Ashurameans "tenth" in Arabic and refers to the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram. It is a significant day for Muslims, especially Shia Muslims, who commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala. Ashura is associated with mourning, self-reflection, and devotion to upholding justice and fighting injustice.

Ashura (the 10th day of the month of Muharram) is a day of mourning and reflection for many Muslims around the world, commemorating the bravery and unwavering commitment to principles of Imam Hussain. It serves as a reminder of the eternal struggle for justice, freedom and human dignity. Ashura Day (10th Day). 

Local events: - Today's morning hours start with the recitation of the Karbala battle (Maqtal/ مقتل). - After midday prayer, mourners gather for a peace march in, among others, Copenhagen (Ashura procession).

Global events: - The city of Karbala is flooded with mourners. - Millions of mourners gather in holy cities such as Karbala, Najaf, Samarra, Kadhemiya, Mash'had and Damascus. - Peace marches and processions mark Ashura Day in capitals around the world, to commemorate Hussain's struggle against injustice and sacrifice for justice.

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Hussain was a central figure in Islam and was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Born in 626 AD, he played a crucial role in upholding Islamic teachings and principles. His most famous act was his resistance to tyranny and injustice at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where he and his family were brutally murdered. Imam Hussain symbolizes courage, justice, and sacrifice for the cause of faith. His sacrifice is a source of inspiration and a reminder of the importance of standing up against oppression and defending the truth.

Hussain also called Imam Hussain was a revolutionary leader. In everyday speech, "imam" is used to refer to a religious leader, while Imam (including Imam Hussain), refers to the divinely appointed successors of the Prophet Muhammad.

Imam Hussain was the youngest grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the son of Lady Fatima. Hussain was the younger brother of Imam Hassan and the older brother of Lady Zainab. There are hundreds of narrations in which the Prophet expresses his love publicly for Hassan and Hussain.

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ShiaMuslims in Denmark send a universal message of peace, love and justice. We encourage active participation in creating a better world for all and for Muslims and non-Muslims to stand together in a solution-oriented society and create harmony. It is through unity that we can defeat injustice and spread goodness and compassion in our common journey towards a better society for all people, regardless of faith or background.

Ashura events

The rituals of Muharram, the 10 days and nights marking the martyrdom of Hussain, include various practices. Mourning ceremonies are held to commemorate the tragedy of Karbala through the recitation of elegies and mournful poetry, speeches, and weeping. In addition, there are also charitable acts such as sharing food and drink with others and giving alms to the poor, symbolizing solidarity and compassion for those in need. However, these rituals vary in practice and intensity among different Muslim communities.

In the Danish memorials, the deceased are remembered through lectures, stories, plays and mourning poetry, and the programs end with food distribution. In parts of Nørrebro and Copenhagen, free food and drinks are also distributed.

There are also traditions for many Shia Muslims to make a pilgrimage to Karbala in Iraq. Karbala is the city where the massacre took place.

Followers of several religions and sects see in Imam Hussain's uprising and stance a theological and humanitarian connection between calling and action. Therefore, visits by famous Christian leaders in particular are not unknown in the Iraqi cityscape during the Ashura mourning ceremonies.

Read more about the 10 nights

Read more about the rituals

The story of Imam Hussain begins with his grandfather, the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet Muhammad prophesied about the role of his family, saying that Imam Hussain would be martyred for upholding justice and fighting injustice. After the Prophet's death, Imam Hussain spread the message of truth and justice in a time of corruption and tyranny. His martyrdom at Karbala was passed down by his sons and successors, including Imam Hussain's sister, Mrs. Zainab, and Imam Hussain's son, Al-Sajjad, who passed on the story of Imam Hussain's heroic struggle. Over the years, the story of Imam Hussain has been preserved and shared among Muslims, and it continues to inspire and touch the hearts of people around the world.

The stories have also been told through generations with mourning gatherings, poetry readings, speeches and processions, as well as humanistic and charitable projects.

Read about the heroes of Karabala

Barely 50 years after the death of Muhammad (the last prophet of Islam), the Muslim empire suffered from corruption under the tyrant and monarchist Caliph Yazid of the Ummayad family. The change and distortion of Islam under the then Caliph Yazid reached a terrible climax, with historical accounts suggesting that the Caliph openly displayed and uncovered oppression and injustice.

Hussain had a choice between either supporting the tyrant and living a comfortable and luxurious life, or refusing loyalty and most likely being killed for his decision and stance. Hussain could not live his life as a supporter and supporter of tyranny, and the choice for him was simple. Hussain refused, saying: "I only want to spread good values ​​and prevent evil". This choice is remembered by millions of followers around the world across countries and continents, among both religious, ideological and ethnic groups and individuals.

We must learn from this experience and support the community in making a positive difference and change. This means fighting oppression, promoting justice, and creating an inclusive and harmonious society where all citizens can thrive and live in peace and equality.

View the Ashura timeline

Imam Hussain has a deeply significant role for Muslims. He symbolizes courage, justice, and sacrifice. His tragic martyrdom at the Battle of Karbala is a source of inspiration and strength for Muslims and non-Muslims around the world. Imam Hussain represents the fight against oppression and injustice, and his resistance to tyranny stands as a timeless example of upholding principles and faith, even in difficult situations. Muslims remind each other of his legacy and values ​​as a reminder to stand up against injustice and defend the truth, regardless of the consequences. He is a source of inspiration and a guiding star for Muslims in their quest for justice and peace.

