THE ARBAEE
Forty days after Ashura, the tragedy is recalled by millions of people
In the several countries and regions of the globe, mourning ceremonies and gatherings are held with the following activities:
- Quran recitation.
- Recitation of Ziyara*.
- Speech by a theologian, scholar or speech.
- Reading of rhythmic mourning poetry.
- Visualisation/ theater with role play.
- Food distribution and communal eating.
Non-Muslim countries may have programs in several languages for each congregation.
The Imam Ali Mosque and the Imam Sadiq Center are examples of mosques and hangouts that plan the holding of their programs according to the language and ethnicity of the members, thus meeting the need.
It is reported that Imam Al-Ridha (pbuh) said to the son of Shabib:
"O Ibn Shabib, if you weep for anything, let it be over Hussein son of Ali, for he was murdered as a ram is slaughtered, along with eighteen of his household members who had no imitators on that earth. For his murder wept the seven heavens and the earth, and four thousand angels were sent down to support him waited at his grave until the rising of the Qaim (Imam Mahdi), where their slogan is: Justice for Hussein!
Despite the fact that the Ashura tragedy took place on the 10th of Muharram, it is the tradition that the mourning ceremonies and gatherings are started primarily from the first day of the year on the Islamic lunar calendar.
This is marked by covering the premises in i.a. mosques and religious places of worship with black covering etc. the marking of the mourning period cf. the Imams' work during the same period of the year.
The nights are distributed according to tradition as follows:
1st night- Muharram moon and its onset.
Sources and accounts of the Imams and the remembrance of Karbala and mourning.
Mourning rituals and ceremonies during the time and supervision of the Imams.
Historical insight into the Muslim world after Imam Ali's martyrdom and Imam Hassan's poisoning.
2nd night- Mourning and its legitimacy.
The accounts of the Prophet and the Imams about mourning at Muharram and its reward and effect on the psyche of a follower and Muslim.
The act of mourning Imam Hussein and his companions as well as the connection to one's own development in spirituality and ethics.
The Italicization of
THE BATTLE OF KARBALA
Hussain, his companions and family were forced to stop in the desert land of Karbala by Yazid's soldiers. At dawn on the day of Ashura, Hussain and his men knew what was coming and offered their final prayers. Despite knowing they would die that day, all of Hussain's men, who had numbered over 70 people, remained loyal to him and their cause, choosing to die loyal to their principles rather than live under a corrupt ruler.
The Battle of Karbala began at noon. Despite the small number of Hussain and his men, they bravely knew Yazid's army knowing that they would light the fire of revolution. But one by one Hussain's friends were killed until only Hussain himself remained. As evening approached, Hussain was all alone. Tired, thirsty and badly wounded, he did not give up and stuck to his principles until the end. Eventually Hussain himself fell after being attacked by Yazid's army from all sides. Hussain was killed - but his stand will be remembered by those striving for social justice for over a thousand years after him.
While Hussain died in the battle, the message of Hussain was born. His actions and position at Karbala inspired a series of small rebellions against Yazid that eventually led to his death.
Yazid showed the world his corrupt morals after the Battle of Karbala, where he took Hussain's family as prisoners and forced them to travel nearly a thousand kilometers to his palace. But Hussain's family did not yield to Yazid just because of Hussain's death, rather they were also inspired by his stand. Hussain's sister Zainab and his son Ali ibn Hussain both made powerful speeches against Yazid in front of his ministers, urging him to kill Hussain, but also his corrupt regime.
On the day of Ashura, many Muslims participate in large peaceful gatherings, reciting poems in memory of Hussain and his sacrifice while lamenting and beating their chests as a cultural tradition to show their grievance. Many people use the day of Ashura as a day to perform kindness and charity as a way for them to keep alive the same principles and values that Hussain gave his life for.
