In Islam, Muharram is the first month of the year and one of the four holy months. For both Shia and Sunni Muslims, it is a religiously important place. But the 10th day of Muharram, or Ashura, marks a major historical event that is different from both of their celebrations.
What Shias Do to Be Sad During Muharram
When it comes to Shia Muslims, Muharram is a very sad time, especially the ten days before Ashura. It remembers Imam Hussain, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. He was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
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Shias hold majlis, which are meetings where scholars talk about the terrible events of Karbala.
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To remember Hussain’s death, they sing naqash and marsiyas, which are both types of elegies.
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As a way to deal with their sadness, a lot of people do matam, which is a ritual of beating their chest and shaming themselves.
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It is also usual for processions to carry taziyas, which are copies of Hussain’s tomb.
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Shias see Imam Hussain’s death as a sign of the never-ending fight for truth, justice, and freedom from oppression.
What Sunnis Do to Honour Ashura
Sunnis also honor Imam Hussain, but during Muharram, they pay more attention to other things. For them, Ashura is connected to the day that Allah saved Moses and his people from Pharaoh.
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Sunni Muslims fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th.
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They pray, fast, and do good things for others all day.
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There are no public processions or traditions for mourning that Sunnis take part in.
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People don’t cry on this day; instead, they are thankful and think about their spiritual lives.
The Cause of the Split
Different historical and religious factors have led to different observances. Shias believe that Imam Hussain was a leader and a victim chosen by God. Sunnis respect him, but their beliefs are not based on his death.
Last Word: Two Faiths, One Month
As Muharram 2025 gets closer, it’s important to understand these different customs in order to promote mutual respect. Shias and Sunnis both celebrate this holy month in different ways, but they all do so to honor their faith, history, and ideals that come from being Muslim.
