant us martyrdom.
Ali Al-Mumen
"The victory of blood over the sword!" That's what Imam Husayn (AS) wanted to reflect through his revolution over 1000 years ago. He wanted to show humanity that people should sacrifice their blood and souls for what is right and to overcome evil and stand in evil's face. Muharram is a month where Husayn's (AS) followers try to understand the principles that he set and try to follow them and exercise them, whether in speaking or in action. Some people wonder why his followers still mourne him today although he died more than a 1000 years ago; here's the answer: Husayn (AS) is still alive in our hearts and will always be, for he will never die in our hearts.
Ali, 20, Birmingham
Imam Husayn (may peace and blessings be upon him) epitomises all that is pure in a man. In a society filled with immorality and corruption, we are all in need of a guide. Imam Husayn is the most perfect rolemodel for all of mankind, whom we can strive to emulate. His light radiates in all four corners of the world all year round. As we say, "Every day is Ashura, and every land is Karbala." He who is in search of love should search for Imam Husayn.
Rupert Walker
Muharram is a month of pure sadness. Karbala will forever be known as the holy land. Imam Husayn died for us. He wanted his shia's never to forget prayer. The least we can do for him is never miss our prayers. We beat ourselves in grief for Imam Husyn.
Muslim Rajani, Leicester
The Love of Imam Hussein (As) is always there but as soon as 1st Night of Muharram comes it is always dark and black in and around the Shia Community around the world. Muharram starts a lot of good doing again. Imam Hussein (as) is sacrifice for humanity.
Sayyed Mudhafar Ridha, 34, Leeds
It is simply the renewal of our allegiance to our faith and our religion, this is an on going regeneration of faithful that will lasts forever, it is like the four seasons "from death springs life".
whoever, what we practice of rituals during these days are of personal grieves on Imam Hussein and his Household and companions, yet some of these practices are done by minority and are yet to be proved by our religious authority, wither they are in conjunctions with the correct practicing of Islam or not.
Turab Jaffri
To me Muharram is a month in which justice has raised against the injustice and it has proved that as far as the history is concerned, Justice has always been the conqueror.
Ashura is the national mourning day of the oppressed nation and a day of bravery and the new birth of Islam and the Muslims. It is the sacrifice of the Lord of the martyrs which has kept Islam alive (for us). With the initiation of the month of Muharram, [in fact], the month of bravery and sacrifice started. The month during which the blood conquered the sword. Imam Hussain (A.S.) sacrificed himself along with his children and relatives. After his martyrdom Islam was enforced.
Fatimak & Zahra, 19 and 16 year old sisters, London
Muharram is like a reminder of why I exist, and to appreciate things like water more, remember the tragedy, how muslims should behave,and greive for Imam Hussain and his suffering to give justice for all people, and most of all too keep islam running partly why it is still here today.
Fatimak
Muharram is like a reminder of why I exist, and to appreciate things like water more, remember the tragedy, how muslims should behave...and greive for Imam hussain and his suffering.
Zaynab Corleone, 16, London
Is it any wonder that the mourning of Imam Husayn was banned in Sadamn's tyrannical reign? Is it any wonder that the forces of oppression have attacked again in Karbala in a pathetic attempt to annihilate the spirit of Imam Husayn? Is it any wonder that the followers of tyranny and oppression go to extensive measures to try and eradicate the forces which stood up for humanity and all that is right? No, it is not any wonder, the message of Imam Husayn poses a threat to these oppressors as it symbolises the eternal battle between good versus evil, and is the strength and power behind so many movements, this was not an attack on Shi'a, this was an attack on Imam Husayn, 1360 years after the original attack, conducted by the followers of those who plotted the original attack, yet they do not know, that as long as the Sun shall rise, the spirit of Imam Husayn shall echo loudly in our hearts.
Duaa Majeed, 23, London
Imam Husayn not only sacrificed himself but also his beloved house hold in order to set an example to the whole of humanity, that oppression and persecution should never be tolerated. Imam Husayn, the grandson of the prophet Mohammed (pbuh) was denied the basic rights, freedom of speech, democracy and justice that many people lack today. Believing in human rights for all, Imam Husayn did not merely talk about justice but honourably and knowingly paid with his life in order to achieve it. His martyrdom, was not only a sacrifice for Islam and for peace to prevail, but also gives us the inspiration that the strength and willpower of Imam Husayn is within each and everyone of us and it is our duty, not only as Muslim but as human beings to answer the calls of the oppressed and persecuted. This is what Muharram and the day of Ashura, in particular, helps to remind me. If Imam Husayn paid for this by sacrificing his life and the lives of his beloved household, then we should at the very least commemorate his profound, courage, strength and most of all his determination to stand up for what is right and just. .
