Muharram: Sunni vs Shia Muslims

On July 7, 2025, nearly 20 crore Muslims in India, comprising the second-largest religious community in the country, observe Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Globally acknowledged as one of Islam’s holiest months, Muharram holds deep spiritual significance. However, despite its sacred status, the month often becomes a source of sectarian strife, especially between the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam.

While both sects revere Muharram, the differing ways in which they commemorate its events, particularly the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, have historically sparked tension and even violence. How did a religious month meant for mourning and reflection evolve into a flashpoint for intra-religious conflict?

A Month of Mourning or Reflection?

Though Islam preaches peace and brotherhood, Muharram exposes deep divisions within the Muslim community. The ‘peacefuls’ have been finding it hard to observe days of significance among themselves. Ironically, Islamists preach harmony to other religions but are unable to bridge the gaps and promote understanding among different Muslim sects during this significant month around the world.

Roots of the Sunni-Shia Rift

The primary division between Sunnis and Shias dates back to 632 CE, following the death of Prophet Muhammad. A dispute over his rightful successor split the community. The majority chose Abu Bakr, a close companion of the Prophet, as the first caliph, while a minority believed leadership belonged to Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law.

Those who followed Abu Bakr became known as Sunnis—"followers of the Sunna" (the Prophet’s traditions), while those who supported Ali became Shias, derived from "Shiat Ali" or "the party of Ali". The disagreement over succession led to power struggles and battles, sowing seeds of division that continue to shape Muslim society to this day.

A turning point in this rift came in 680 CE, at the Battle of Karbala, where Ali’s son Imam Hussain stood against the Umayyad caliph Yazid. Hussain and his followers were brutally killed near the Euphrates river in present-day Iraq. This event deeply impacted the Shia community, with Hussain hailed as a martyr. The tenth day of Muharram, known as Ashura, marks this tragic event and remains the most emotionally charged date for Shias.

Different Ways of Observing Muharram

For Shias, Muharram is a time of collective mourning. Processions, street gatherings, and symbolic acts of self-flagellation are commonly seen as expressions of grief and solidarity with Hussain's sacrifice. Rituals often include beating one’s chest, using chains or blades, and staging dramatic reenactments of the Battle of Karbala.


Sunnis, on the other hand, observe Ashura differently. For them, it’s a day of fasting and spiritual reflection, commemorating the deliverance of Prophet Moses (Musa) and his followers from Pharaoh’s tyranny. Many Sunnis focus on fasting, prayer, and charitable acts during this period.

This divergence in observances has sometimes led to suspicion and even hostility between the two groups. In some places, religious rituals turn confrontational, escalating into violent clashes.

Muharram Flashpoints: Violence and Sectarian Clashes

Despite being a spiritual occasion, Muharram has witnessed numerous instances of sectarian violence both in India and globally.


A Lesson in Tolerance

These incidents are stark reminders of how intra-religious divisions can fuel unrest, often more intense than inter-religious tensions. The mutual intolerance within the Muslim community, especially during sacred periods like Muharram, stands in contrast to the inclusive and tolerant traditions of other communities.

As India navigates its religious diversity, events like the revival of Muharram processions in Kashmir highlight the country’s commitment to pluralism and religious expression, even amidst historical divides.