Chehlum

What Is Chehlum?

Chehlum is a significant annual observance within Shia Islam, occurring 40 days after the Day of Ashura. The term “Chehlum” is derived from Persian, meaning “the fortieth day,” while its Arabic equivalent is Arba’een. This day marks the conclusion of the traditional mourning period for Imam Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and his companions, who were martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

The observance serves as a powerful demonstration of devotion and remembrance, highlighting the principles of sacrifice, justice, and resistance against oppression. For Shia Muslims worldwide, Chehlum is a time for deep reflection, collective mourning, and renewed commitment to the ideals embodied by Imam Husayn. It symbolises perseverance in the face of adversity and the enduring legacy of the Karbala event.

History and Origins of Chehlum

The historical roots of Chehlum are directly linked to the tragic events of Karbala. On the 10th of Muharram in 61 AH (680 CE), Imam Husayn and a small group of his followers were besieged and martyred by the army of the Umayyad Caliph Yazid I. This event is a foundational narrative for Shia Islam, signifying a pivotal moment of injustice and defiance.

The tradition of marking the 40th day, or Arba’een, has historical precedence in various Abrahamic cultures, where a 40-day period often signifies a significant transition or a profound period of mourning and reflection. For Chehlum, the observance is believed to have begun with Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari, a revered companion of the Prophet Muhammad, who is recorded as the first pilgrim to visit Imam Husayn’s tomb in Karbala exactly 40 days after the martyrdom. His visit is considered the origin of the Arba’een pilgrimage.

Over the centuries, the observance of Chehlum grew in prominence, becoming a central annual event for Shia communities. It transitioned from a localised practice to a global expression of identity and solidarity. The historical oppression faced by Shia Muslims further solidified the importance of Chehlum as a rallying point for their collective memory and cultural resilience.

How Chehlum Is Celebrated

Chehlum is observed with profound reverence and deep emotional engagement across Shia Muslim communities globally. The predominant forms of observance include mourning ceremonies, public processions, and acts of charity. The overarching theme is one of remembrance, solidarity, and recommitment to the principles for which Imam Husayn stood.

The Arba’een Pilgrimage

The most prominent aspect of Chehlum observance is the Ziyarat Arba’een, the pilgrimage to the shrine of Imam Husayn in Karbala, Iraq. Millions of Shia Muslims travel from across the globe to participate in this journey, often walking hundreds of kilometres from cities like Najaf and Basra to Karbala. This annual mass gathering is one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world. Along the pilgrimage routes, volunteers establish ‘Mawakib’ or ‘Hussainiyahs’, temporary service stations that provide pilgrims with free food, drink, accommodation, and medical assistance. This communal support reflects the spirit of generosity and mutual aid.

Observances in India

In India, where there is a significant Shia population, particularly in cities like Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, Chehlum is observed with considerable solemnity. Processions are organised where mourners participate in ‘matam’ (chest-beating) and ‘zanjeer-zani’ (self-flagellation with chains, often symbolic) to express grief. Religious scholars deliver ‘majalis’ (congregations) where the events of Karbala are recounted, and elegies (‘Marsiyas’ and ‘Nauhas’) are recited. Food distribution, known as ‘Niaz’, is a common practice, with meals offered to the poor and pilgrims as an act of charity and remembrance.

Global Observances

Beyond Iraq and India, Chehlum is observed by Shia communities in countries such as Iran, Pakistan, Lebanon, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In these regions, the observances generally follow a similar pattern of religious gatherings, lectures, and processions. Mourning flags, often black or green, are displayed, and specific prayers and recitations are performed. The communal aspect of sharing grief and reaffirming faith is central to these global observances, regardless of the specific local customs.

When Is Chehlum?

Chehlum falls on the 20th day of Safar, the second month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning its months are based on the cycles of the moon. Consequently, the Islamic year is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar.

This difference causes the date of Chehlum to shift earlier by about 10 or 11 days each year when observed on the Gregorian calendar. For example, if Chehlum falls in September one year, it will occur in late August or early September the following year. This moveable nature means that its exact Gregorian date varies annually, requiring consultation of an Islamic calendar or astronomical calculations to determine its precise occurrence. The observance marks the conclusion of the 40-day period following Ashura, which itself falls on the 10th of Muharram.

Chehlum Key Facts