Fatima, 19, London
Muharram is our sacred month, the name of Imam Husayn (a.s) is enough to bring tears into our eyes. If you are oppressed then fighting for your right is a God given right to every human being, Husayn showed us how to live forever by sacrificing all he had. He showed us how not to be oppressed, by becoming an example that shines for all Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Even when he was being slaughtered, he was praying to God, "O'Allah forgive these people", he was praying for his killers, he showed us what being a human being is all about. Allahu Akbar (God is Great), is the message from Karbala.
Samir Al-Haidari
Imam Hussain (pbuh) taught us the meaning of unconditional submission for Islam. His famous words will always be remembered when he said
"Death with dignity is preferable to life in dishonour"; such that even Ghandi a Non-Muslim said, "I learnt from Hussain how to fight
oppression to be victorious." The day Imam Hussain (pbuh) was martyred on the plains of Karbala was the day he was reborn, for the revolution
he incited sets loose the everlasting cry for righteousness and justice which has been instilled in the hearts of the Muslims for 1400 years.
Zahra, 19, London
After the events of Ashura in Karbala this year, Muharram shows us that the principles fought for 1400 years ago are the principles every
generation must hold with utmost importance, and every generation will
suffer for those principles. A stance against oppression, for freedom
of expression will always be attacked by those who don't believe in
these principles, but these principles will never be destroyed even
though they try to destroy the followers, and the mosques and the
supporters. The spirit of Imam Hussein lives on, and will always live
on with his followers. We will never forget you, Imam Hussein, and we
will never cease to be grateful for what you have done. Peace be on You.
Hammad, originally Iranian, 18, London
(Muharram) represents a lot of values that a lot of Iranians and Shi'a think are important such as bravery and faith. It's an emotional day,
an emotional month, we look at the sacrifice the Imam Husayn (made) its important to every one us, it's a connection that everyone
individually has with him, its very important emotionally.
Hussein, originally from Iraq, 24
The basic idea of Imam Husayn is that even if you're small you have a right to express a point of view and right to express it. Ashura
is remembering the right always win in the end. Ghandi said he learnt from Imam Husayn how to win against an oppressor when I'm weak.
I feel sad (about Ashura) but at the same time after 1400 years we still remember it so he did actually win at the end, so even though he
was brutally killed at Karbala his principles actually won out.
Marshall Ali, 12, London
We hit ourselves because of Husayn because he died and he was a good man as well
Roy, 12, London
Today I felt sad because (the grandson of the) Prophet died, we have to beat our chests because he died.
Navid Nayeri, 14, London
Today (Ashura) meant commemorating the matrydom of an importrant Imam to Shi'a Muslims because he risked his life
for freedom and he was against evil. It is sad for many but in a sense it should be a happy day as he overcame evil.
We all chanted Imam Husayn's name.
Ali, 17, Canada
In very simple terms, Muharram and the example of Imam Husayn (Peace Be Upon Him) is the only pathway for every oppressed
individual in this world to achieve freedom. Thank you for allowing the world to hear and understand our voices.
Asif Rahemtulla, 32, Peterborough
Centuries on, the martyrdom on the day of Ashura is very much alive in my heart today.
To re-live the history during Muharram is an integral part of my life as the messages from the tragedy
can be applied to our daily lives - whether you are a Muslim or not.
Ali Ridha Jaffar
The events of Karbala, the day of Ashura in particular, reflect
the collision of the good versus the evil, the virtuous versus the
wicked. It demonstrates to us all that the virtue of man can eliminate
the vice of evil. Karbala is a role model for all, Muslim, or Non-Muslim,
Shi'a, or Sunni.
M Gulamhusein, London
Imam Husayn said, "A death in respect is better than a life of humiliation"
and also, "If you do not believe in any religion than at least think
like a free man". What Husayn has taught is freedom and fear no
one but the Almighty. If you put your trust in the Almighty and
do not succumb to tyranny and injustices then you will be successful
in life and in your mission. Husayn lost the battle but won the
war. Today after 1400 years he is still alive and has a strange
magnetism that attracts people and they commemorate the fateful
day Ashura as if the event has taken place in their times.
