Millions of Shia Muslims around the world are getting ready to remember the death of Imam Hussain, who was a key figure in Islamic history. Muharram 2025 is coming up soon. For Shia Muslims, this holy month is a time of deep grief, spiritual thought, and remembering. It is also the start of the Islamic New Year.
What Imam Hussain Left Behind
During the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, Imam Hussain ibn Ali, who was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, stood firm against oppression. He is honoured for this. Imam Hussain refused to swear loyalty to Yazid, the corrupt Umayyad caliph, so he was willing to give up his life rather than give up on justice, truth, and honour. People, especially Shia Muslims, respect him a lot for being brave when he knew he was going to die.
For the Shia faith, Imam Hussain is more than just a martyr. He is a symbol of righteous defiance. His final sacrifice, along with that of his family and followers, shows how important it is to stand strong when you are being mistreated.
Rituals for Mourning During Muharram
Shia Muslims hold majlis (gatherings), processions, recite marsiyas (elegies), and do symbolic acts of self-flagellation during Muharram, especially on the 10th day, which is known as Ashura. These are all ways for them to show their grief and support for the people who suffered at Karbala.
In India, places like Lucknow, Hyderabad, Srinagar, and Mumbai have big processions where people dressed in black chant “Ya Hussain” together to remember the people who died at Karbala. Free food and drink are available at temporary stands that honour Imam Hussain’s teachings of kindness and service to others.
What Spirituality Means in Today’s World
Today, Imam Hussain’s fight against injustice still inspires groups for human rights, justice, and civil rights. A lot of leaders and scholars who are not Muslim have recognised his impact. Some people, like Mahatma Gandhi, said, “I learnt from Hussain how to win while being beaten.”
Shia groups around the world will not only remember Imam Hussain’s death, but they will also try to live by his principles of truth, justice, and sacrifice.
