RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND PRACTICES OF SHIA MUSLIMS DURING MOHARRAM IN LUCKNOW DISTRICT, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/eijhss.v7i4.200Abstract
Shia Muslims, a minority community in India, have a significant presence in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh state. Shias are known for their distinct practices in observing religious beliefs and rituals, particularly during the Islamic month of Moharram, when they commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husain, grandson of Prophet Muhammad. According to Shia beliefs, Imam Husain's martyrdom at Karbala, Iraq, in 680 CE was a courageous stand against anti-Islamic forces. His tragic death is mourned annually by Shias worldwide, with Lucknow being a major center of Shia culture and religious observances in India. This paper aims to elucidate the key rituals and practices of the first ten days of Moharram as observed by Shias in Lucknow, which distinguish them from other Islamic sects. It also examines how Moharram serves a mediating function for other communities and sects by promoting a sense of unity and brotherhood. The study draws upon historical sources, religious texts, and ethnographic observations to provide a comprehensive understanding of this important aspect of Shia religious life. By exploring the historical roots, social dynamics, and cultural significance of Moharram observances in Lucknow, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on religious identity, ritual performance, and communal harmony in the Indian context.
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