July 4, 2025: Best photos from around the world
Firefighters tackle the Madre Fire near New Cuyama.
Firefighters tackle the Madre Fire near New Cuyama.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Dark clouds hover above a paddy field, in Birbhum district, West Bengal, Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Shia Muslims flagellate themselves during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, in Ahmedabad, Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Credit: PTI Photo
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Hindustan Times
40 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Muharram 2025: Significance of fasting on Ashura for Muslims; know details
Muharram 2025: Considered one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar, Muharram is observed by Muslims worldwide and holds deep spiritual significance for the community. Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, precedes the months of Safar, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada ath-Thaniyah, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, and Dhul Hijjah. Muharram 2025: Ashura will be observed on July 6. (Representational Image / AP) Muharram 2025: When is Ashura? The tenth day of the month of Muharram is known as Ashura. This year, the crescent moon was observed on June 26, and Muharram began on June 27. Hence, Ashura will be observed on July 6. Ashura holds deep significance for Shia and Sunni Muslims all over the country. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is commemorated as the day when Prophet Moses (Musa) and the Children of Israel were saved from Pharaoh's tyranny. For Shia Muslims, Ashura is remembered as the day of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Also read | Muharram 2025: When to observe Ashura, July 6 or 7? Correct date, significance, history of the Islamic New Year Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar.(Photo by Zayn Shah on Unsplash) Significance of fasting for Sunni Muslims: Both Shia and Sunni Muslims fast on the auspicious day of Ashura, but for very different reasons. In fact, they also follow different practices of fasting on this day. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura existed even during the pre-Islamic times. Fasting is observed as a way of showing gratitude to Allah. Sunni Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad also observed fast on the day of Ashura and urged his followers to keep fast. Hence, Sunni Muslims follow the teaching of Prophet Muhammad on this day. Also read | Ramadan fasting vs intermittent fasting: 1 big mistake that could harm your health Significance of fasting for Shia Muslims: For Shia Muslims, Ashura is observed with deep mourning and sorrow, as this day marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Imam Hussein's martyrdom is marked as a symbol of resistance against injustice and tyranny. On the day of Ashura, Shia Muslims observe fast to spiritually connect with the sufferings of Imam Hussein and pay homage to him.
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Muharram beyond the main procession: the pulse of faith in smaller ashoorkhanas
The voice of the zakir, narrating the heartrending saga of Imam Hussain's martyrdom in Karbala (in present-day Iraq), rises from the bylanes of Darul Shifa, Hyderabad's historic Shia quarter. The air is thick with emotion, the neighbourhood wrapped in black buntings and punctuated by red flags that bear the Imam's name as if written in blood. Along both sides of the road, men and women dressed in black move quietly in and out of ashoorkhanas, paying respects to the alams, thesymbolic metal standards that commemorate the tragedy of Karbala. They recall the story of the fight against injustice, against all odds, including the deprivation of water, the very source of life. Nearby, sabeel stalls offer free water in plastic pouches and earthen cups, a gesture rich in remembrance. As Ashoora, the 10th day of Muharram, approaches, the air grows heavy with anticipation. One of Hyderabad's oldest centralised processions will soon wind its way through the city, with thousands joining the solemn march that centres around the carrying of the alam. The crescendo of religious fervour is unmistakable. Just off the unadorned grave of Ibn-e-Khatoon, a scholar and peshwa in the court of Qutb Shahi king Abdullah, lie lesser-known ashoorkhanas that have either mutawallis or managing committees, and see active participation by families living in and around them. One such space, tucked away in Zahra Nagar off Mandi Mir Alam Road, is the ashoorkhana of Mah Laqa Bai Chanda, the famed courtesan, poet and political figure in the court of Mir Nizam Ali Khan. Mah Laqa Bai, whose diwan (collection of poems) titled Gulzar-e-Mahlaqa remains a rare literary accomplishment by a woman of her time, was a known patron of this site. A narrow lane across from the walls of Purani Haveli leads to a modest doorway between low white walls. Inside lies a courtyard that belies its quiet entrance. The structure features five arches — the central one larger than the rest — leading to a chamber where several alams stand at attention. On each side are mirrors and a sarpech (ornamental headband), giving off a strangely anthropomorphic impression. Mohammed Salman Ali, who lives in the small quarters surrounding the ashoorkhana, says, 'We open this space for zaireen (visitors/ pilgrims) only during Muharram. The alams are kept in the room to the left and installed on the eve of Muharram. It has always been cared for by our family.' A short walk from here is the Lohe ki Kamaan ashoorkhana, relatively lesser-known, which also sees participation of families that live in and around it. A wooden inscription at the entrance, which itself is supported by wooden beams, likely gives an indication of when it was established — 1060 of the Hijri calendar, corresponding to 1650 AH. At Alawa-e-Mulla Razi, an ashoorkhana known for its distinctive jack-arch roofs, visitors are offered tabarruk, comprisinga sachet of dry fruits, chutney and a sweet. 