Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, in a message marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Muharram, described it as a reminder of the historic struggle for human rights.
Highlighting the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, during this period, Naidu said, "Muharram is a reminder of the historic struggle for human rights. It is the day when Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was martyred by enemies. The Islamic New Year begins on the first day of the month of Muharram. On this occasion, I wish that Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate Muharram in accordance with traditions," he posted on his X handle.
Muharram marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar. In India, the moon was sighted on Thursday, signalling the beginning of the new year. Known as the Hijri New Year, it commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madina in 622 CE.
The moon sighting committee in Telangana confirmed that the crescent moon was sighted in several parts of the country, marking Friday (June 27) as the first day of Muharram. The sacred Islamic month carries profound spiritual and historical meaning for Muslims globally.
The Islamic New Year began a day earlier, on June 26, in the Gulf countries, where leaders extended greetings to the Muslim community. As part of tradition, the Kiswah—the black cloth draping the Kaaba in Makkah—was ceremonially replaced to usher in the new year.
Yaum-e-Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, will be observed on Sunday (July 6). The day honours the martyrdom of Imam Hussain in the Battle of Karbala in 689 CE, symbolising the enduring struggle for justice and truth.
Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam, is a time of mourning, reflection, and remembrance of Imam Hussain’s sacrifices.
Shia Muslims commemorate Ashura with mourning processions and majlis (gatherings), while Sunni Muslims observe fasting on two days—either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th—emulating the Prophet Muhammad’s tradition and reflecting on themes of piety, resilience, and faith.
(inputs from IANS)