The month of Muharram is here and you will often listen to nohay being played on the radio, in homes, Imam Bargahs, Majlis’ etc. In case you didn’t know, a noha, when interpreted in light of Shia views, is a lament about the tragedy of Husayn ibn Ali in the Battle of Karbala.
In light of this, The Current has listed four Nohay that will help you understand the history of Karbala.
Mujhay Abbas Kahtay Hain
This noha is about Hazrat Abbas (A.S) also known as Qamar Banī Hāshim (the moon of Banu Hashim). Hazrat Abbas (A.S) was Imam Hussain’s (A.S) younger brother who is highly revered by Muslims for his loyalty to Imam Hussain(A.S). He was also well known in the Arab community for his bravery, strength and ferocity as a warrior. Hazrat Abbas (A.S) was martyred during the battle of Karbala when he went to bring water for the children from Nehar e Furat.
Meri Jaan Akbar
Ali Akbar was the son of Hazrat Imam Hussain’s (A.S) son. He was martyred at the age of 18 on the day of Ashura. Enemies attacked Ali Akbar and threw a spear (sinah) at Ali Akbar which went right through his chest. The enemy then broke the wooden part of the spear and left the blade inside Ali Akbar’s chest, to cause him more pain. As Ali Akbar fell from his horse, he called his father Imam Hussain (A.S) who tried to remove the spear from his chest but was unable to save him.
Zuljanah Hain Kahan Baba Jaan
Zuljanah was the horse of Imam Hussain (A.S), gifted to him by Hazrat Muhammad (S). When Imam Hussain (a.s) was martyred in Karbala, Zuljanah came back to the tents with the spots of blood on its body to inform his martyrdom.
Kiya Muhammad Ka Pyara Nahi Hoon
This noha by two youngsters is about Imam Hussain (A.S) telling people that he is the grandson of Hazrat Muhammad (P.BU.H) and why the Yazeedi Fauj denied water to him.
