In this section of Saadnews, we want to see which person is associated with each night of Muharram and which martyr belongs to each night of Muharram.
Each night of Muharram is named after one of the martyrs, personalities, or events related to the Karbala incident. This naming has developed over time and does not have a specific founder. It was initiated by eulogists and reciters of the Ahl al-Bayt based on the position of the martyrs of Karbala, their proximity to the unifying figure of Karbala, Imam Hussein (a.s.), and the alignment of their sorrowful ceremonies with the central passion of Ashura night. It has been a tradition for many years to name each of the first ten days of Muharram after the heroes of Ashura. The significance of these names in each day reflects the characteristics of one of the righteous figures of the plain of Nainawa. This does not mean that every one of these personalities was martyred on that day. The naming of these nights by eulogists and reciters is intended to keep the memory of the great epic of Ashura alive. This naming has no religious or historical documentation, and some historians believe that this tradition began during the Safavid period. Additionally, the naming order varies in different regions.
Imam Hussein (a.s.)
Night 1: Named after Muslim ibn Aqil
Muslim was the first martyr of the Karbala incident. His martyrdom occurred before the actual event of Karbala, and the first night of Muharram is dedicated to him in recognition of his sacrifice and dedication. Muslim is a symbol of love and loyalty. He remained steadfast in his love for Hussein (a.s.) even in the face of the betrayal of the people of Kufa.
Night 2: Named after the Entry into Karbala
On the second day of Muharram in the year 61 AH, Imam Hussein (a.s.) entered the land of Karbala. This day is marked as the day of entry into Karbala, symbolizing steadfastness. From the beginning of his journey, Imam Hussein (a.s.) faced numerous challenges, from the betrayal of the people of Kufa to being pursued by the enemy's forces, but he never wavered.
Night 3: Named after Hazrat Rukayya (s.a.)
The third night is dedicated to Hazrat Rukayya, the 3-year-old daughter of Imam Hussein (a.s.). Though she passed away on the 5th of Safar due to the suffering from the journey and witnessing the head of her father, this night is dedicated to her to highlight her victimhood during the mourning of the first ten days of Muharram.
Night 4: Named after Hazrat Hur (a.s.)
The fourth night is for Hazrat Hur ibn Yazid al-Riyahi, a prominent martyr of Karbala. This night is also sometimes attributed to Hazrat Zaynab (s.a.). Hur is an example of repentance and seeking the truth. He initially opposed Imam Hussein (a.s.), but upon realizing the truth, he sought repentance and gave his life in the battle.
Night 5: Named after Habib ibn Mazahir and Hazrat Zuhayr (a.s.)
Zuhayr was one of the commanders in Imam Hussein’s army who joined him shortly before the Karbala incident. Habib ibn Mazahir, after learning of the betrayal of the people of Kufa, rushed to support Imam Hussein (a.s.) and was martyred at the age of 75. Imam Hussein (a.s.) went to his side after his martyrdom and said, "I expect my reward and the reward of my supporters from Allah."
Night 6: Named after Hazrat Qasim (a.s.)
This night is dedicated to Hazrat Qasim ibn al-Hasan (a.s.), a 13-year-old boy who was eager to join the battlefield to fight for his uncle Imam Hussein (a.s.). His desire for martyrdom was so profound that when Imam Hussein (a.s.) asked him how he viewed death, Qasim responded, "Sweeter than honey."
Night 7: Named after Hazrat Ali Asghar (a.s.)
Hazrat Ali Asghar, the 6-month-old infant son of Imam Hussein (a.s.), was martyred on the day of Ashura by an arrow from Harmala. The first Friday of Muharram is commemorated as "Shirkhwaragan Hussaini" to honor the memory of this youngest martyr.
Night 8: Named after Hazrat Ali Akbar (a.s.)
Ali Akbar, the eldest son of Imam Hussein (a.s.), was the first member of the Hashemite family to enter the battlefield on the day of Ashura. He fought valiantly, but his deep love for his father was evident as he sought martyrdom to honor the path of justice.
Night 9: Named after Tasu’a Night
This night is dedicated to Hazrat Abbas (a.s.), the brother of Imam Hussein (a.s.), who is known for his courage and loyalty. Abbas was the standard-bearer in the army of Imam Hussein (a.s.), and his selflessness and devotion are exemplary. His unwavering loyalty to Imam Hussein (a.s.) makes him an enduring symbol of bravery.
Night 10: Named after Ashura Night and Imam Hussein (a.s.)
The tenth night is the night of Ashura, the night of Imam Hussein (a.s.), the model of freedom, bravery, patience, loyalty, and steadfastness. This night marks the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for truth and justice. If the revolution of Imam Hussein (a.s.) had not embodied such noble human virtues, it would not have become the eternal beacon it is today. On Ashura, every virtue of Imam Hussein competed with another, each striving to outshine the others, from his patience to his bravery and his unwavering devotion to Allah.
