Muharram Al Haram is the first month of Islamic calendar which holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. This Holy month is associated with mourning and remembrance of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his family members. The tragic and unforgivable Battle of Karbala occurred in this month, which resulted in the sorrowful martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and many of his family members and loyal companions. Muslims should observe Muharram with profound grief, reverence, and respect.
In Pakistan, Muharram has become a festival for many. During Muharram, families plan travelling, functions and parties. These public festivities in the month of Muharram face condemnation by our Shia celebrities. This year, Imran Abbas and Mohsin Abbas Haider opened up on the insensitivity of Pakistanis during Muharram. Noor Bukhari was quite vocal regarding people planning vacation and Nikkahs in Muharram.
Mohsin Abbas Haider
Mohsin Abbas Haider said, “For some people, Muharram is just a holiday. They go out for trips and celebrations, shamelessly celebrate birthdays, weddings, watch movies, and sing songs. Even a flawed, misguided, and sinful person like me knows that the days of Muharram should be respected. It was the household of our beloved Prophet”
“محرم کچھ لوگوں کے لیے صرف چھٹیاں ہیں۔ سیر و تفریح کے لیے نکل جاتے ہیں، سالگرہ، شادی وغیرہ کا جشن بے شرمی سے مناتے ہیں، فلمیں دیکھتے ہیں گانے گاتے ہیں۔ مجھ جیسا ناقص العقل، گمراہ اور گناہگار انسان بھی یہ جانتا ہے کہ محرم کے ایام کا احترام کرنا چاہیے۔ ہم سب کے نبی ﷺ کا گھرانہ تھا۔”
Shaista Lodhi
Shaista Lodhi also shared a post on which she called out the parties, films and music releases on the sacred month of Muharram. Shaista Lodhi wrote, “It pains me to pen down the thoughts I’ve been carrying lately. Moharram and Ashura used to be different in our childhood. We were taught to respect certain values, to stay away from few things. We were genuinely curious to know what our Rasool SAWW and His Ahl-e-Bayt went through to keep Islam alive. Through their stories, we learned belief, sacrifice, sabr, and above all, Allah’s love. But I don’t see that connection as strongly anymore in today’s generation. Not everything should change with time. There were no movies being released in cinemas during these sacred days. Music wasn’t part of our daily routine. Dawat and family celebrations had their own appropriate time — never in Muharram. Don’t know if it is just me, or do others feel this too Some pains aren’t meant to be forgotten!’
Imran Abbas
Imran Abbas was quite upset over the realse of films first Muharram. He shared his opinion on his official Facebook account. Imran Abbas wrote, “Imran Abbas shared his concerns on his official Facebook account. He wrote, “I have never seen movies being released on the 1st of Muharram before in Pakistan. This is not about Shia or Sunni — certain dates and months carry significance for all Muslims. I still remember when PTV used to run music-free transmissions during these times. Now, we witness dance and music shows even on the 9th of Muharram. People treat these days as holidays to travel to hill stations with family and friends. The day is not far when we may start celebrating the Islamic New Year with parties on the 1st of Muharram. I urge everyone to respect the sanctity of Rabi-ul-Awal, Ramadan, and Muharram, and to acknowledge the significance of these months, regardless of sect or background.”
Khaled Anam
Khaled Anam was quite upset with his Shia community for adding commercialism to the the Majalis by arranging mix gatherings. He was of the view that mixed Majalis should not be conducted and because they should be arranged with utmost care and people should not do any act that harm the sentiments of our Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.W’s obedient lovers. He said that Shias can carefully perform all their religious activities without indulging into commercialism. Here is the link to the video:
He also called out Noha & Mersia Khuwans for adding music into Nohas and turning it into celebration music:
Noor Bukhari
Noor Bukhari also expressed her pain over the party culture in Muharram, she called out Pakistanis who plan travelling and Nikkahs during the first ten days of Muharram. She reshared a reel of a social media influencer who called out the attitude of Pakistanis who plan parties and trips during the month of Muharram. Besides this, Noor Bukhari previously called out Pakistan celebrities for planning trips in Muharram:
