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 the Prophet Mohammed in the battle of Karbala in 680 AD
Ashura ( the10th day of Moharram ), the anniversary date of Imam Husain's actual martyrdom, will be observed on the 27th of June. This will be a date of mourning, particularly by Shias, and huge processions will be taken out on the streets of many cities having large Shia populations, like Lucknow, with people wailing and flailing themselves on their backs.
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
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.
Here is Urdu poetry written by some Hindus praising Imam Husain, the 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.
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 "
(Justice Katju is a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India and a former Chairman of the Press Council of India. These are his personal views.)
