Muharram (The Sacred Month)

Muharram (Arabic: محرم) is the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and one of the four sacred months (al-ashhur al-hurum), during which warfare and bloodshed are forbidden in Islam. The word "muharram" means "forbidden" or "sacred."

For Shia Muslims, Muharram is the most important month of the year, as it marks the commemoration of Imam Husayn's (peace be upon him) martyrdom in Karbala on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) 61 Hijri. The first ten days of Muharram are a period of deep mourning and reflection, when Shia Muslims worldwide hold majalis (memorial gatherings), processions, and special prayers.

Imam al-Ridha (peace be upon him) said: "Muharram is the month in which the pre-Islamic people forbade injustice and war. But this people (the Umayyads) permitted therein the shedding of the Prophet's family's blood, the violation of his honor, and the theft of his descendants' property. Allah will hold them to account" (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 44).

Specific acts of worship during Muharram include: daily participation in majalis, recitation of Ziyarat Ashura, special prayers and du'as for each of the ten days, fasting on the 1st and 3rd of Muharram (but not the 10th, as Shia tradition discourages Ashura fasting), and generous distribution of food and drink (nazr) to the community. Many Shia Muslims dress in black as a sign of mourning. Muharram programs in husayniyyahs and mosques serve as a gathering point for the entire Shia Muslim community.