Muharram is the first month of the year according to the Islamic calendar. It is also an annual commemoration of the death of Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
Muslims across the world observe the day of Ashura by paying their respects to the martyrs from ‘The battle of Karbala’ by mourning, fasting, praying and attending lectures.
In cities across Pakistan, a large number of public processions are held to express sorrow and grief by mourning.
A large number of community members from the Pakistani diaspora in Australia also take part in observing this day. This year a number of walks/processions are taking place in Melbourne and Sydney, and majalis in other cities including Brisbane, Perth Adelaide and Canberra.
Vice President of Imam Hassan Centre Canberra, Sehar Abbas tells SBS Urdu that the community in Canberra over the years has increased exponentially. There are a lot of activities organized involving kids, women and men in the first 10 days of Muharram.
Ashura procession in Melbourne Source: Facebook
“Majalis (religious gatherings) are held separately for kids, women and men. The Molana's (religious scholars) travel from interstate and sometimes overseas to hold these gatherings in Canberra,” says Ms Abbas.
Ms Abbas was born in Australia but spent her teen years in Pakistan. She feels there is more freedom of expression over here to practice her faith without any fear.
“There is more freedom of expression. There are no life threats, I can freely express and practice my religious views. In fact a few years ago when we started the process of holding Majalis for Muharram we did not have space.” says Ms Abbas
“A local Church was happy to lend us their space for the 10 days to hold religious gatherings. I believe when religious organisations work together, it promotes inter-faith peace and harmony,” she added
On the other hand, it can sometimes be difficult for people to manage their schedules to attend these activities, especially if Ashura (10th Muharram) falls on a working day.
Kids activities at Imam Hasan centre Canberra Source: Facebook (Imam Hasan Centre Canberra)
Sydney-based, Syed Hussain Gardezi, a masters student will be taking part in the Ashura procession on Friday morning and heading straight to university afterwards.
“The difference between Pakistan and Australia is that we would have a public holiday on Ashura in Pakistan, so I could easily participate in the processions,” says Mr Gardezi
“I have an assignment due worth 80% on the day, so I will have to rush to University straight after the walk at Sydney Town Hall,” he added
Muharram being the Islamic New Year I tend to reflect on life, on my purpose of why I am here and what our ultimate goal is as Muslims on this world
Sara Qureshi who works full time will not be able to participate in Muharram activities this year but she plans on paying her respects by refraining from joyous activities especially during the first 10 days of this month.
“We try refraining from any joyous activities especially during the first 10 days of this month. We try to avoid listening to music, watching movies and attending any sort of celebration,” says Ms Qureshi.
For some people, the start of the new Islamic year is a great time to learn more about their religion and work on self-improvement.
For Melbourne based, Zara Syed, a legal practitioner feels Muharram is a great time for self-reflection.
“Usually in the new year, people look at their new year’s resolution and what they want to achieve from that year,” says Ms Syed
“Muharram being the Islamic New Year I tend to reflect on life, on my purpose of why I am here and what our ultimate goal is as Muslims on this world,” she added.
Another community member from Melbourne, Salman Mahmood, a business owner, considers Islamic events like Muharram and Ramadan are a good time to connect with your religious roots.
Jumeirah mosque guided tour. Source: Godong/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
“I try to learn more about Islam during the month of Muharram. One of the ways I do this is by listening to the tafseer (explanation) of the Quran on my daily commute to work.” Says Mr Mahmood.
“You need to know more about your religion when you living in a country like Australia, as we get questioned about it quite often. It helps with representing your beliefs in a better manner,” he added.
There are a number of Islamic Centres in Australia that are run by Pakistani religious leaders and scholars.
Shiite pilgrims take part in the preparations of the Ashura ceremony in Karbala, on September 18, 2018. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP) Source: AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP/Getty Images
SBS Urdu talked to Mufti Muneeb Ahmad who teaches at Darul Ulum College in Melbourne. He tells us that during the days of Muharram we teach kids the importance of this month and Islam.
“It is Sunnat (Prophet Muhammad’s way of life) to fast during Ashura (10th of Muharram), so we collectively impart this knowledge and the importance of this month in Islam to the students," says Mufti Muneeb.
