The history has shown us that many remember able events that have occurred on the tenth of Muharram–ul-Haram. One of these events was the deliverance of Moses and the Israelites from Pharaoh’s autocracy. This month, Muharram, is now marked with mourning by the Muslims sect, Shias. They mourn in the memory of martyrdom of Hazrat Ali’s sons and the grandsons of Muhammad.
- Shias Gathering in Imam Bara
The practises are common which are observed by Shias all over the world where ever they are in majority. When the Muharram’s moon appears, the Shias gather in Imam bara or the enclosure of the imam. This is a meeting place for all the Shias. In Lahore it is based in the interior Lahore predominantly. Over there, they recite Fatihas while pledging over a sweet drink or a cool drink in the name of Imam Hussain. His family suffered from not having food or drinks while their stay at the Karbela. Thus, the month of Muharram–ul-Haram is observed with respect, mourn and patience by the Shias. This cool drink is meant to remind all the Shias of the thirst and frustration which the Muslims faced in the Muharram and at the time of Imam Hussain and Imam Hassan.
- Fasting in Muharram-ul-Haram
Many Muslim Shias also observe fasts in the month of Muharram–ul-Haram. Although, they are not obligatory on Muslims, they are rewarded the most if counted amongst the voluntary fasts throughout their lives. Therefore, many Shias avail this opportunity of observing fasts during the month of Muharram-ul-Haram in the memory of those who were deprived of food.
- Excessive Mourning Ceremonies
Another practise observed in the month of Muharram-ul-Haram by the Shias is to hold the weeping and excessive mourning ceremonies in remembrance of martyrdom of Imam Hussain. The extreme practises of walking on coals, hitting oneself with the leather belt, injecting cuts on the hands with a knife are the usual practises of Shias in the holy month of Muharram.
- Zuljana Walk in City
Another common practise of Shias in the month of Muharram is specifically on the ninth and tenth of Muharram when they take their sacred horse, known as Zuljana and make it walk in whole of the city. This practise is also in respect of the historical event. This horse is bred and raised with special diet, this is extremely healthy.
Many practises by Shias are criticised today but these traditions have been observed with due respect by the other sects of Muslims since it occurred in history.
