Dhaka, July 6 (V7N) - On 10th Muharram, known as Ashura, Muslims around the world observe a day of mourning and reflection. This day commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH (680 AD).
 
Imam Hussain (RA) was the son of Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Fatimah (RA). After the death of Hazrat Ali, Muawiya (RA) became caliph and later nominated his son Yazid as his successor. Imam Hussain (RA) refused to pledge allegiance (bay’ah) to Yazid, leading to his journey from Medina to Kufa with his followers. On the way, he was stopped at the plains of Karbala, where Yazid’s army, led by Umar ibn Saad, surrounded him with a force of 4,000 soldiers.
 
To force Imam Hussain’s surrender, the army cut off water supplies, leaving the women and children in Hussain’s camp thirsty and suffering. Despite these harsh conditions, Imam Hussain (RA) stood firm in his refusal to submit. On 10th Muharram, after days of siege and battle, Imam Hussain and 72 of his companions were martyred in the brutal battle at Karbala. He was killed by Shimr ibn Dhiljawshan.
 
According to Islamic belief, the Day of Ashura is also the day when the Day of Judgment will occur. It is narrated in a hadith by Abu Huraira (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) observed fasting on this day.
 
Beyond mourning the tragedy of Karbala, the 10th of Muharram holds profound importance for Muslims worldwide. Shia Muslims perform mourning rituals and processions, while communities across the Muslim world, including Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka, hold Tazia processions to honor the sacrifices made at Karbala.
 
On this occasion, Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor, conveyed a message emphasizing that the sacred day of Ashura inspires humanity to stand against tyranny and injustice. He prayed for the establishment of equality, justice, peace, and continued unity and progress among the Muslim Ummah.
 
Ashura remains a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the unwavering fight for truth and justice in Islamic history.
 
END/V7D/SMA/