http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0303-1881
We bid farewell to the old year by celebrating Prophet Ibrahim’s commitment to God displayed through his willingness to sacrifice his patient son, Prophet Ismail; we welcome the new year by commemorating the migration of Prophet Muhammad to Madinah, which marked the beginning of a period of enlightenment for civilization.
This is also the month where we remember the martyrdom of Prophet’s beloved grandson, Imaam Husayn.
WHO IS HUSAYN?
Husayn is the son of Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet. The holy Prophet said of her, “she is among the leaders of the women of Paradise”.
The father of Husayn is Ali, who was a cousin and one of the most beloved and steadfast companions of the Prophet. Indeed, Ali is like the sun, Fatimah like the moon and Husayn a star in the galaxy of heroes.
Together with his brother Hasan, Husayn is considered among “leaders of the youth of Paradise”. We shall never forget how the Prophet descended from his pulpit to embrace and seat his grandson besides him before resuming his sermon, nor how he prolonged his prostration in order not to discomfort the other who had climbed on his back. The Prophet beseeched the Almighty; “O Allah, I love Hasan and Husayn, do love them and love those who love them”.
ASHURA
The tenth of Muharam marks a significant day in the Muslim calendar; it is the day on which, among other events, Allah saved Prophet Musa from the tyrannical Pharaoh. To commemorate this event the Prophet recommended we fast on this day; a fast considered second only to the obligatory fast of Ramadan.
Another a significant event occurred on that day in 61 AH, an event that serves as a milestone in the history of the faithful