Latest news with #ShiaMuslims
Time of India
20 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
188-yr-old ‘Shahi Zari Ka Juloos' marks start of Muharram, martyrs remembered
Lucknow: The 'Shahi Zari Ka Juloos' marking the start of Muharram was taken out from the Bada Imambara to Chhota Imambara on Friday. "The tradition was started by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah in 1837 to commemorate the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Imam Hussain and his 72 companions in the battle of Karbala," said Maulana Saif Abbas. "As part of the procession, the 'Mom Ki Zari', which is the wax replica of the original mausoleum of Imam Husain in present day Karbala, Iraq was taken out," he added. It also marks the beginning of Azadari (mourning) in Shia Muslims. Azadars were dressed in black, walking barefoot and carrying black flags led by seven elephants and16 camels. The animals accompanied the 20 foot tall 'Shahi Mom Ki Zari' and 15ft tall 'Abrak Ki Zarih' (tazias). The procession was also escorted by 'Noha Khawani' (reciting of noha) and 'seenazani' (beating the chest), silver lion, sun and moon and Janabe Ali asghar Ka jhoola were also the part of procession. Bada Imambara, Chhota Imambara and Rumi Gate were decorated. People had set up sabeel (stalls) to provide water and tea to azadars. Women along with their small children and elderly also kept waiting for the procession before the arrival of the juloos on both the sides of the road of the procession route. The procession also included 'Duldul' (horse of Imam Hussain). Children were seen distributing Tabarrukh. Stalls of tea, sharbat and chilled water were served by the people.
UAE Moments
a day ago
- General
- UAE Moments
Islamic New Year: What Non-Muslims Should Know
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks a sacred moment in Muslim history. Here's everything non-Muslims should know about the meaning, customs, and how it's observed around the world. What Is the Islamic New Year? The Islamic New Year, also called the Hijri New Year, signals the start of the Islamic lunar calendar. It begins on the first day of Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam. The calendar itself dates back to the Prophet Muhammad's migration—or Hijra —from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, a defining moment in Islamic history. This year, the Islamic New Year 1447 AH (Anno Hegirae) falls on July 7, 2025, though dates may vary slightly depending on the moon sighting in different regions. Is the Islamic New Year Celebrated Like January 1? Not exactly. Unlike the Gregorian New Year, which is celebrated with fireworks and parties, the Islamic New Year is a quiet, reflective occasion. It's not celebrated with lavish events, but with prayer, remembrance, and spiritual reflection. Some Muslims mark the day with special sermons, reading the Qur'an, and giving charity. It's a moment to reset spiritually, not socially. Why Is Muharram Significant? The first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram, is considered one of the holiest months in Islam. It's especially important to Shia Muslims, who mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, during the Battle of Karbala on the 10th day, known as Ashura. For both Sunni and Shia Muslims, Muharram is a time for peace, reflection, and remembrance, rather than celebration. How Do Muslims Celebrate the Islamic New Year? If you live in or are visiting a Muslim-majority country, here's what you might observe during the Islamic New Year: Mosques may host prayer gatherings or lectures Some countries declare public holidays, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia Families may share meals or donate to charity, but festivities are minimal In Shia communities, you may witness mourning processions or public recitations about Imam Hussain's sacrifice There are no mandatory religious rituals tied to the Islamic New Year, so customs may vary across countries and communities. What Should Non-Muslims Say or Do? Not sure how to greet Muslim friends or colleagues? Here are a few respectful options: 'Wishing you a peaceful Hijri New Year.' 'Blessed Muharram to you and your family.' Avoid saying 'Happy New Year' unless you know the recipient is comfortable with that wording, as the month is often solemn for many. If you're unsure, a simple acknowledgment and respect for the occasion go a long way. Is the Islamic Calendar the Same Worldwide? The Islamic calendar is based on lunar sightings, so the start of the new year can vary depending on the country. While some nations rely on astronomical calculations, others wait for the physical moon sighting, leading to slight differences in observance dates. Countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt often declare official holidays once the new month is confirmed. Why the Islamic New Year Matters (Even If You're Not Muslim) Understanding the Islamic New Year can help foster cultural awareness and mutual respect, especially in diverse workplaces and international communities. As globalization connects more of us, knowing when and why your Muslim friends or coworkers may be observing a spiritual period— even in a quiet way —helps build stronger relationships. Plus, if you're living in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, or working with international clients, being aware of public holidays and cultural customs can help you plan more effectively. Quick Facts: Islamic New Year for Non-Muslims The Islamic New Year isn't about countdowns or confetti. It's about reflection, renewal, and reverence. For non-Muslims, it's a meaningful opportunity to understand a deeply spiritual event and show respect for the diversity of global traditions. So next time the Hijri New Year comes around, you'll know exactly what it means, how it's observed, and why it matters.
Hans India
a day ago
- General
- Hans India
Muharram 2025: Dates, History, Importance, and Observances in the Islamic New Year
Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar, holds deep spiritual and historical significance for Muslims worldwide. It marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is one of the four sacred months in Islam. A time for prayer, self-reflection, and remembrance, Muharram is observed with solemnity across different Islamic communities, particularly by Shia Muslims. Muharram 2025: Start and End Dates In 2025, Muharram begin on Friday, June 27, pending the sighting of the new moon. The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, will likely fall on Sunday, July 6. Ashura holds immense significance as it commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Final confirmation of the dates will depend on local moon sightings. Historical Context and Significance Muharram is most notably associated with the Battle of Karbala, a pivotal event in Islamic history. On the Day of Ashura, Imam Hussain, the son of Hazrat Ali and grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred along with 72 of his companions for standing against tyranny and injustice. His sacrifice has become a symbol of resistance, justice, and steadfast faith. This month is therefore seen not only as a time of mourning but also of spiritual renewal, reminding believers to uphold truth, compassion, and resilience in the face of oppression. Rituals and Observances Among Shia Muslims: • Wearing black attire as a sign of mourning • Attending nightly Majlis, or religious gatherings, to listen to sermons on the life and sacrifices of Imam Hussain • Participating in Ashura processions, often walking barefoot and reciting elegies or lamentations • Avoiding festive celebrations and engaging in acts of grief and reflection Among Sunni Muslims: • Fasting on the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th of Muharram, following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) • Seeking forgiveness and divine mercy through prayers and charitable acts • Emphasising reflection and spiritual commitment rather than mourning rituals Muharram is more than just the start of the Islamic calendar—it is a time for unity, spiritual reflection, and honouring the legacy of courage and sacrifice left by Imam Hussain. Whether through fasting, prayer, or remembrance ceremonies, Muslims across the globe observe this sacred month with reverence and devotion.
