WHAT IS ASHURA?
What happened on Ashura and what tragedy occured on that day?
REMEMBERED BY MILLIONS
Omking year 680 AD Imam Hussain, a revolutionary leader of the 7th century, along with his children and family members were brutally killed on the day of Ashura. The 10th. day of the first month of the Islamic calendar Muharram. (Ashura means the tenth in Arabic). As the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, he met his death in the battle of the desert of Karbala in Iraq. Yazid an Ummayad caliph who was behind the brutal execution of Imam Hussain, his brothers, sons and other family members. Imam Hussain's sacrifice and courage have made him an icon for posterity.
Ashura Day marks the death anniversary of Hussain where millions of people around the world remember Hussain's dignified steadfastness for justice and his resistance to tyranny. The day of Ashura symbolizes the mourning of his death and serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of justice and courage in the face of oppression.
MOURNING CEREMONIES
Imam Hussain's followers and admirers mark Ashura mourning with ten days of mourning ceremonies, commemorating the tragedy while celebrating victory over bloodshed, oppression and the fight against injustice.
During these ceremonies, verses from the Holy Qur'an are recited, followed by speeches that highlight the significance of Ashura for our own lives. Mourning poetry is performed with rhythmic movement and conveys a deep sense of grief and reflection. These events bring mourners together for traditional Ashura meals, typically donated by the congregation or outside benefactors. It is a time when fellowship, spiritual immersion and solidarity flourish while commemorating Imam Hussain's sacrifice and his courageous fight against injustice.
HUSSAIN'S SACRIFICE
Shortly after Muhammad's death, the Islamic empire reverted to old Arab norms and habits. Imam Hussain witnessed how his grandfather's teachings on ethics and morality were ignored by the tyrannical Caliph Yazid and his father, Muawiya.
In Muslim society, the ruling caliph was no longer elected by consensus (shura) or appointed directly by the Prophet. This lack of legitimacy led the young caliph, Yazid, son of Muawiya, to seek legitimacy from, among others, the Prophet's grandson, Hussain, son of Ali.
Imam Hussain was highly respected in the community because of his sincerity, piety and not least for being the grandson of the Prophet and the son of Imam Ali.
However, Hussain rejected Yazid's desire for support for his illegitimate rule and corrupt government. Hussain was a moral man who strove to uphold social justice, like his father, Imam Ali, and his grandfather, the Prophet Mohammad, who laid the foundation for people to receive the revelation and embrace Islam.
THE MASSACRE OF THE HOUSEHOLD
Hussain, his companions and family were forced by Yazid's soldiers to halt in the desert of Karbala. At dawn on the day of Ashura, it was clear to Hussain and his men what awaited them, and they offered their last prayers. Despite knowing that they would die that day, Hussain's companions remained by his side. Although they were aware that they could not prevail against the thousand-strong army, they reaffirmed their loyalty to the Prophet's grandson and were willing to sacrifice their lives for this cause. They prioritized their principles over living under a corrupt ruler and refused to witness oppression. Imam Hussain stood against an overwhelming enemy army to defend truth and justice. Despite being surrounded by enemies and facing inhuman suffering, he refused to bow down to oppression and gave his life fighting for the principles of Islam.
The Battle of Karbala began at noon. Although Hussain and his companions were few in number, they were terrifying to Yazid's army. Fearing internal unrest, Yazid's general, Omar ibn Saad, decided to start the war. After a few hours, Hussain was the only one left on the battlefield. Exhausted, thirsty and badly wounded, he did not give up or give up his principles. Without support, Hussain was attacked from all sides by Yazid's soldiers until he was finally killed. Hussain's struggle remains vivid in the memory of those who strive for justice, even after 1400 years since his martyrdom.
The water withheld: During the siege of Karbala, the water was withheld from Imam Hussain's camp by the enemy forces. Imam Hussain's children and family members were murdered one by one and Imam Hussain's son, Ali al-Asghar, an infant, suffered from thirst. Imam Hussain asked for water for his son, but his request was rejected by the enemy. Ali al-Asghar was tragically killed when he was shot with an arrow and died of thirst.
The Imam and His Faithfulness: Despite the inevitable fate that awaited him, Imam Hussain's loyalty and faithfulness to his mission became evident. He urged his companions to leave him for their lives, but they chose to stay with him and give their lives in support of his cause.
Mrs. Zainab's speech: After the battle, Imam Hussain's sister, Mrs. Zainab, was captured and taken to Yazid's palace in Damascus. In the palace, she gave a powerful speech in which she condemned Yazid's actions and revealed the truth about the Karbala massacre. Her speech touched the hearts of the people and strengthened the fight for justice.
These tales of Imam Hussain show his dedication, resilience and devotion to the principles of truth and justice, and they continue to inspire and touch people today.
A BRUTALITY NEVER SEEN BEFORE
Hussain's camp and the families' tents in Karbala were set on fire as part of the humiliation of Hussain's progeny and his companions. But this was not enough for Yazid as he ordered Hussain's head and the heads of some of his companions to be carried to Damascus where the Caliphate's palace was to celebrate the victory. This camp, consisting primarily of family members of the Prophet of the Muslims, opened many eyes to the misdeeds Yazid had committed in the name of the Caliphate.
What satisfied Yazid was seeing Hussain's families, female companions and children in chains. He enjoyed the destruction, which surprised even the largest and most brutal clans and tribes of the Arabian Peninsula.
The brutality faced by Hussain and his companions started with being cut off from drinking water and their families. The manner in which their corpses were decapitated and the way the horses trampled over the corpses was an incident which even the most brutal Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula had not experienced or witnessed.
Not to forget Hussain's position as the Prophet's grandson and descendant as well as the appointed Imam of the Muslims.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
The Muslim community's yearning for justice and direction from Muhammad and Ali led to rebellion against power. Imam Hussain's support for the revolt against the injustice of the caliphate gave great legitimacy to the people of Kufa, who sent countless letters to him.
Hussain chose to take an ultimate stand for social justice and the well-being of society. He left Medina with his family and a group of companions. The people of Kufa had invited him to lead their revolt against the regime.
When news reached Yazid of the Imam's support for the revolution against the power, the caliph sent an army of thirty thousand soldiers. Their aim was to force Hussain to obey Yazid's orders and surrender his loyalty and allegiance to the Caliphate. Yazid knew that Imam Hussain had great influence, and this minor rebellion with Hussain's family and companions could spread and gain thousands of justice-seeking followers across the empire, threatening Yazid's power and caliphate.
Yazid therefore presented Hussain with an ultimatum of submission or death. However, Hussain did not want a violent confrontation and instead hoped to restore justice in the Islamic nation. Imam Hussain knew that his views would not please Yazid.
Caliph Yazid therefore ordered the killing of Hussain on the 10th day of the first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram. This was the consequence of Hussain's refusal to submit to the tyrant.