ʿĀshūrāʾ
This Muslim holiday is significant for two different reasons: It commemorates the day that the red seas were parted for Musa (known to Jews and Christians as Moses) and his followers to escape, and also the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali, a grandson of the prophet Muhammad.
This Muslim holiday is significant for two different reasons: It commemorates the day that the red seas were parted for Musa (known to Jews and Christians as Moses) and his followers to escape, and also the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali, a grandson of the prophet Muhammad.
Lauren Embling
Reviewer URLPronunciation: AH-shuh-ruh
This Muslim holiday is significant for two different reasons: It commemorates the day that the red seas were parted for Musa (known to Jews and Christians as Moses) and his followers to escape, and also the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali, a grandson of the prophet Muhammad.
Origin
Ashura was observed for the miracle of the red sea parting so Musa and the Israelites could escape Egyptian soldiers. The holiday took on a second layer of significance after 680 CE. In that year, Hussain ibn Ali, a grandson of the prophet Muhammad, was massacred along with his followers in the Battle of Karbala. It was this event that led to a split in Islam with two sects: Sunnis and Shias.
When is it observed
Ashura is observed on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The date shifts from year-to-year.
Who observes this holiday
Ashura is a holy day for Muslims all over the world. For Shia Muslims, the day has additional special significance, as it commemorates the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali.
Traditions
Ashura is a day of voluntary fasting; it’s believed that if you fast today, your sins for the year will be forgiven. As a sign of mourning for Hussain ibn Ali, Shia Muslims wear black clothes, and a mournful parade is held in the streets of Karbala. Many visit the shrine of Hussain ibn Ali.
About Moses
Moses was a Hebrew prophet, teacher, and leader in the 13th century BCE. Some believe he is the author of the Torah, comprising the first five books of the Bible. His life story starts with his birth: to save their newborn Moses from an Egyptian law that required all newborn Jewish males to be killed, his parents tucked him into a basket and sent him down the river. An Egyptian princess found him, and he was raised in the Egyptian court. As an adult, he learned of his heritage and became a champion of the Jewish people. With God on his side, Moses demanded the Pharaoh release Jews from slavery. When this request was refused, Moses led the Jews out of Egypt, aided by miracles such as the literal parting of the red sea, so that the escapees could flee from soldiers to safety.
About Hussain ibn Ali
Hussain ibn Ali, also known to followers as Imam Hussain, was a grandson of the prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam. He protested the tyrannical leadership of the Umayyad caliph Yazid I in 7th century Iraq. Both Hussain and many members of his family were tortured and killed by the ruler’s soldiers as a result of the uprising. It was this episode that caused his followers to create a new branch of the Muslim religion, Shia Islam.