Global Muslim Community Observes Ashura, Commemorates Imam Hussein’s Martyrdom
Millions of Muslims globally are marking Ashura, a solemn occasion that honors the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam and grandson of the Prophet Mohammad.
In Iran, the observance of Ashura, which is marked on the 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram, is set to occur on Sunday this year.
Clad in black attire, Muslims are commemorating mourning rituals in memory of Imam Hussein (AS), who was martyred along with his 72 companions in the historic Battle of Karbala in southern Iraq, dating back to 680 AD. These observances honor their valiant stand for justice against the vast forces of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I.
Iranians across the nation are participating in solemn mourning processions and listening to elegies in observance of Ashura. During this significant religious event, benefactors are distributing votive food, commonly referred to as nazri.
Ashura marks the conclusion of a 10-day period of mourning rituals observed during the month of Muharram.
On the evening of Tasu’a, observed as the eve of Ashura, mourners pay tribute to Abbas ibn Ali (PBUH), the half-brother of Imam Hussein. Abbas valiantly lost his life attempting to deliver water to the women and children in the Imam’s camp, who had been deprived of water for days due to a blockade by opposing forces.
Muslims globally participate in mourning ceremonies, with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from Iran and other nations traveling to the sacred Iraqi city of Karbala. This city, home to Imam Hussein’s revered shrine, becomes a major focal point for Ashura observances.
The Muharram ceremonies represent the enduring and steadfast stand of truth over falsehood and humanity’s fight against injustice, tyranny, and oppression, a cause for which Imam Hussein (AS) was martyred.
