Feast of Ashura - the day of commemoration of the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed Imam al-Hussein ibn Ali

In the Muslim tradition, there are days in which joy is mixed with mourning. They give rise to special feelings in the soul of the believers. Take, for example, the feast of Ashura. This is a great day for any Muslim. People gather together, conduct theatrical events and recall the historical events that took place many centuries ago. What is the Ashura holiday associated with, what is its meaning? Let's understand.

Muslim holiday of Ashura

The Islamic calendar differs from the Gregorian, to which we are accustomed. It is a moon, that is, the day is counted according to the movement of our satellite. The Feast of Ashura falls on the tenth day of the Muslim holy month of Muharram. In 2016 - on October 11. To mark it begin at sunset of the previous day. The Shiites and Sunnis have different views on this day, although both branches of Islam consider it festive.

The name of the holiday comes from the number ten - "ashar" in Arabic. On this day, according to Islam, the heavens and the earth were created, the angels and the first man. Adam is the forefather of all mankind. According to the legend, he repented of perfect sins, and the Almighty blessed him also on the day of Ashura. In addition, the date is associated with many other historical events, which are customarily recalled during a variety of celebrations. Muslims are sure that this day will come once the Last Judgment, when Allah will evaluate the activities of all people living on the planet. Believers try to fulfill the commandments of the prophet.

Feast of Ashura: the day of commemoration of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad Imam Hussein

In addition to the creation of the world, the date described is associated with more real historical events. In 680, the Battle of Karbala (present-day Iraq) took place. According to legends, the grandson of the Prophet Imam Hussein, his brother Abbas and 70 other companions took part in it. They were tortured like this, "as they did not do to the worst of the people." According to sources, the soldiers were not given water, they were burned with fire, they cut with swords, they beat heads to crosses, they let the horses through the bodies. Heroes staunchly endured all the trials, preferring death to the disgrace of betrayal. They proved their unshakable faith. Muslims always remember the plight of these people, arranging special events. Shiites observe the strict fast in memory of the martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet on the day of Ashura. They consider him mourning. This rule is mandatory for all Shia believers. Otherwise refer to the memory of Imam Hussein Sunnis. They observe fasting and mourning at will.

How events are held

In cities and villages, people organize the Ashura feast in advance. It is customary on this day to organize theatrical performances, in which the scenes of the Battle of Karbala are played out. There is nothing joyous in such an event. On the contrary, believers look at the production, experiencing the sufferings of the heroes as their own. It is considered normal to cry during the performance, expressing in this way sorrow, emphasizing the mourning of the day.

Everyone is interested in the production. It is organized by the community, that is, everyone can become an actor during the celebration. Among the Shiites, there are no people who are wondering about the "day of Ashura" for the holiday. Everyone from childhood knows the tradition of events and special beliefs of this date (about them a little later). The history of Ashura is taught in religious schools. Believers are inspired with respect for the heroism of the grandson of the Prophet and his comrades.

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As a rule, a temporary scene is being built on the central square of the village. People gather in this place. An indispensable attribute of the event are empty jugs or water furs. They symbolize the thirst, from which the fallen heroes suffered. People come to the platform in mourning clothes or with pieces of black cloth. That is how mourning is expressed. A mock-up of a stove is being built nearby, in which, according to legend, Imam Hussein's head was stuck. The improvised scene is decorated with knives, daggers and other cold steel used in those distant times for torture. Various chains and chains hang around each other. All the scenery is designed to ensure that people imaginatively represent historical events, empathize with them.

Procession of the Afflicted

The presentation of the event does not end there. People, inspired by the scanned scenes of historical events, spend a march through the streets of the village. They carry black mourning flags. Everywhere there are exclamations: "Shah Hussein, Wah, Hussein!". Many carry with themselves chains and cold steel, which hit themselves in the chest. This is also a peculiar expression of sorrow. The procession stretches for many kilometers. People go in mourning clothes, united by common sorrow.

Women weep in their voices, showing sorrow. Everyone who lives in the village tries to take part in the march. To refuse is to commit a sin or a shameful act. Only bedridden patients can not leave the house on this day. They mourn in their beds, trying to stick to fasting, too.

By the way, there are several interesting customs associated specifically with sick people. In general, the events last almost a day. And everyone considers it an honor to contribute to their organization and conduct.

