"What Does Muharram Mean to You?" Series

This September we asked our TMA members "What does Muharram mean to you?" Each syllable written uniquely replayed the effect of the events that took place in Karbala'a.

“It's the questions that leave us staring into space, wondering and delving deep within ourselves, that hold true value. To sit and try to make sense of all the emotions that make a month so tragic and spiritually building is a weighty task.

To have been born into a religion like Islam is the biggest blessing I have been granted in this lifetime. A religion that encourages self reform in spirituality, education, personal relations, and morals. In taking a step back and internalizing the events of Karbala along with the emotion it carries, the month of Muharram embodies rebirth. It is a month when the worries of my heart and mind are cleared and replaced with the stories of Islam’s preservation. With that, I observe with clarity the beauty that lies on the plains of Karbala, and the beauty within Imam Hussain (AS), his family, and his companions (PBUT). Beauty in sacrifice for a religion whose essence is embedded within the souls of Muslims to this day. Beauty in the strength of kinship where one brother's heart beats for the other’s. Beauty in pride through one’s beliefs. And above all, beauty in the mercy of Allah (SWT).

The month of Muharram presents us with lessons to embody and apply to every aspect of life coupled with hope. In the face of the greatest conflict we see that there is never a point in which we cannot change our path, never a point in which we cannot decide to rebirth ourselves”

- Aya El-Hashemi

"Self identity is one of the greatest driving factors in a persons aim to achieve the best for themselves. When one knows who they are, what they want, and how they plan to achieve it; little to nothing can get in the way of that individual. Of course the definition of self identity can be mislabelled.

The definition of self identity from our viewpoint is the one that is morally binding. Where one knows that an afterlife is awaiting and punishment and reward will be handed out in fairness and equality, and that Allah expects us to do the best for ourselves and for others. An identity that complies and is interlaced with what Allah has made for permissible for us through the Holy Quran and the sunnah of Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him), and his blessed family (as). One that doesn't allow you to degrade your self worth and the self worth of others, that urges you to to strive for the loftiest peaks of spirituality, success, and well being. In Surah al Asr (chapter 103 of the holy Quran ) Allah says "1.By time, 2. Indeed, mankind is in loss. 3. Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience."

With thoughtful contemplation a question arises, what are righteous deeds? Are they only deeds done towards others? Of course the answer is much deeper. A righteous deed is just as much for others as it is for one's self. Taking care of your soul, your brain, your body, and understanding what path one requires to follow to achieve inner peace is the first step. This can be spiritually, financially, academically, or in any way a person seeks to better themselves that pleases Allah. Setting your intentions through Allah, depending on him and going after what you know isn't haram or morally wrong is a surefire way to achieve success.This is the definition of self identity.

The month of Muharram for me is indeed the reminder one needs for reaffirming their identity. Who is Imam Hussein? How did he live? What advice did he give? Why did him and his family get brutally killed and die thirsty without any supporters except the few that came with him? Why is it that today millions commemorate this sad anniversary ? The answer is simple, one who's whole life was lived for the sake of Allah, who's only intention was to spread peace, knowledge, love between humanity. Who was revered, respected and honoured by all who met him from his birth to his death, is one who is the living embodiment of the real definition of self identity. He is the example of someone who knew what he wanted, never wavered, and sacrificed everything for the sake preserving the real values of the religion of Islam. Of course this tremendous task isn't required from us, all thats required is that we strive to achieve perfection, build for this life and the next, maintain loving ties with our friends and families, and ensure our actions are only ones that leave a good impact in the world once we depart from it. Nothing Allah asks us to do has harm for us or for others, it is the complete opposite. Once we all realize this, the world truly will be a better place."

- Ahmad Alghizi

“Muharram is a time to reflect and focus on the individuals who stood out during the battle of Karbala. Sayeda Zaynab is an individual who stood out on the day of Karbala and spoke to the enemies and became the leader of the captives after the battle ended. I admire her for her resilience and endless patience through seeing her family members killed, being paraded around Kufah and Damascus, and being branded as a family of non-believers. She is a role model for everyone man and woman for she showed that when a person is unshakable in their beliefs any tragedy thrown at them will not make them falter in the slightest. Sayeda Zaynab did not regret or question the will of Allah (SWT) but stood her ground and preached the importance of Islam and following the Ahlulbayt. As the Shia of the Ahlulbayt, we learn from Sayeda Zaynab to remain steadfast in our beliefs as Muslims especially in a time where our religion is dissected and opposed constantly”

- Sarah Alghizi

“Muharam to me is the beginning of a revolution; a revolution that begins in the mind of the individual before the society they live in. For Muharam is based on a message and that message must resonate within the heart before it manifests itself in the world around us. Muharam is self reform, Muharam is self building, Muharam is a revolution”

- Sheikh Ahmad Bazzi

“We only remember Imam Hussain (AS) every 354 days. We only remember his generosity, his humility, his knowledge, his honour and his dignity when we come across the month of Muharam. We speak of Imam Hussain (AS) and the role he played during Karbala but never ask ourselves “ Who was Hussain before Karbala?”. Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), was so strong and powerful in his actions and beliefs that he even displayed it during his childhood. Imam Hussain (AS) displayed his infallible attributes long before the tragedy of Karbala. However, Karbala is where all of those attributes were implemented together in one place, in one day. Allah (SWT) has not created a greater opportunity in this world than Imam Hussain (AS). An opportunity not just for Muslims, but for everyone. For those who are oppressed and who are seeking justice, for those who are truly lost and seeking guidance. Hussain (AS) is the light at the end of the tunnel to which we can use to attain happiness in the hereafter. The more we delve into the movement of Imam Hussain (AS) and the Ahlulbayt, the more we grow nearness to Allah (SWT). Truly Ashura is when justice defeated injustice, when freedom rose against slavery, when human rights were demonstrated, when sacrifice was manifested, when the army of Allah (SWT) defeated the Army of Shaytan, and when the grandson of the Holy Prophet was sacrificed defending the message of Islam. Imam Hussain is more than just the month of Muharram, much more than just the day of Ashura. Imam Hussain is the essence of being and the reason why millions of people, 1400 years later, still repeat his name. For me, Muharram is Imam Hussain (AS), but Imam Hussain (AS) is much more than Muharram”

- Zahraa Chami

“To me, Muharram signifies a time in history that I regard as a vital, morally-guided resistance to an unworthy tyrant.  Commemoration of this event is especially important in modern times as the Islamic world has largely returned to monarchies, tyranny, and tribalism.  Learning about, and taking part in, Muharram practices has always allowed me to examine my character and ensure that I’m always behaving morally.  This month is rooted in the courage, love, and piety of Ahlul Bayt (AS) which we strive to attain every day”

- Mohammad Al Hakani

“Muharram is a time when I can reflect on the sacrifices made by Imam Hussein and his family (AS). Although it is always important to remember such events, Ashura is a time when I can direct all my attention to the battle of Karbala. Many people would say we lost with the death of Imam Hussein (AS), but myself and millions of others still practice the religion today meaning his message survived. I am a proud Shia Muslim and will forever be grateful for the bravery Ahlulbait displayed on Ashura”

- Fatme Ammar

“When reflecting upon the events that took place during the month of Muharram, there are so many life lessons that can be taken and applied to our lives. For me, it was the strong character displayed by Imam Hussain (AS). His determination to stand up for what is right despite the threats against him and his family. His courage to face an unjust ruler with an army of 30000 soldiers, and above all, his patience. Despite the death of his six-month-old son and being denied water, the Imam always left matters in the hands of Allah knowing that He is with him at all times”

- Hussein Mehanna