DBWS Muharram 2025
What is Muharram?
- Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar.
- The first 10 days is used to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain a.s. (the grandson of Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h.)
- Hussain ibn Ali was the grandson of Muhammad p.b.u.h. (the last prophet of Islam), born in 620 AD. Hussain grew up with stories of compassion and dignity his grandfather displayed, and as such became a leader who was known widely for his compassion, wisdom and integrity.
How is it commemorated?
- It is observed with congregational gatherings usually in the first 10 days of the month but particularly from the 7th to the 10th of Muharram.
- Individually, families might observe the mourning in ways such as not having joyous occasions as part of Muharram’s mourning period and observing fasting.
- As a community we have programmes in Birmingham, Leicester and London as well as small pockets in different parts of the country. We also live stream for those members our community and others who are not able to attend our centres in person.
What is Ashura?
- Ashura marks the death anniversary of Hussain ibn Ali a.s., a 7th century revolutionary leader who was killed in The Battle of Karbala. The Day of Ashura is recognised by millions across the world to remember Hussain’s dignified stand for social justice.
- It is believed, on this day, God saved Moses and his people from Pharoah by parting the sea. Moses fasted on this day out of gratitude, so it became a tradition in the Islamic faith to also fast on this day. However, once the fasting of Ramadan became obligatory, fasting on Ashura became optional. The day symbolizes God granting relief to those being oppressed.
- It is also believed that Ashura was the day when Noah’s ark safely came to rest, Jonah was released from the belly of the whale, when Job was cured of his illness and when Adam’s repentance was accepted.
- For those fasting on Ashura, they have an iftar meal, similar to iftar dinners in Ramadan. The traditional Ashura meal in the Bohra culture consists of Soji (sweet semolina halwa), Bhaji (spinach curry), Haleem (barley stew) and Kadhi (soup made with chickpea flour and yoghurt).
For more information about Muharram and Hussain ibn Ali a.s. click here
Muharram Birmingham Branch
- This year in Birmingham we welcome Syed Wajee Shah.
- We will be streaming live daily from Thursday June 26 – Saturday 5 July (Ashura)
Programme:
Thursday 26 June
7.40pm – Majalis only
Friday 27 June – Friday 4 July (Except Sunday 29 June)
5.30pm – Children’s Majalis
6.30pm – Dinner
7.45pm – Majalis begins with Tilawat
8.10pm – Main lecture with Wajee Shah
9.20pm – Majalis ends
**Sunday 29 June **
4.00pm – Majalis
5.30pm – Dinner
To watch LIVE click here
For a full catalogue of all our previous Muharram lectures visit our YouTube channel.