Khalil Ashoor, Bahrain
What happened in Ashura is a lesson for the whole humanity that
is how the life become nothing for whom looking for others needs
such as freedom, dignity and justice.
Farheen, 23, Manchester
The tears that flow from the eyes of those who remember the events of Kerbala to this day have kept Islam in the hearts of the believers and unites them with such emotion which is too much to quantify and too strong to be dispersed....With every tear that flows the message of Karbala lives on...
Abu Hurayrah, 20, London
When I face troubles in my lifetime, I try to remember the suffering of Imam Husayn and realise that my worries do not even compare to the hardships he endured
Medhdi, 20, London
Muharram symbolises that as long as there are people who are just and truthful, there is hope for all the people on Earth at times of hardship and oppression and subjugation by the global forces of arrogance whomever it may be.
Kashif Khalid, 20, London
Muharram is a month which reminds me of the biggest sacrifice that humanity has ever seen. It is a month that purifies my belief and reminds me that we should live in a respectful manner, doing good things and staying away from bad.
Sundus Al-Killidar, 20, London
Year after year Muharram strengthens my faith by reminding me of how much hardship the descendants of the Prophet went through to deliver Islam...
Amer Raza, 26, Manchester
Muharram means a time of sadness, sacrifice and patience, where we as Muslims should take time to reflect and learn as a lesson, to make us think more about the important things that matter in life.
Medhi Ali, 23, Isle of Wight
An example for every generation...a ray of light to the current age of darkness.
Alaa, 21, London
Muharram is important because it reminds us of our identity (Shi'a) and our obligations to Al-Husayn. The event of Karbala has been denied in one form or another throughout history, the Shi'a will never forget.
Rowaida El-Hassans, 19, London
I am a recent convert to Shi'aism...I was raised a Muslim Sunni..the month of Muharram was of little spiritual importance to me. Before becoming a Shi'a I did not know the story of Karbala...I (now) intend in sharing the story of the progeny of the Prophet with all Muslim sects so that they too can come to understand and respect the Shi'a.
Noor Owainati, 16, London
It is a time when we must try to go one step further in our faith in order to maintain this faith that has been fought so hard to be kept pure.
Iyeman Ayed, 21, London
...Imam Husayn taught us a lot of lessons. One of the most important lessons is to die with dignity, fighting for the poor, for justice and for those who cannot help themselves.
Ali H, 19, London
What happened in Karbala in that month of Muharram represents the pinnacle of "enjoying right and forbidding wrong" which society depends on.
Ali Bakir, 21, Surrey
To remember the concept of sacrifice and how to apply it. To appreciate
the value of Islam and whether we would be without the sacrifice
of Imam Husayn.
Zahra, 21, London
The most important lessons to be learnt from this sacrifice is: "It is better to die without honour than live in humiliation" (quote from Imam Husayn). The life after death is the more important, eternal life.
Anon, 22, London
I think of the month as a means of strengthening my faith in my religion. Islam itself is more than a religion, it is a way of life. To follow it requires an ardent desire, effort and commitment. Remembering the persecution and atrocities inflicted upon the household of the Prophet of Islam reminds me to uphold the teachings and principles of the religion in my life.
Zaynab, 16, London
This event which occurs once a year means so much to me the effect lasts for the whole year and as it starts to wear out, Muharram is once again upon me and recharges all the emotions and feelings.
Anon, 16, London
It teaches me that Islam did not come to us on a silver plate, a lot of people had to sacrifice their lives. I believe it is a very special time for Muslims to gather, feeling a sense of unity.
Hassan Jawad, London
It is the perpetual episode that excludes termination,
That has precise influence since the day of scarification.
In this divine month was the prophet's grandson assassination,
This ascended Islam, after its wreck by former administration.
The tragedy of kabala is identified as god's determination,
And is recognized as a message to the entire creation.
"Firmly pursue the path which summits paradise elation
And evoke the historic tragedy of Karbala by observation."
It illustrates the actual Islam and calls each individualization,
To penetrate the entry of peaceful religion through invitation.
The mourning in Muharram and wearing of black is an indication,
Of our sympathy which will persist in progressing generation.
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