Courtesy Photo | Iraqis celebrating Ashura in Kadhimiya, Iraq, Jan. 6, 2009. Ashura is a day of...... read more read more
Subscribe
KARBALA, Iraq – For most Americans, this holiday season conjures images of people displaying festive colored items and wishing others Merry Christmas. But for Shi’a Muslims around the world, this holiday season is a time of mourning, reflection and education on their beliefs.
The first ten days of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, take place in December, with Ashura, the tenth day, occurring on Dec. 16.
The history of Ashura dates back to 680 A.D. when Husayn Ibn Ali and his followers fought the Umayyad Caliphate. In what would later be known as the Battle of Karbala, Husayn was killed and a rift was created in the Muslim World.
Those who believed in Husayn’s cause would rally behind the banner of Shi’a Islam, while the people who supported the caliphate were known as Sunni.
The 10th of Muharram, the date of the battle, was then held as a day of mourning for the fallen Husayn and a reflection on his life and teachings. Each Muharram, pilgrims travel from all over the world to Karbala and the Mashhad al-Husayn, a temple dedicated to the fallen imam.
The observance of Ashura in Iraq was prohibited during the reign of Saddam Hussein. The Ba’ath party forbade observing the days of mourning and the pilgrimages for years, until Hussein was ousted in 2003 and the Ba’ath party was dissolved.
Until last winter, securing Ashura observances was a major operation for U.S. forces in Iraq, almost on par with securing elections, with thousands of American soldiers patrolling the streets. In 2004 and 2008 in particular, there were large amounts of insurgent violence aimed to disrupt the peaceful observances by targeting civilians.
As the Iraqi Security Forces improve their tactics and techniques, their ability to protect pilgrims and worshippers from outside violence has increased dramatically, and U.S. forces in Iraq have taken a strictly advise, train, and assist role for Ashura security.
Retired Maj. Gen. Falah, a cultural advisor for United States Division – South, said that the ceremonies are a way for people to think and reflect on their lives in the middle of the chaotic world.
“Ashura is like ringing a bell, saying ‘Please don’t forget there’s something you have to do with your life and the end of your life.'”
Falah said that the month of Muharram and the Ashura observance are important ways for all Muslims, not just Shi’a, to reflect on their lives.
“I believe that all of the Muslim people don’t have to act and beat their chests,” Falah said. “But they should observe Ashura and Muharram, just to stop and think a little bit about this life.”
| Date Taken: | 12.15.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 12.15.2010 01:01 |
| Story ID: | 61987 |
| Location: | KAIR RESERVE BASEALA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 380 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Ashura marks end of ten days of remembrance, by SSG Cody Harding, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