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Afghan family gets chance to stay in Canada over fears of conscription and extortion in Russia
A family from Afghanistan that fled Russia after their eldest son got a draft notice in 2023 has won another chance at staying in Canada in part because some of their five sons could get pulled into the war on Ukraine or one of the belligerent bear's future fights. Canada's Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) found that if Alireza and Shafiq Saberi and four of their children were sent back to Russia, two of their sons, ages 17 and 13, would likely be conscripted during the conflict and suffer discrimination in the military. The division determined that the two teenagers were refugees, but rejected appeals for refugee protection for the parents and their two youngest children, finding it 'difficult to imagine' the two boys, now 10 and three, would suffer the same fate. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. It determined the father was too old for conscription and Russia isn't drafting women. However, a Federal Court judge has overturned that conclusion. Justice Angus Grant, in a recent decision out of Toronto, noted that the RAD should have considered the possible future treatment of Ali Yaser, the couple's 10-year-old son, if he were drafted. Grant noted concerns both that the boy could be treated poorly in the Russian military on account of being a minority and that he risks conscription in the future. 'It was important to assess Ali Yaser's future conscription into the military, not only in the context of the current war, but also in the context of a regime that has almost perpetually been engaged in conflicts around the world and that, by its own admission, has imperial and territorial ambitions beyond those it is currently pursuing in its war of aggression against Ukraine,' wrote Grant. With his ruling, the judge granted the two youngest members of the Saberi family and their parents an application for judicial review of the refugee decision. But fears of future conscription wasn't the pivotal reason for his decision — ethnicity was. 'The RAD unreasonably failed to assess the applicants' forward-facing risk of persecution in Russia on account of their ethnicity as non-Slavs and their immigration status,' Grant said. The RAD will now reconsider the family's case. The family members are Shia Muslims of Hazara ethnicity, an Afghan ethnic group. They fled the Taliban in 2018 and 2019, moving to Russia, where the father, Alireza, had a work permit, and ran a business importing and reselling goods from China. The family later obtained Russian citizenship. 'While in Russia, Alireza was extorted by the police as a result of his non-Slavic ethnicity and immigration status, being required to pay bribes to the Russian authorities in order to be allowed to work. He was additionally called a 'blackhead,' a racial slur for non-Slavic individuals,' Grant noted. The children, save Yousef, a boy now three, who was too young to attend school, 'were similarly discriminated against and bullied at school for being non-Slavic and were treated as 'second class citizens,'' Grant wrote. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, its troubles with manpower for the ongoing war have captured attention around the world. The judge noted that men between the ages of 18 and 30 are subject to one year of forced conscription. 'Although President (Vladimir) Putin initially promised that no conscripts would be used in the conflict, this has proven untrue,' Grant wrote. The Saberi family's eldest son Mohammad Komail, who is now 22, 'received a military summons in 2023, which prompted the Saberi family to flee Russia,' Grant said. As they fled through other countries, including the United States, Mohammad Komail was detained. He remains in immigration detention in the U.S. Upon arriving in Canada, the family claimed they were refugees. Canada's Refugee Protection Division (RPD) rejected them, finding they could safely return to Russia. 'The RPD accepted that the applicants had experienced discriminatory treatment in Russia, but concluded that this did not amount to persecution,' Grant said. It also found 'that the prospect of compulsory military service in Russia did not amount to persecution. It found the applicants' claim that Alireza and his sons are at risk of being conscripted and sent to fight in Ukraine speculative.' The family appealed to the RAD, which found their sons Mohammad, 18, and Nasir, 14, qualified for refugee status as they were currently — or soon to be — eligible for conscription and risked being sent to fight in Ukraine. The appeals of Alireza, Shafiqa, Ali, and Yousef were rejected. According to Grant, the 'central issue' to be determined in this matter is whether the decision to refuse the parents and their two youngest boys was reasonable. 'The RAD accepted that the applicants experienced extortion demands from Russian police, which they had to pay in order to work. The RAD accepted that the applicants were singled out for these extortion payments because of their ethnic and national background,' said the judge. 'In those circumstances, it was incumbent on the RAD to explain why this mistreatment at the hands of Russian state agents did not constitute persecution. The only explanation that the RAD provided was that the applicants' physical or moral integrity were not threatened, but it is unclear to me how this conclusion is compatible with the acknowledgment that the harm feared by the applicants is extortion by state officials. Extortion and bribery are crimes that, by definition, involve some combination of threats, force, and coercion.' Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- NZ Herald
As the US struck Iran, the prospect for retaliation was high in Iraq, but didn't happen
When United States forces struck three Iranian nuclear facilities last Sunday, concern rippled through the population of neighbouring Iraq, where pro-Iranian militias wield much influence and the majority of the people, like in Iran, are Shia Muslims. The prospect for retaliation in Iraq against the United States briefly loomed.
