The page provides information about opportunities to participate in and experience the culture and unity surrounding Ashura and its values.
The heroes of Ashura taught us that the path to coexistence and social flourishing is reached through supporting the local community and preventing inequality. Volunteering and philanthropy are typically the path to unity and wellness. Join us as a volunteer or support a good cause.
The tragedy of Ashura occupies a prominent place in Islamic history, yet isn't taught enough. This commemoration has been relived year after year for over 1380 years and continues to do so, despite the attempts of the Umayyads and the caliphate to hide this massacre from the world.
Throughout human history, it has been shown that respect for human rights comes through humility and increasing knowledge about oneself and one's fellow human beings.
April year 680 (15th Rajab):
Muawiya dies and hands over the caliphate, as in a monarchy, to his son Yazid. Neither a shura council is consulted nor a public election process is carried out.
May (28th Rajab):
Imam Hussain leaves Medina and arrives in Mecca on the 3rd of Sha'ban, precisely to avoid being forced to swear an oath of allegiance to the appointed caliph, the tyrant Yazid. Link
June 10th Ramadan:
More than 150 letters arrive to Imam Hussein from Kufa's residents, tribal leaders, and chiefs, with invitations to leadership and reform. Link
September year 680:
Imam Hussain leaves Mecca for Kufa, to respond to the people's invitation to restore his grandfather's original message of Islam.
I am more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam these days. It was the determined simplicity and complete ego annihilation of Hussain. The scrupulous respect for vows, and his intense devotion to his friends and followers, and his fearlessness. It was Hussain's absolute trust in God and in his own mission and not the sword that carried everything before it and overcame every obstacle.
Instead, in line with trends in the Middle East, South Asia and the West, blood donation campaigns have become more popular. The idea is to support Imam Husayn's fight for justice by sharing one's blood for a humanitarian cause. While campaigns in the UK have been co-ordinated since 1987, the blood donation campaign in Norway has been increasing over the last ten years.
Outside of Islamic traditions, very little is known about him. Here is an example of a spiritual leader, religious leader, political leader who I think could actually speak much more broadly to the world. It would be nice to include Hussain in the kind of pantheon of religious greats that people often talk about; Moses, Jesus, Buddha, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King. These names that people regularly know.
Hussain was a revolutionary leader from the 7th century who made the ultimate stand to implement ethical justice. His legacy inspires millions to strive for the maintenance of a society based on justice and dignity.
Hussain gave everything he had for the dignity of his community to stand against corruption, and in doing so, Hussain forever changed the course of history. Hussain's sacrifice and uprising, today gives hope to people regardless of background or affiliation, his courage inspires us to stand up to the injustice of our world today.
Shia Muslims commemorate the Ashura tragedy globally with programs and community.
Food & dining are an important part of the celebration in countries like Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Lebanon.
And the number of people reviving Ashura in associations is increasing annually here in Denmark.
Amount of water distributed during the 10 days of Ashura year 2024. The symbol of water is particularly in focus.
Across the globe, mourning ceremonies are held on several continents and large and small gatherings are formed in several countries to commemorate the Karbala tragedy. This is done according to different local traditions and languages, however, one or more of the following activities are typically part of the programs:
The traditional retelling of the horrific event of Ashura is spread over the first ten (10) nights of the month of Muharram.
What are the main themes of the story and what social, political, ethical, and moral sub-themes are addressed during these nights?
"The Procession of the Free" is the name of the annual procession that started in 1996 by a few mourners who wanted to take a symbolic procession in memory of Imam Hussein and the tragedy that took place in Karbala in the year 680. The tradition grew to the point that more than 10,000 people now participate and the number is growing....
Banatalrisala is a nonprofit and independent association, established in 2022 by a group of volunteer sisters.
The art exhibition continues for the 5th year in a row and features numerous and different works of art related to the Ashura tragedy.
The "Arbaeen Peace March" is the name of the annual march that was started in Denmark in 2005 by a few mourners. The intention was to walk a symbolic distance, like the million march that takes place annually in Iraq, in memory of Imam Hussein's family, who were taken hostage after the Karbala tragedy in the year 680.
