Moharram

Moharram, an important occasion for Muslims worldwide, particularly Shias, begins in India tomorrow, 17th June 2026. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed in the battle of Karbala in 680 AD

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muharram

Ashura ( the10th day of Moharram ), the anniversary date of Imam Husain’s actual martyrdom, will be observed on 27th of June. This will be a date of mourning, particularly by Shias, and huge processions will be taken out on streets of many cities having large Shia populations like Lucknow, with people wailing and flailing themselves on their backs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashura

Imam Husain and his 72 followers were surrounded by the huge army of the tyrant Yazid, who demanded that Husain accept his suzerainty. The latter refused, and was killed as a consequence along with most of his followers.

More than thirteen centuries after Karbala, the message of Imam Husain continues to transcend borders, cultures, and ages. His stand against tyranny and refusal to bow down before it remains a timeless beacon of courage, dignity, and sacrifice.

For millions across India and the world, Muharram is not merely a commemoration of a historical event—it is a reaffirmation of the eternal values for which Imam Husain sacrificed everything. Karbala teaches that principles are more precious than power, that justice is worth every sacrifice, and that people must never surrender before tyranny. These are the principles why Iran, a predominantly Shia country, cannot be defeated by the much more militarily and technologically powerful America

https://indicanews.com/why-iran-will-win-the-war

There are 2 interesting connections of the battle of Karbala ( 680 AD ) with India :

(1) When Imam Husain and his followers were surrounded by the tyrant Yazid’s huge force at Karbala, he refused to submit, but to avoid bloodshed offered to go to India, instead of remaining in Arabia ( which offer was refused by Yazid ). This shows his great regard and respect for India

https://www.awazthevoice.in/society-news/imam-hussain-wanted-to-go-to-india-maulana-amanat-husain-30086.html

https://www.livehindustan.com/astrology/story-hazrat-imam-hussain-wanted-to-come-to-india-1576933.html

https://www.aajtak.in/religion/photo/moharram-2018-imam-hussain-relation-with-india-and-why-he-wanted-to-visit-india-tpra-587806-2018-09-21

(2) Husaini Brahmins went from India to Karbala to help Imam Husain, as detailed in the article below

https://indicanews.com/justice-katju-husaini-brahmins

Here is Urdu poetry written by some Hindus praising Imam Husain, grandson of the Prophet

  Urdu poetry often deals with Moharram, and is a profound cultural and literary tradition. It centres on mourning ( maatamdari ), the tragedy of Karbala, and the principle of sacrifice, and standing against tyranny demonstrated by Imam Husain. 

https://www.rekhta.org/tags/karbala/couplets?lang=hi

https://hamariweb.com/poetry/imam-hussain-poetry-spg238

https://www.rekhta.org/rubaai/bist-o-yakum-e-maah-e-moharram-hai-aaj-meer-anees-rubaai?lang=hi

Some of such poetry makes one’s wet on reading or hearing it

I will conclude by quoting the verses of the eminent Urdu poet Josh Malihabadi :

Charkhe nave bashar ke taare hain Husain

Kya sirf Musalman ke pyaare hain Husain ?

Insaan ko bedaar to ho lene do

Har quom pukaaregi hamaare hain Husain

P.S.

Charkh means sky, bashar means human, bedaar means awake.

So the qata ( quatrain ) means :

Husain is the man who is a new star in the sky

Is he the beloved only of Muslims ?

Let human beings awake, and then

All communities will say ” Husain is ours “

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video Why Imam Hussain wanted to come to India? | Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi ExplainsPreview YouTube video Why Imam Hussain wanted to come to India? | Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi Explains

Preview YouTube video Hindu poetry on Imam Husain ||Imam Husain shayari|Hindu poets on Karbala |इमाम हुसैन शायरी हिंदीPreview YouTube video Hindu poetry on Imam Husain ||Imam Husain shayari|Hindu poets on Karbala |इमाम हुसैन शायरी हिंदीPreview YouTube video Muharram poetry in urdu || Imam Husain (A-S) 9 10 Muharram 2021Preview YouTube video Muharram poetry in urdu || Imam Husain (A-S) 9 10 Muharram 2021Preview YouTube video 10 मुहर्रम का सबसे रुलाने वाला कलाम – Husain Tum Ko Zamana Salaam Kehta Hai – Anis Sabri – MuharramPreview YouTube video 10 मुहर्रम का सबसे रुलाने वाला कलाम – Husain Tum Ko Zamana Salaam Kehta Hai – Anis Sabri – Muharram

Author

  • markandey katju

    Markandey Katju is an Indian jurist. He was the former judge of Supreme Court of India. He also was chairman of the Press Council of India from 2011 to 2014.

    View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *