9 Muharram in Rohri 2025: Shama Gul, Matam, and Tazia Procession
Introduction
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| Mourners carrying the 9 Dhaal Tazia during the 9 Muharram procession in Rohri, symbolizing the shrine of Imam Hussain. |
The 9th of Muharram holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide, especially for Shia Muslims, who commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) or (R.A.) in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. In Rohri, Sindh, Pakistan, this day is marked by one of the largest and most historic processions in the country, drawing millions of mourners to honor the sacrifices of Karbala. Known for its iconic Shama Gul (9 shields Taboot) and 9 Dhaal Tazia, (ڪربلا مولا ماتم) the Rohri 9 Muharram 2025 procession exemplifies devotion and resilience. This article explores the significance, traditions, and events of 9 Muharram Rohri Matam 2024 and provides insights into 9 Muharram Rohri Matam 2025.
Historical Significance of 9 Muharram
The 9th of Muharram, known as Tasu’a, is the eve of the Day of Ashura, when Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and his companions prepared for the Battle of Karbala. On this day in 680 CE, negotiations with the Umayyad army failed, and Imam Hussain’s camp was denied access to water from the Euphrates River. For Shia Muslims, 9 Muharram ki Raat (the night of 9 Muharram) is a time of reflection, prayer, and mourning, honoring Imam Hussain’s courage and sacrifice against oppression.
Sham Gul 9th early in morning 4 am
Rohri’s Historic 9 Muharram Procession
Rohri, a city in Sindh, Pakistan, is renowned for its 500-year-old 9 Dhaal Tazia procession, one of the largest in Pakistan, attracting over a million mourners in 2025. The procession begins at Mandey Kherey and concludes at Karbala Maidaan More Shah, featuring a historic replica of Imam Hussain’s shrine (Zareeh-i-Aqdas), crafted by the Rizvi Sadaat family of Syed Mohammad Sharif Shah Rizvi. The Shama Gul ritual, a symbolic lighting ceremony at 4 AM, marks the start of this solemn event. Mourners participate in the Rohri Jaloos 9 Muharram 2025 and perform Rohri Karbala Matam 2024, expressing grief through chest-beating (matam) and recitations of elegies (noha).
Key Features of the Procession
- Shama Gul: A traditional ritual that signals the start of the procession, symbolizing the light of Imam Hussain’s legacy.
- 9 Dhaal Tazia: A 500-year-old replica of Imam Hussain’s shrine, carried through the streets of Rohri.
- Matam: Mourners engage in Rohri Matam 9 Muharram 2025, a rhythmic chest-beating ritual to express sorrow for the martyrs of Karbala.
- Sabeels: Stalls offering water, milk, and tea are set up for mourners, reflecting the thirst endured by Imam Hussain’s camp.
Spiritual and Cultural Importance
The Rohri 9 Muharram 2025 events are not only a religious observance but also a cultural cornerstone for the local community. For Shia Muslims, mourning for Imam Hussain (A.S) is an act of protest against tyranny and a means to seek his intercession in the afterlife. The Rohri Matam 9 Muharram, including noha recitations by notable figures like Nadeem Sarwar, fosters unity and compassion. The procession serves as a reminder of Karbala’s universal message: standing firm for justice and truth.
Looking Ahead: 9 Muharram Rohri 2025
Based on the lunar Islamic calendar, 9 Muharram 2025 is expected to fall on July 5, 2025, in Pakistan, pending confirmation of the moon sighting by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. The Rohri 9 Muharram 2025 procession is anticipated to uphold its centuries-old traditions, with enhanced security and community participation. Mourners will likely gather for Rohri Matam 9 Muharram 2025, continuing the legacy of devotion and remembrance.
The Miracle of 10 Muharram (Rohri Mojza 10 Muharram)
The 10th of Muharram, known as Youm-e-Ashura, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions. In Rohri, this day is observed with continued mourning and reflection. The Rohri Mojza 10 Muharram refers to the spiritual inspiration drawn from the Karbala narrative, symbolizing resilience and faith. While no specific miracles are documented, the enduring tradition of the procession is regarded as a testament to divine preservation.
Procession Route & Stopover Significance
The procession follows a traditional route, with each stop carrying historical and spiritual weight:
1. Start at Syed Mor Shah’s Tomb Now a Day Imam Bargah Shah E Iraq Rohri
9th Muharram Early in the mornig 4:00 Am (1st Day) Imam Bargah Shah E Iraq Rohri
Blessing prayers and handover of the replica to the bearers.
Note: its Called Shama Gul translate is All Lights of dark because Lighting from Tazia
Note: Shama Gul means “All Lights Shine” it represents the glow that lights up the darkness, especially the illumination coming from the Tazia.
First communal gathering and a historical waypoint.
9th Muahhrram 1:00 Pm evening (2nd Day) Mando Khbeṛ
Merging point with replicas of Hazrat Qasim (AS) and Hazrat Ali Akbar (AS).
War Mubarak “When the processions reached the gateway of the street leading to the shrine of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s blessed hair, the riders turned their faces toward it. This was so that Syed al-Shuhada could offer salutations to the symbol of his beloved grandfather. After completing the greeting, the procession moved on—leaving the end of the main bazaar and entering the covered market.”
Bakharī Shāh’s Shrine: Separation of subsidiary replicas and final leg to the main sanctuary.
Wichhora Chock Rohri cepration point with replicas of Hazrat Qasim (AS) and Hazrat Ali Akbar (AS).
Wichhora Chowk, Rohri: " وڇوڙا چوڪ" The name comes from the Sindhi language and means “Separation Square.” It refers to a place in Rohri symbolizing moments of parting or emotional separation.
4. Syed Haider Shah Haqani’s Sanctuary
- Ritual ziyarat (visitation) and distribution of sweets (nadra).
- Syed Haider Shah Haqani’s Sanctuary
- Overnight vigil with supplications through dawn.
- On the 10th of Muharram, at 1:30 PM in the evening after Namaz the Karbala Moula procession (Jaloos) started from Syed Haider Shah Haqani’s residence and moved toward the Rohri Railway Station. The route ended there.
- Majlis Sham-e-Ghariban at Karbala Maidan Rohri
Roles & Participants
The Matam involves a range of participants with defined roles:
Replicabearers (Niaazdars): Trained to walk in unison, maintaining steady breathing to prevent jostling the replica.
Noha-Khwans: Lead lamentations, alternating reciters to keep the crowd engaged for hours.
Flag Bearers (Alam-dars): Carry symbolic flags at the front and rear, guiding the route and managing crowd flow.
Logistics Team: Coordinates water stations and first-aid tents along the procession path.
Distribution of Tabarruk (Niaz): Community members preparing Haleem as a Niaz offering on the streets of Rohri during Muharram, symbolizing unity and devotion at Karbala Blessed food and drinks, such as Haleem or Kheer, are shared among participants as Tabarruk. This communal act promotes unity and compassion.
Oral Transmission & Documentation
The traditio n is preserved through oral histories and detailed records:
Family Lineages: Six families (Rizvi, Musani, Haqani, Noorani, Bakharī, Mando) maintain separate diaries with dates, anecdotes, and donor lists.
Annual Committee: Appointed to verify dates and compile a printed pamphlet distributed on the 1st of Muharram.
Archival Practices: Handwritten ledgers bound in goat-skin are stored in a temperature-controlled room at Syed Mur Shah’s shrine. Recent efforts include digitizing pages with high-resolution scanning and OCR for text searches.
References
- Wikipedia: Muharram
- Book: Tuhfat al-Kiram by Ali Sher Qani Thattvi (1773 CE).
- Article: "Mian Ali Gohar Musani, "9th Muharram in Rohri," Panjtani Newspaper (1975).
- Oral histories of Rohri.
- Shajra-e-Rizvi Sadaat (Genealogy of Rizvi Syeds).
- The Nation: Procession with historic Zareeh taken out in Rohri
- Al-Islam.org - Karbala History
- YouTube @karbala-rohri
- Book: Rohri’s three and a half glorious centuries. "روهڙي جون ساڍيون ٽي سو رائتيون صديون" By: Sayed Abdul Hussain Musavi
- Book Recommendation: The Tragedy of Karbala by Maulana Muhammad Taqi
- Photo Credit: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi Location: Shafquat Hussain Shah Musavi Road
Conclusion
The Rohri 9 Muharram 2024 procession, with its Shama Gul and 9 Dhaal Tazia, is a powerful expression of faith, unity, and remembrance. As 9 Muharram Rohri Matam 2025 approaches, the legacy of Karbala continues to inspire millions. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments, and stay tuned for updates on this sacred tradition.
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