The Islamic Calendar’s first month is known as Muharram or the sacred month. During this month, Muslims are inhibited from fighting and some undertake to fast.
These first ten days of the month memorize the fearful battle of Karbala in Iraq where the army of Yazad mercilessly slaughtered Prophet Mohammed’s grandson Hazrat Imam Hussein, his family as well as his supporters. This occasion is commemorated by Shia Muslims by mourning while it is observed peacefully by Sunni Muslims. On the first day of Muharram, black clothes are worn by Shia Muslims which signifies the color of mourning and they listen to the incidents of Prophet Hazrat Imam Hussein.
Yaumu-I Ashurah is the tenth day of Muharram in which huge processions are taken out by Shia Muslims carrying banners, walking barefoot on the roads, holding colorful taziyahs, and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people. With the help of sharp metal which is tied to a chain, they wound their own body to express grief and lament “Ya Hussain”.