Traditions of the day of Ashura

As already mentioned, the women weep during the performance and processions. With them they carry a small vessel - a teardrop. It gathers moisture from the eyes. Muslims believe that it has healing properties. If you collect tears on this holiday, you can get rid of all diseases. The Prophet Muhammad blesses all who mourn with him. This makes tears a miracle cure. They smear the affected areas, drink and so on. The celebration of the festival of Ashura begins with a special service. Muslims gather in mosques for common prayer.

Young people and children are then invited to the ceremonial reading - a kind of religious lessons. People are told about the sufferings of Imam Hussein and his comrades. Such public readings are arranged not only by priests. And ordinary believers can, on their own initiative, gather their neighbors for a literary and historical event.

Holiday treats

Particularly pious citizens do not stop at prayer and solemn procession. They know from childhood that on Ashura day in Islam it is customary to do good deeds. People arrange charity meals. Anyone can come to them. This event is different from the usual dinner party. Organizers will consider it an honor to treat anyone who honors them with their presence.

People are seated at tables where they slowly eat what is offered by the owners. At this time, books of theological content are read, discussions are held about the deeds and exploits of the Prophet Muhammad, and the feat of Imam Hussein with the ascetics is also mentioned. Such a charity dinner is a matter that is pleasing to Allah. Organizers are happy when they manage to accept a lot of random guests. Gentiles also do not drive from the threshold. They are seated at tables and explain the essence of the tradition. Islam is a peace-loving religion. And on holidays it is felt in a very special way.

Visiting patients

A special place in Islam is occupied by a different kind of charity. People believe that visiting a bedside patient this day is like going to see all the children of Allah. And the truth is, those who can not participate with the community in the events are doubly deprived, because they still suffer from the disease. Necessarily on the day of Ashura people try to sit at the bedside of sick relatives or acquaintances. They bring refreshments, try to distract from the hardships of illness, entertain.

If the patient asks to get drunk, then people think that Allah has blessed the one to whom the request is addressed. And in general, to give someone water - a special joy. It is like a sign to the success and joy of Christians. Of course, when the request for water was accidental, not set up. Believers believe that having saved a person from thirst on this day, they receive forgiveness of all sins.

The tradition of ablution

Another belief is connected with water. As Christians in Baptism, among Muslims there is a tradition to perform a full bath on the day of Ashura. You bathe - you will be protected from diseases and misfortunes. It's not like diving in a frosty hole. Only the day of Ashura falls on a warmer time and it is not necessary to swim in an open source.

On a festive night, believers do not sleep. It is conducted in prayers (ibadat). It is a tradition of worship. Anyone who manages to stand all night, and fasts in the morning, will get rid of death agony. Believers try to accustom children to this tradition. The family spends the night in vigil. The elders tell the kids the essence of the ritual, read the historical narratives. This is one way of conveying religious traditions by gender. In the morning, no one rushes to breakfast table, you need to fast. This is the time for ablution. After they go to the mosque, you can visit the sick or go to a charity dinner. Throughout the day, believers are trying to be friendly with others.

The tradition of generosity

Another belief is related to gifts. It is believed that the one who will be generous on the day of Ashura with his dependent people will receive the blessing from Above. Allah will also give him the fulfillment of his dreams. This belief leads to the tradition of giving gifts to relatives. By the way, often women use the custom to ask their spouse something unusual, which he refused earlier. Of course, it is not in the traditions of Muslim wives to be impudent. But they get some kind of indulgence.

Men will also be honored to show generosity to those who accept it with gratitude. They believe that Allah will then help them in deeds throughout the year. Very good and for all a pleasant tradition. Lucky and hired workers. At enterprises and in organizations, the owners can issue a special prize for the holiday. It is believed that Allah will reward for this, give entrepreneurial luck for the whole year.

The state holiday in Iran

This country is Shiite. Therefore, the holiday of Ashura in Iran is celebrated publicly. People gather in mosques. The head of state addresses the people with a mourning speech. All mourn and remember the heroes who protested against the numerous troops of the "villains" by a small detachment. TV stations report from mourning events. This event is used by the authorities to unite people, to strengthen their spirit.

For more than forty years, Iran has been under sanctions from virtually the entire world. Life in this country is quite difficult. But the people did not grumble, staunchly enduring the test. People are united by the spirit of a common idea. They were able to prove to the outside world that they were able to resist injustice. A significant role in the upbringing of this national perseverance was played by the religious tradition.

For the Iranians, Ashura's day is truly a unifying holiday. They feel they are not just descendants of heroes, whom they heard about from infancy. In fact, the people of Iran managed to repeat this feat, and by the time of their suffering lasted much longer. Maybe because of this feeling of belonging to the direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad, people with a special sense of pride meet Ashura's day.