Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is set to begin. Muslims of most sects consider the month as auspicious, as during this period Imam Hussain (as), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (saws), fought a one-sided war to safeguard the principles of Islam. Hussain (as) and most of his family members were martyred in the 680 AD war against Yazeed - a cruel ruler who had took charge as the then Umayyad Caliphate. In their martyrdom, however, they ended up rejuvenating Islam. Muharram: Relevance, Importance and Key Facts About the 1st Month of Islamic New Year.

Date of Muharram 2019

Muharram will begin this year on August 30 or 31 in all parts of the world barring the Indian subcontinent. The date will be decided based on the sighting of new moon. In India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the Islamic month would begin either on August 31 or September 1.

Ashura, which is observed on 10th of Muharram, will therefore be observed on September 9-10 depending on the lunar cycle in different parts of the world. On this day (Ashura), in 680 AD, the forces of Yazeed had beheaded Imam Hussain (as) while he was offering prayers to Allah.

How to Download Muharram Noha

Noha, also referred to as Nauha, are recited as a lyrical lament throughout the first 10 days of Muharram to mark Imam Hussain (as)'s martyrdom. On each of the 10 days, a different set of Noha is recorded. Click here to download the day-wise Muharram Noha in PDF format in Urdu, Hindi and English.

Significance of Muharram

During this month, Muslims recall the message of sacrifice, struggle and righteousness as exhibited through the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) and other members of the Ahle-e-Bayt (as). Shia Muslims across the world mourn through the first 10 days of Muharram, when the battle of Karbala was fought between the forces of Yazeed and Hussain (as).

Several Muslims of the era, fearing backlash from the oppressive Yazeed regime, had not supported Hussain (as) in his battle to reclaim Islam's leadership from those who wanted to abrogate the message of his grandfather Muhammed (saw).

Repenting on the inaction adopted by the majority of Muslims in Levantine and Arab peninsular region back then, the Shias mourn throughout the month. Sections of Sunni Muslim, particularly those aligned to Sufi and Barelvi school of thoughts, also mourn during the first 10 days of Muharram and recall the martyrdom of Hussain (as) and his family. Unlike the Shias, however, they do not perform self-flagellation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2019 12:37 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).