Ashura is an important Muslim festival celebrated by Muslims throughout the world. 'Ashura' literally means 'tenth'. Muslims celebrate this festival on the tenth day of Muharram. This is the first month of the Islamic calendar and it is celebrated by Sunnis and Shi’a Muslims. The Ashura festival was established by the Prophet Muhammad. It was originally established as a day of fasting to commemorate the Prophet Moses, influenced by the Jewish festival of Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement. Shi’a Muslims gave the day of Ashura a new focus after the death of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad and the third Shia Imam. Ashura for Shi’a Muslims became a time of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali. He was killed in the battle of Karbala in 680 CE and Muslims regard his death to be the death of a martyr. A martyr is someone who is killed for their religious faith. The battle of Karbala was regarded as a conflict between good and evil so the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali allowed the faith of Islam to continue and thrive. This signifies a differences in interpretation of how the festival should be celebrated. Sunnis Muslims regard the festival as a time for joy because it is an occasion to celebrate the way in which Allah saved Moses from the Egyptians. For Shi’a Muslims, however, the festival commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali. For this reason it is rather a day of sorrow and mourning. There are a number of religious practices associated with this festival. Shi’a Muslims march in processions and there are many religious gatherings. The martyrdom is commemorated through re-enactments. Many men cut themselves and this is known as self-flagellation.
Muslims celebrate this festival on the tenth day of Muharram.
'Ashura' means 'Tenth'.
Shi'a Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali.
Prophet Muhammad was the grandfather of Husayn ibn Ali.
The tomb is in Karbala.
Muslims regard this day as a day of sorrow.
The Prophet Muhammad established the festival.
The Jewish festival was Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement
Sunni Muslims regard this day as a day of joy.
The historical event is the Prophet Moses being saved from the Egyptians
The historical event is the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali.
A martyr is someone who is killed for their religious faith.
The Battle of Karbala is regarded as a battle between good and evil by Muslims.
Shi'a Muslims hold re-enactments to commemorate the historical basis of this festival.