Who is Hussain 

Since 1996, a group of less than 50 people have held the annual Ashura procession to mark the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. The day Imam Hussain and his followers were brutally murdered. It was not just their bodies that were under attack but their stand for justice that was not allowed to exist. Millions of people today remember Imam Hussain's struggle against tyranny and injustice.

We are gathered here today, alongside other mourners around the world, dressed in the colors of mourning. Millions across the globe, as Shiites, as Muslims, and as non-Muslims, commemorate the loss of Imam Hussain.

Imam Hussain, who is remembered by millions of people, even after 1300 years, is the revolutionary fighter for justice, Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

Imam Hussein fought, among other things, for social justice and for the responsibility of an authority towards its people. Imam Hussein stood against the abuse of power and promoted objective and constructive criticism.

In every continent around the world, Hussein's message is remembered annually, where it is relevant to both religious and non-religious people, and without limitation to gender, ethnicity or belief. Imam Hussein's human and humanitarian struggle reminds us to awaken the call to good in ourselves and our fellow human beings. Hussein reminds us that evil should not be allowed to rule, and that we all have a responsibility to speak out against injustice, regardless of the outcome and regardless of who the authority is. Imam Hussein taught us that we must cherish the ability to live and think freely, and yet have respect for objective disagreement with our fellow human beings.

The Ashura rally

"Arbaeen Peace March" is the name of the annual march that was started in Denmark in 2005 by a few mourners. The desire 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.

"Arbaeen Peace March" is Wednesday, September 6th on Zealand.

The march stretches approximately 20 kilometers from Hundige to Nørrebro and takes place from 6:30 a.m. to approximately 2:00 p.m.

​The route and rest areas are as follows:
- 06:30: Hundige station. (start)
- 07:00: Ishøj station.
- 07:30: Vejlegårdsparken.
- 08:30: Strandesplanaden, Brøndby strand.
(rest break, Arbaeen greetings and food and drink distribution).
- 10:30: Friheden station.
(hvilepause og mad- samt drikkeuddeling).
- 11:30: Valby station.
- 12:30/ 14:00: Nørrebro station. (end).

Arbaeen / 40th Day:
Throughout the world, millions of Shia Muslims and freedom lovers mark the Arbaeen event year after year by walking a symbolic distance to commemorate this tragedy.

On par with the pilgrimage to Mecca, the Arbaeen peace march has become one of the largest Muslim holidays ever. Where both Shia, Sunni, Christians and non-Muslims visit Imam Hussain in Karbala, Iraq.

A growing crowd of 20 million visitors to this international event cannot be overlooked or underestimated, especially in times when the SoMe movement and the media in general make it easier for followers to explore all over the world's geographies, cultures, and nations.

Visitors gather in these huge numbers to empathize and recall the horrors and atrocities that the captives among the Prophet's family and children have endured. This memory of humiliation and inhuman treatment reminds all societies of their role in enjoining good and forbidding evil, which can also be manifested in a symbolic walk.

The Ashura peacemarch

Arbaeenis an important religious event within the Muslim world, marking the 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala. It is a time when millions of Muslims, regardless of nationality or background, gather in Iraq to participate in a pilgrimage to Hussainiyah, the burial site of Imam Hussain. Arbaeen is the world's largest annual human gathering, symbolizing unity, solidarity and homage to Imam Hussain and his sacrifices. During this event, important values ​​such as mercy, compassion and love are practiced in an impressive expression of devotion and faith.

The gathering point is the various cities of Iraq; primarily Najaf or Baghdad and the destination is the city of Karbala, where the Ashura incident took place. The gravesite of Imam Hussain and Abbas can be found in the center of Karbala. Up to 20 million people gather for Arbaeen (the 40th day) after the Ashura tragedy to mark the mourning ceremony. Visitors from all corners of the world show their sympathy and support for the Prophet's family by walking longer distances of up to 90 kilometers spread over a few days with Karbala in sight. On a par with the pilgrimage to Mecca, the Arbaeen peace march has become one of the largest Muslim holidays ever.

The visitors proudly hoist their national flags and flaunt their national identity in order to illuminate the obvious love for the Prophet's family. They show their loyalty to the Prophet by mourning and remembering the captives of Karbala, their journey and suffering from their then destination from Kufa to Damascus.

Arbaeen/ 40th day

• Read more about Hussain here
• What do famous non-Muslims say about Hussain? Read more here.
• Get an overview of events and rituals that occur here i Denmark.
• Use the timeline to understand the travel of Hussain Timeline.

1. ​"Death with dignity is better than life in humiliation."
   Imam Hussein's quote encyclopedia, page 602.
2. "I prefer to die with honor than live under oppression." 
   Al-Manaqib, Khawarizmi 4; 68.
3. "If you don't believe in anything, you will fall for everything." 
   Imam Hussein quote encyclopedia, side 509.
4. "No one fights for God without experiencing victory." 
   Imam Hussein citatglose, side 580.
5. "The goal is not to live long, but to live meaningfully." 
   Mizan Al-Hikma, Raishahri, 3; 2690.
6. "True heroes don't die, they live forever in the hearts of those they have touched." 
   Bihar Al-Anwar, Majlisi. 44; 297.
7. "Stick to the truth is not always easy, but it is always the right thing." 
   Mizan Al-Hikma, Raishahri. 1; 656.
8. "Perform good deeds even when you are surrounded by evil." 
   Samlingen af shia beretninger, Burujardi. 8; 30.