Imam Khomeini once said in a historic message as following:
Greetings to Hussein ibn Ali (PBUH) and all praises upon him who, with very few aides rose to uproot and do away with the widespread cruelty of the usurpers of Caliphate. The insignificant number of his companions did not make Imam Hussein (PBUH) think of compromise with the oppressors. He let Karbala become the site of the, martyrdom of himself, his children and his few companions.
Imam Khomeini had once said that the holy months of Muharram and Safar have kept Islam alive and advised preachers to promote genuine during these months.
The event of Ashura and its significant achievements are considered to be the source of many fundamental changes and happenings in the Islamic history.
The martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the grandson of the holy prophet of Islam and one of his truthful successors, along with his faithful companions on the 10thof Muharram 61 AH, created one of the most heart-breaking scenes.
The profound impact after several centuries is still being felt. In fact, with the passage of time its immense values are day by day increasing in all dimensions among the human societies.
Imam Hussein (PBUH), the highest of martyrs, rose up against the corruption during time of Yazid who claimed to be the caliph of Muslims in the era of Bani Umayyad. Yazid and his associates distorted the pure tents of Islam and denial of the divine revelation; it was as if they were again at the age of Jahiliyah (ignorance).
The most significant achievements of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom are: separating the truth from the falsehood and demonstrating the real face of Islam and its genuine teachings.
Ashura played key role in preserving the religious values; giving continuity to the Islamic reformist movements; and survival of the Shia Muslims who present pure Islam.
The emergence of the Islamic revolution under wise leadership of Imam Khomeini was undoubtedly inspired by Ashura.
The impact of Ashura and its culture on the words and practical behavior of Imam Khomeini is completely obvious throughout his struggle against brutal Palavi regime.
Imam Khomeini’s movement which had started on the evening of Ashura in 1342 AHS reached its highest point at the month of Muharram in 1358 AHS.
Imam’s historical massage for the Islamic revolution manifested itself in the slogan of “the blood’s triumph over the sword.”
Thenceforth, every year defenders of the Islamic revolution attend the mourning ceremonies at this month to preserve the spirit of bravery and promote the culture of sacrifice.
Muharram ceremonies represent the never-ending and unswerving stance of truth against mendacity and the humanity’s struggle against tyranny, the cause for which Imam Hussein sacrificed his life.
Imam Hussein and his companions were martyred on Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, which falls on October 12 this year.
Muslims across the world are holding mourning ceremonies on Ashura, when Imam Hussein and his 72 companions were martyred in the battle of Karbala.
Mourners take to the streets worldwide, attending mosques and holy shrines to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein.
Groups of Muslims also converge on the Iraqi city of Karbala, home to the holy shrine of Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam, to mark the event.
The Muharram mourning ceremonies are important, because they’re a reminder of Imam Hussein’s struggle to defend true Islam. Muslims also see the processions as a chance to condemn brutalities by extremist groups like Daesh in the name of Islam.
During the ceremonies, eulogies are recited and sermons delivered in honor of one of the sacred figures of Shia Islam and his 72 companions.
Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala, in southern Iraq, in 680 AD.
They sacrificed their lives after fighting courageously for justice against the much larger army of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I, which some historians estimate to have been some 100,000-strong.
Traditionally in Iran, free food is also offered to people who participate in mourning ceremonies. People distribute Nazri (food offerings) among their neighbors, family and the needy during Muharram.
Mourning ceremonies and processions are also underway in Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kuwait as well as Lebanon. Similar ceremonies will be staged in Europe, America and Africa.