Muharram in Syria

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam. In Syria, as in many other Muslim-majority countries, Muharram holds significant religious importance, particularly for the Shia Muslim community.

History and Significance

The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is a day of particular significance. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, where Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad and an important figure in Shia Islam, was martyred along with his family and supporters. This event has a profound impact on Islamic history and theology, especially within Shia Islam.

Traditions

During Muharram, many Syrian Muslims engage in acts of remembrance for Imam Hussein's sacrifice. Traditions include:

• Mourning Gatherings: Shia communities organize gatherings called 'majalis' where they recount the story of Karbala and express grief through mourning rituals.
• Public Processions: In some regions with significant Shia populations, there may be public processions reenacting events from Karbala or displaying symbols associated with Imam Hussein's martyrdom.
• Fasting: Some Muslims choose to fast on Ashura (the 10th day) following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad. Sunni Muslims also observe this fast but give it a different historical context – as a day when Moses and his followers were saved from Pharaoh.
• Charity: Acts of charity are encouraged during this month. Providing food to the poor or sharing meals within the community is common.

What People Do

On Muharram - particularly on Ashura - people may:

• Attend special prayers at mosques.
• Visit cemeteries to pay respects to deceased relatives.
• Refrain from participating in joyous events out of respect for the solemnity of this period.
• Engage in self-reflection and spiritual renewal as it's also considered a New Year in the Islamic calendar.

In Syria's diverse society, practices can vary widely between communities based on their religious affiliations. Over time, political turmoil has impacted how public these observances can be; however, private commemorations continue within households and local communities.