Ashura

Ashura marks the death anniversary of Hussain ibn Ali, a 7th-century revolutionary leader who was killed in The Battle of Karbala. The Day of Ashura is recognized by millions across the world to remember Hussain’s dignified stand for social justice.

Hussain ibn Ali was the grandson of Muhammad (the last prophet of Islam), born in 620 AD. Hussain grew up with stories of compassion and dignity his grandfather displayed, and as such became a leader who was known widely for his compassion, wisdom, and integrity.

Not long after the death of Muhammad, the Islamic Empire had fallen back into old habits. Hussain saw his grandfather’s teachings eroded by the caliph Yazid. Slowly the moral fabric of society began to decay as Yazid ruled with his own interests in mind.

Hussain was highly respected within society, and his endorsement would carry great weight. Yazid needed a man like Hussain to follow his rule in order to provide legitimacy to his corrupt government. But Hussain was a man of morals and strived for social justice. Hussain could not sit and endorse Yazid and spoke out against him, despite it being a risk to his life.

Hussain chose to make the ultimate stand for social justice. He chose to leave his hometown along with his family and a few companions. When word reached Yazid of Hussains stand, he sent an army of 30,000 to force Hussain to obey his rule.

Yazid knew full well that Hussain had a great amount of influence and that what started as a small stand with his family and companions could become a stand of tens of thousands of people. Thus, Yazid gave Hussain an ultimatum. Either obey him or die.

Hussain did not want any violence and did not want anyone to die, however, he knew he could not sit and obey Yazid, so he chose instead to stick to his principles. Having refused to obey him, Yazid ordered his men to kill Hussain on the 10th day of the first month of the Islamic calendar (Muharram). This day is known as The Day of Ashura.

The Day of Ashura is mourned and remembered by millions of people across the world as the day Hussain and his supporters were killed in The Battle of Karbala. Today, pilgrims from all across the world visit the shrine of Hussain ibn Ali in Karbala where he is buried, to pay their tribute to his courageous stand.

On the day of Ashura many Muslims partake in large peaceful gatherings where they recite poems in memory of Hussain and his sacrifice whilst lamenting and beating their chest as a cultural tradition to display their grievance. Many people use the day of Ashura as a day to perform acts of kindness and charity as a way for them to keep alive the very same principles and values Hussain gave his life for.

Sourced from https://whoishussain.org/who-is-hussain/the-day-of-ashura