Chehlum 2025 in Pakistan

Chehlum, observed on the 20th of Safar, marks the 40th day after Ashura and commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions at Karbala. In Pakistan, it is observed with processions, majalis, and acts of mourning to honor their sacrifices for truth and justice.

Chehlum: A Public Holiday?

Chehlum is an optional holiday in Pakistan. Employment and holiday laws allow employees to select a limited number of optional holidays, including Chehlum. While some individuals may choose to take the day off to participate in processions and religious gatherings, most offices, schools, and businesses remain open and operate as usual.

Chehlum

Chehlum, observed on the 20th of Safar, the second month of the Islamic calendar, marks the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his companions at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The event is rooted in Islamic history and commemorates the immense sacrifice made by Imam Hussain and his followers for justice, truth, and resistance against tyranny. According to tradition, Chehlum also signifies the return of the surviving family of Imam Hussain to Karbala to visit the graves of the martyrs. The 40-day mourning period is a time for reflection on the values upheld by Imam Hussain.

Observance on Chehlum in Pakistan

In Pakistan, Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is observed with deep religious reverence, particularly by Shia Muslims, although Sunni Muslims also pay respect to the sacrifices of Karbala. The day begins with special prayers in mosques and homes. Large processions are held in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Quetta, where mourners dress in black, recite elegies, and perform matam (chest-beating) to express their grief. Religious gatherings known as majalis are organized, where scholars narrate the events of Karbala and discuss the moral and spiritual lessons from the sacrifices of Imam Hussain.

Charity is an essential aspect of Chehlum in Pakistan, with food and drinks distributed to participants and needy people. Many people set up free water and food stalls, known as sabeels, along procession routes to serve mourners. Security measures are heightened across the country to ensure peaceful observance of the day.

Chehlum, falling in Safar of the Islamic calendar, holds great significance as it reminds Muslims of the values of truth, justice, and steadfastness in the face of oppression. For many, it is a day of spiritual renewal, mourning, and recommitment to the principles of Islam, as demonstrated by Imam Hussain and his companions at Karbala. It fosters unity, compassion, and a sense of shared purpose within the Muslim community.

Chehlum Observances