Ashura

What is Ashura for Sunni Muslims?

• The Ashura festival was established by Prophet Muhammad as a day of fasting.

• To commemorate the Exodus of the Hebrew people led by the prophet Moses out of Egypt to the promised land.

• Today it is voluntary for Sunni Muslims to fast or not.

Why do Sunnis regard Ashura as a time for joy?

• Sunnis regard the festival as a time for joy because it is an occasion to celebrate the way Allah saved Moses/Hebrews from the Egyptian slavery.

For some Ashura commemorates other key events in history, what are these?

• Birthdays of Adam, Ibrahim and Isa

• The day after the flood when Noah stepped from the ark onto the earth again.

• The tests given to Ibrahim to sacrifice his son (stoning the devil at hajj)

• It is also expected that the day of judgement will fall on this day.

What major events is Ashura linked to for Shias?

• Ashura is linked to major events involved in the city of Karbala in Iraq.

• Ali during his reign faced division and a civil war.

• A governor Mu’awiya refused to accept Ali.

• Ali was eventually murdered with a poisoned sword - this led to dispute over the succession.

• Mu’awiya’s son, Yazid demanded Ali’s son, Husayn accept him as the leader of the Muslims.

• Husayn refused, despite being outnumbered - he and his party were killed at Karbala.

What is the new focus that Shia Muslims gave to Ashura?

• Shia Muslims gave the day of Ashura a new focus after the death of Husayn - killed in the battle of Karbala.

• Ashura for Shia Muslims became a time of mourning.

• Shias regard his death to be the death of a martyr - it is a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn and his supporters against an army.

How did the Battle of Karbala go?

• It lasted all day as Husayn, with around 72 companions plus women and children fought against the much larger army.

• Eventually Husayns supporters were overwhelmed - their camp was set on fire and their bodies were trampled upon by horses of the enemy.

• Husayn and followers were killed, and their property looted.

• This event had a profound effect on the surviving relatives and supporters of Husayn, as they mourned for him and all the companions who were killed.

What is Husayn’s martyrdom seen as a symbol of for Shias?

• Husayn’s martyrdom is seen by Shias as a symbol of the struggle against injustice, tyranny and oppression.

What is the Battle of Karbala regarded as, and what is Ashura for Shias?

• The battle of Karbala was regarded as a conflict between good and evil - as the martyrdom of Husayn allowed the faith of Islam to continue and thrive.

• For Shias, the festival is a day of sorrow and mourning.

What are the religious practices associated with this commemoration for Shias?

• The martyrdom of Husayn is commemorated through re-enactments of the Battle of Karbala.

• Shias march in processions by breast beating and weeping.

• Many men cut themselves and this is known as self-flagellation. Or wear red paint, many are encouraged to give a blood donation.

• Participants experience profound grief, pain and sorrow in emotional ceremonies as the tragedy and heroism of Husayn are relived.

• A day of public mourning and refelction.

• Wearing black clothes.

• No weddings, celebrations, playing of music take place.

• In Pakistan, a white horse is used in procession to reflect the white horse Husayn rode on in the battle.

• Pilgrimage to Husayn’s tomb in Karbala - where he is believed to have been martyred, for some this has become ‘more popular than hajj’

Persecution, suffering, and self harm are traits that run through the commemoration at Ashura, what do Shias learn from these acts?

• It symbolises them rising above their own suffering, as they do the act of self-flagellation which allows them to see how Husayn thrived so they can too.

• Lets them stand up against tyranny.

• Injustice and peace.

• Sharing the suffering with each other too.

• Focus on freedom/liberation.

• Appreciate what they have now - it was worse for Husayn.

• Regret previous actions.

• Reflect on the truth and justice.

• Forgive those who act unjustly towards you (Husayn said this.)

• Bondage, sense of community.

What is a key quote about the battle of Karbala?

• ‘No battle has earned more sympathy and admiration, as well as provided more lessons than the martyrdom of Husayn in the Battle of Karbala.’