Islamic New Year begins with the month of Moharram. It is the first month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. Unlike the celebrations, merriment and feasting observed on the eve of the New Year in other Religions, the beginning of Islamic New Year takes place at a low note. Islamic New Year begins with the remembrance of the martyrdom of Maulaana Imaam Husain (as) – the grandson of Rasoolullaah (saws). Maulaana Imaam Husain (as) was martyred in 61 AH (AH – after Hijrat; migration of Rasoolullaah (saws) from Makkah to Madinah) at Karbala. Month of Moharram begins with the mourning on Maulaana Imaam Husain (as) and his 71 companions who were martyred by the army of Yazeed.  Lectures, discourses and sermons are delivered by various scholars worldwide dignifying and remembering the role of Maulaana Imaam Husain (as) in establishing the true meaning and teaching of Islam.

However, remembrance of Maulaana Imaam Husain (as), the grandson of Rasoolullaah (saws) is not confined to the mourning and discourses but the message of martyrdom of Maulaana Imaam Husain (as) is very pervasive and is indeed a lesson of Humanity for all. Qur’an states in the chapter 103 – al-Asr; about the virtue of a man under the fold of Islam. It states, “Most surely man is in loss, except those who believe (have faith) and do good, and enjoin on each other truth, and enjoin each other patience (perseverance)”. This lesson is the foundation of the edifice of the Humanity. Maulaana Imaam Husain (as) had enlivened this lesson in his life time and enjoined about Truth and Patience even while embracing Martyrdom.

He gave a clear cut message to the mankind that even in worst circumstances of being tyrannized and threatened to be killed one should not leave the path of Truth. “Truth, indeed is Bitter” is one of the traditions of Rasoolullaah (saws). And the virtue of being with the Truth itself brings Perseverance and Patience. These are the basic qualities the World is in the paucity of, in the present times.