DAY OF ASHURA

DAY OF ASHURA

• This day is celebrated on the tenth day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar

CELEBRATED

• It is celebrated in Islamic countries

HISTORY

• Commemorated by Shia Muslims as a day of mourning
• Commemorated by Sunni Muslims as day the Israelites were freed from the Pharaoh

SPECIAL TRADITIONS

• Mix rose water with clay
• Shia's congregate at Mosque for sorrowful poetic recitations
• Ulamas give sermons
• Sheikh of mosque retells Battle of Karbala
• Arab countries read Maqtal Al-Husan

SPECIAL PEOPLE

• Sheikh retells Battle of Karbala
• Ulama (educated class of muslims legal scholars)- give sermons
• Participants congregate for ceremonial chest beating
• Others pay tribute to time period by holding a Majilis

SYMBOLS

• Coexistence in both good and bad
• Rejuvenation
• Solidarity
• Being a human being
• Sharing the joy of giving away

SONGS OR MUSIC

• Maqtal Al-Husayn
• Marsiya
• Noha
• Soaz
• Ya Hussan

FOOD

• Wheat
• Rice
• Raisins
• Dried apricots
• Apple

INTERESTING FACTS

• During this period people are meant to be kind to orphans
• Cut nails
• Visit the sick
• Invoke blessing (Dua)
• Provide food generously to family members