What is Ashura day in Islam?

The Day of Ashura (يوم عاشوراء), also known as the Day of Martyrdom (يوم الشهادة), commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and his companions at the Battle of Karbala on 10 Muharram in the year 61 AH (October 10, 680 CE). It is observed primarily by Shia Muslims as a day of mourning and remembrance, while some Sunni Muslims also observe it as a day of fasting.

Here are the key aspects of Ashura day in Islam:

1. Martyrdom of Imam Hussein: Ashura day marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam, and his 72 companions at the Battle of Karbala. Imam Hussein refused to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I, which led to a confrontation and ultimately his martyrdom.

2. Significance in Shia Islam: For Shia Muslims, Ashura day is one of the most important religious observances. They commemorate it with mourning processions, public gatherings, and majlis (religious assemblies) where they recite elegies, poems, and narrations related to the events of Karbala.

3. Commemorative Practices: During Ashura, Shia Muslims wear black clothes as a sign of mourning. They engage in self-flagellation (tatbir) as a symbolic representation of the suffering endured by Imam Hussein and his companions. Chest-beating (sineh-zani) and head-slapping (matam) are also common practices during majlis.

4. Naskh (Abrogation): Some Sunni Muslims observe the Day of Ashura as a day of fasting, following a hadith attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. However, a majority of Sunni scholars regard the fasting on Ashura as abrogated by the fasting during the month of Ramadan.

5. Historical and Political Context: The Battle of Karbala and the subsequent martyrdom of Imam Hussein have had a profound impact on Islamic history and politics. It has shaped Shia religious identity and continues to be a significant event that reinforces Shia-Sunni divisions within Islam.

Overall, Ashura day is a day of remembrance and mourning for Shia Muslims, where they commemorate the sacrifices made by Imam Hussein and his companions and reaffirm their commitment to their religious beliefs and values.