Millions Worldwide Commemorate Ashura, Celebrating Imam Hussein’s Legacy of Resilience

On Sunday, countries around the world observed mass commemorations for Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. The day is significant as it marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

Across the globe, annual rituals continue to commemorate Imam Hussein’s courageous resistance against despotism during the historic Battle of Karbala, fought over 1,300 years ago. His uprising, culminating in his martyrdom, has emerged as a lasting emblem of steadfast justice and ethical defiance against oppression. From Beirut to Kashmir, mourners today honored his legacy through processions, sermons, and symbolic expressions of grief, emphasizing a deep spiritual and political heritage.

Millions of devotees have congregated in Iraq’s sacred cities, underscoring the significant religious and cultural importance of the gatherings in the region.

In Iraq, widely regarded as the spiritual epicenter of Ashura, vast numbers of devotees gathered in the revered cities of Karbala and Najaf. Reports from Iraq’s Interior Ministry indicate that more than 1.17 million pilgrims have visited the holy shrines since the start of Muharram. The city of Karbala alone witnessed 833 mourning processions, featuring delegations from 10 foreign nations, underscoring the global importance of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom. Authorities have mobilized civil defense units across the historic old city to manage the overwhelming influx of mourners crowding the streets, many of whom echoed the powerful chant: “Labayka ya Hussein!”—”Here I am, O Hussein.”

**Iran: Voices of Resistance Rise During Time of Mourning**

Across Iran, numerous cities and towns observed extensive Ashura gatherings, marked by a heightened sense of resistance in light of recent Israeli actions. This year’s commemorations were encapsulated by the slogan “Iran of Hussein, victorious forever,” reflecting the belief that Imam Hussein’s pursuit of justice inevitably leads to victory.

**Pakistan and Kashmir: Commitment Amid Challenges**

In the complex geopolitical landscape of South Asia, the relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir has remained a topic of significant focus. The enduring commitment between the two regions is characterized by a steadfast devotion and the ongoing navigation of various forms of repression. The intricate dynamics continue to shape the socio-political narratives within the region, requiring astute diplomatic engagement and discourse.

In Pakistan, massive crowds took part in processions, with a significant congregation convening at Karachi’s Nishter Park. The Ashura commemorations nationwide were conducted amidst stringent security measures. Concurrently, in Indian-administered Kashmir, a region noted for substantial political repression, mourners marked the 9th of Muharram in a distinctive manner. They held floating processions on wooden boats across Dal Lake, an act of devotion symbolically maneuvering through intricate political challenges.

**Forging Links Across Continents**

Communities across Europe, the United States, Australia, and parts of Africa observed Ashura with solemn processions, gatherings known as ‘majlis,’ and symbolic acts of mourning. From London to Dearborn, Sydney to Johannesburg, mourners assembled in mosques and community centers to recite elegies and reenact the tragedy of Karbala. Despite the geographical distance from the shrines in Iraq, the spirit of Imam Hussein’s sacrifice resonated deeply, bringing believers together in shared grief and a commitment to justice. For many in the diaspora, Ashura functioned as both a spiritual anchor and a reaffirmation of resistance against various forms of oppression.

Reporting from Abuja, this is Danjuma Abdullahi.

The international observances highlight the unwavering strength of communities across the globe, drawing on the memory of Imam Hussein as a symbol of moral resistance.