Muharram/Islamic New Year in Canada ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Muharram/Islamic New Year in Canada and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Muharram is the Islamic New Year. It falls on the first day of the Islamic month of Muharram and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and so Muharram moves around the Gregorian (solar) calendar. In Canada, Muharram usually falls in September or October.
Muharram is a time of reflection and prayer for Muslims. It is also a time to remember the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Imam Hussain and his family were brutally killed by the ruling Caliph in the year 680 AD. This event is known as the Tragedy of Karbala.
For Shi’ite Muslims, Muharram is a particularly significant time. They observe the first ten days of Muharram as a period of mourning, culminating in the festival of Ashura on the tenth day. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.
Sunni Muslims also observe Muharram, but they do not mourn in the same way as Shi’ites. For Sunnis, Muharram is a time to reflect on the suffering of all Muslims throughout history, and to resolve to live according to the teachings of Islam.
In Canada, Muharram is celebrated by both Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims. There are often public events, such as parades and lectures, to mark the occasion. Muslims also typically attend special prayers and services at their local mosque.