Introduction
Imam Hussain ibn Ali (A.S), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), stands as a symbol of resistance against tyranny, injustice, and corruption. His martyrdom in the desert of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram, 61 A.H. (680 CE), was not merely a tragic event; it was a defining moment in Islamic history that delivered a powerful message to all Muslims across time: never to submit to oppression and always to uphold the principles of justice, truth, and righteousness.
However, with the passage of time, many Muslims have lost sight of Imam Hussain’s true message. Instead of embodying the values he died for, certain cultural innovations and un-Islamic practices have become associated with Muharram commemorations. This article delves into the profound message of Imam Hussain (A.S) and also critiques, in light of the Qur’an and Hadith, the misguidance practiced by some during Muharram.
The Timeless Message of Imam Hussain (A.S)
1. Standing Against Oppression
The core of Imam Hussain’s message is resistance against oppression and corruption. He famously said:
“I have not risen to spread evil or to show off. I only desire to seek reform in the nation of my grandfather. I want to enjoin good and forbid evil.”
(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 44)
Imam Hussain (A.S) rejected the illegitimate rule of Yazid because Yazid represented a blatant departure from Islamic principles. Yazid was known for his corruption, drinking, immorality, and abuse of power. Hussain’s refusal to pledge allegiance was a moral and religious stand against such tyranny.
Qur’anic Reference:
The Qur’an commands believers to stand firmly for justice, even against themselves:
“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it be against yourselves, your parents, or your kin…”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:135)
Imam Hussain (A.S) lived this verse by sacrificing everything – his family, wealth, and ultimately his life – to stand for justice.
2. Preserving the Spirit of True Islam
Imam Hussain’s (A.S) uprising was not for power, fame, or material gain. He stood to preserve the true essence of Islam, which was being distorted under Yazid’s rule. Yazid’s actions were endangering the moral and spiritual fabric of the ummah.
“If Islam is to be saved only by my death, then O swords! Come and take me!”
(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 44)
This highlights that Islam is not merely rituals but a way of life built on justice, equity, truth, and devotion to God.
Hadith Reference:
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain. Allah loves those who love Hussain.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3775)
This hadith confirms that Hussain’s path was one with the Prophet (PBUH). His martyrdom was a continuation of the Prophet’s mission – to uphold the values of Tawheed (Oneness of God), justice, and righteousness.
3. The Concept of ‘Amr bil Ma’ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar’ (Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil)
Imam Hussain (A.S) declared that one of his key goals was to enjoin good and forbid evil, a principle emphasized throughout the Qur’an.
Qur’anic Reference:
“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong: they are the successful.”
(Surah Aal-Imran, 3:104)
Karbala was the practical implementation of this verse. It reminds Muslims of their duty to speak and act against evil even when the cost is high.
Misguided Practices in Muharram: A Deep-Dive Critique
Despite the purity of Imam Hussain’s (A.S) mission, many Muslims have adopted practices during Muharram that are either culturally invented or outright forbidden in Islam. This section discusses these practices in light of Islamic teachings.
1. Self-Flagellation (Tatbir, Qama Zani, and Zanjeer Zani)
Practice:
In some communities, people beat themselves with chains, knives, or blades to express grief over Imam Hussain’s martyrdom.
Islamic Position:
This practice is bid’ah (innovation) and goes against the teachings of Islam. It is neither practiced nor endorsed by the Prophet (PBUH) or the Imams of Ahlul Bayt.
Qur’anic Reference:
“And do not kill yourselves. Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you.”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:29)
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“He who makes an innovation in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam) that is not from it, it will be rejected.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Inflicting self-harm is not a sign of devotion; rather, it distorts the noble cause of Karbala and presents Islam as a religion of pain rather than purpose.
2. Excessive Wailing and Lamentation
Practice:
Many gatherings involve loud weeping, chest-beating, and poetic expressions of grief that sometimes border on theatrics and exaggeration.
Islamic Position:
Moderate expression of grief is permissible, as the Prophet (PBUH) himself wept for the martyrs. However, excessive lamentation, shrieking, or blaming God is prohibited.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“He is not of us who strikes his cheeks, tears his clothes, and cries in the manner of the pre-Islamic age.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1294)
The focus should be on understanding the lessons of Karbala, not engaging in cultural mourning devoid of spiritual growth.
3. Neglecting Salah and Fasting During Muharram Gatherings
Issue:
Ironically, many Muslims who attend Majlis (gatherings) during Muharram are neglectful of their daily prayers or even fasting on Ashura.
Islamic Position:
Imam Hussain (A.S) died to protect Salah (prayer) and other pillars of Islam. Abandoning them while mourning him is a contradiction.
Qur’anic Reference:
“And establish prayer and give zakah and obey the Messenger – that you may receive mercy.”