'It isn't that people cannot come here in other months, but the alams are installed only during Muharram,' says Mir Iqbal Ali, who says he belongs to the family of those who take care of the place. Majlis, congregations where the incidents of Karbala are narrated, take place, drawing huge crowds, he points out. Historical records show that Muharram observance was greatly encouraged during the Qutb Shahi period, primarily to maintain the integration of the State. According to a Census of India document, prominent Hindu nobles, including Akanna, Madanna, Taramati, and Premamati, also took part in the rituals. After Golconda's fall, members of the nobility like Siraj-ul-Mulk, Munir-ul-Mulk and Rukn-ud-Dowla continued to patronise Muharram commemorations. During the Asaf Jahi era, Hindu nobles such as Maharaja Chandu Lal, Narendra Pershad Bahadur and Raja Bansilal contributed generously to the rituals. The same document notes that Operation Polo significantly altered the way Muharram was observed, citing the migration of Muslim nawabs and the abolition of the jagirdari system as two key reasons behind the shift. Sibghat Khan of The Deccan Archives observes that while larger and more prominent ashoorkhanas have always served as places of worship, lesser-known ones undergo a striking transformation during Muharram. 'These ashoorkhanas, usually closed to the public for rituals during the rest of the year, come alive in this month. This shift is not easy and should be studied in a more systematic fashion. In terms of historical value, the inscriptions here and the engravings on alams also deserve in-depth study,' he remarks. Mir Abbas Ali Moosvi, representing the Anjuman-e-Tahaffuz-e-Huqooq-e-Mujawareen Qadimeen Mourusi Ashoorkhanajaat, a body that coordinates between the government and ashoorkhana office-bearers, adds that even smaller ashoorkhanas hold deep significance. 'Each has its own unique history. Last year, the State government gave grants-in-aid to 705 ashoorkhanas, many of them modest in size. This year, however, the disbursal has been delayed. It should have reached the management of these ashoorkhanas before the arrival of Muharram,' he says. Touching upon the community aspect, Mr. Moosvi adds that while mutawallis are men, the women of the family also play an important role in making arrangements at these ashoorkhanas. 'Arrangements for women's majlis, and the preparation and packing of tabarruk are important activities,' he says.
Hans India
3 hours ago
- Hans India
Ashura 2025: Date, History, Significance, and How Sunni and Shia Muslims Observe the Day
Ashura, a day of profound importance in Islam, will be observed in 2025 starting from the evening of Saturday, July 5, and concluding at sunset on Sunday, July 6. Marking the 10th day of Muharram—the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar—Ashura holds spiritual and historical relevance for Muslims across the world, though it is observed differently by Sunni and Shia communities. Why Ashura Matters in Islamic Tradition The word "Ashura" is derived from the Arabic word 'Asharah,' meaning ten. This sacred day is rooted in two major historical narratives. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura commemorates the day when Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites were miraculously saved from Pharaoh's tyranny as the Red Sea parted by God's command. Fasting on this day was observed by Prophet Muhammad, who encouraged his followers to do the same as a sign of gratitude to Allah. For Shia Muslims, however, Ashura carries a more somber significance. It is a day of mourning that marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Imam Hussain, along with his family and 72 companions, was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE for standing against the unjust rule of the Umayyad Caliph Yazid ibn Muawiyah. This event became a turning point in Islamic history and a symbol of sacrifice, resistance, and faith. Historical Background: The Battle of Karbala The Battle of Karbala, fought in the year 61 AH (680 CE), was a confrontation between the small but resolute group led by Imam Hussain and the much larger army of Yazid. Refusing to pledge allegiance to a tyrannical ruler, Imam Hussain chose to uphold the moral and spiritual values of Islam—even at the cost of his life. His martyrdom on the 10th of Muharram became a beacon of courage and piety for generations to come. Alongside this, Sunni traditions also associate Ashura with the moment when Prophet Noah's Ark came to rest after the flood, adding another layer of spiritual reverence to the day. How Sunni and Shia Muslims Observe Ashura The rituals and practices of Ashura differ between the two major sects of Islam: Sunni Muslims often observe the day through optional fasting, attending special sermons in mosques, offering prayers, and reflecting on the stories of Prophet Moses and Noah. Fasting on Ashura is considered an act of atonement, believed to cleanse sins from the previous year. Shia Muslims mark Ashura as a day of mourning. They hold large processions, majlis (gatherings), and dramatic reenactments (called ta'ziya) of the Battle of Karbala. Devotees often express their grief by reciting elegies, participating in symbolic acts of lamentation, and sharing community meals. These rituals are deeply embedded in Shia identity, signifying love for Imam Hussain and a commitment to justice. Unity Through Diversity While Ashura may be observed through different lenses by Shia and Sunni Muslims, the day universally represents faith, resilience, and the spirit of sacrifice. It continues to inspire millions to reflect on moral integrity, compassion, and standing up against oppression. As the world prepares to observe Ashura 2025, it serves as a timely reminder of the enduring values at the heart of Islamic belief—justice, devotion, and unity.