(Surah An-Nur, 24:56)
The real tribute to Imam Hussain (A.S) is to follow what he died for – not just to mourn him.
Days Fasting in Muharram (9th & 10th Muharram) – Islamic Perspective with References
Fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram—known as Tāsuʿā and ʿĀshūrāʾ—is a Sunnah practice in Islam, rich in historical significance and spiritual merit.
🌙 Background: What is Ashura?
The 10th of Muharram (ʿĀshūrāʾ) is one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar. It is known for several major historical events, the most significant being the deliverance of Prophet Musa (Moses) A.S. and the Israelites from Pharaoh’s tyranny.
📜 Quranic Reference:
While the Quran doesn’t mention the fasting of Ashura specifically, it does reference the deliverance of Bani Israel:
“And We inspired to Moses, ‘Travel by night with My servants; indeed, you will be pursued.’ And Pharaoh sent among the cities gatherers. Indeed, those are but a small band. And indeed, they are enraging us. And indeed, we are a cautious society… So We took them out of gardens and springs. And We caused the Children of Israel to cross the sea…”
—Surah Ash-Shu‘ara (26:52–66)
This event was commemorated by Prophet Musa A.S. with fasting, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ later continued this tradition.
🌟 Hadith References:
- Fasting on Ashura Expiates a Year’s Sins:
Abu Qatadah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Ashura. He said:
“It expiates the sins of the previous year.”
(Sahih Muslim 1162)
- Fasting Both 9th and 10th is Recommended:
Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) said:
“When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ fasted on the day of Ashura and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that the Jews and Christians honour.’ The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘Next year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth day as well.’ But the Prophet ﷺ passed away before the next year came.”
(Sahih Muslim 1134, Ahmad, Abu Dawood)
🕊️ Wisdom Behind 9th and 10th Muharram Fasting:
- To distinguish the Muslim practice from the Jewish tradition, who also fasted on the 10th.
- To reflect gratitude to Allah for saving Prophet Musa A.S. and his followers.
- To earn spiritual purification by expiating sins of the previous year.
✅ Rulings According to Scholars:
- Fasting on 10th Muharram alone is permissible and highly recommended.
- Fasting on 9th and 10th together is more virtuous, following the Sunnah.
- Some scholars also encourage fasting the 11th as well to ensure distinction and cover timing differences.
4. Treating Muharram as a Month of Superstition
Practice:
Some Muslims avoid marriages, business, or celebrations during Muharram, especially the first 10 days, believing it brings bad luck.
Islamic Position:
This belief is un-Islamic. Islam rejects superstitions and fatalism.
Qur’anic Reference:
“No misfortune can happen except by Allah’s permission.”
(Surah At-Taghabun, 64:11)
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“There is no contagious disease (unless Allah wills), no bad omen in birds, no evil omen in the month of Safar.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5707)
Muharram is not a cursed month; rather, it is a month of spiritual awakening and learning from history.
The Correct Way to Honor Imam Hussain (A.S)
Instead of engaging in cultural or harmful practices, Muslims should honor Imam Hussain (A.S) in the following ways:
1. Educate Yourself and Others About Karbala
Study the history of Karbala, the life of Imam Hussain (A.S), and the spiritual, political, and ethical lessons it teaches.
“Knowledge is the legacy of the Prophets.”
(Hadith, Mishkat al-Masabih)
Let every Muharram become a time of learning and reform.
2. Practice What Imam Hussain (A.S) Died For
Reform your character. Be truthful, just, courageous, and compassionate.
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:11)
3. Promote Unity, Not Sectarianism
Imam Hussain (A.S) belongs to all Muslims. Muharram should unite, not divide. Sectarian narratives that cause conflict betray the very spirit of Karbala.
4. Serve Humanity
Use Muharram to start charitable initiatives – feed the hungry, sponsor orphans, support education, and defend the oppressed. These acts reflect the spirit of Karbala.
5. Recite the Qur’an and Reflect
Read and understand the Qur’an. Imam Hussain (A.S) was a man of the Qur’an. Commemorating him without reference to the Book he loved is incomplete.
Conclusion
Imam Hussain (A.S) did not die so that people could beat their chests or walk on fire. He died to awaken the soul of the Ummah, to revive the Qur’anic spirit of justice, and to show that Islam is a religion of action, not just words.
Misguided cultural practices must be replaced with sincere commitment to Islam’s principles. Muharram is not a month of mourning only; it is a call to stand up – for truth, for justice, for Allah.
Let us not reduce Karbala to rituals but raise it to its rightful place – a living revolution in our personal, social, and political lives. That is the real legacy of Imam Hussain (A.S).
“Every day is Ashura, and every land is Karbala.”
– A reminder that the battle of truth against falsehood continues, and we must always choose to be on the side of truth, no matter the cost.
