In the Muslim tradition, there are days in which joy is mixed with mourning. They give rise to special feelings in the soul of believers. Take, for example, the festival of Ashura. This is a great day for any Muslim. People get together, hold theatrical events and recall historical events that happened many centuries ago. What is the holiday of Ashura connected with, what is its meaning? Let's get it right.
Muslim holiday Ashura
The Islamic calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar to which we are accustomed. It is lunar, that is, the day is counted by the movement of our satellite. The holiday of Ashur falls on the tenth day of the holy month for Muslims of Muharram. In 2016 - October 11. Celebrate it at the sunset of the previous day. Shiites and Sunnis have a different attitude to this day, although both branches of Islam consider it festive.
The name of the holiday comes from the number ten - “ashara” in Arabic. On this day, according to Islam, heaven and earth, angels and the first man were created. Adam is the forefather of all mankind. According to legend, he repented of the committed sins, and the Almighty blessed him also on the day of Ashura. In addition, the date is associated with many other historical events that are usually remembered during various celebrations. Muslims are sure that on this day the Last Judgment will come, when Allah will evaluate the activity of all people who lived on the planet. Believers try to fulfill the commandments of the prophet.
Ashur holiday: commemoration of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad Imam Hussein
In addition to the creation of the world, the described date is associated with more real historical events. In 680, the Battle of Karbala (present-day Iraq) took place. According to legend, the grandson of the Prophet Imam Hussein, his brother Abbas and another 70 associates took part in it. They were tormented in such a way "as they did not deal with the worst of people." According to sources, the soldiers were not given water, they were burned with fire, chopped down with swords, nailed their heads to crosses, and allowed over the bodies of horses. Heroes steadfastly passed all tests, preferring death to shame of betrayal. They proved their unbending faith. Muslims must remember the plight of these people, arranging special events. Shiites in memory of the martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet on the day of Ashura observe strict fasting. They consider him mourning. This rule is mandatory for all Shiite believers. The Sunnis relate differently to the memory of Imam Hussein. They observe fasting and mourning at will.
How are the events
In cities and villages, people pre-organize the Ashura festival. It is customary to arrange theatrical performances on this day in which scenes of the battle of Karbala are played out. There is nothing joyful in such an event. On the contrary, believers look at the production, experiencing the suffering of the heroes, as their own. It is considered normal to cry during the performance, expressing sadness in this way, emphasizing the mourning of the day.
All comers participate in the production. The community organizes it, that is, everyone can become an actor during the celebration. Among the Shiites there are no people wondering what kind of holiday is “Ashur Day”. From childhood, everyone is familiar with the tradition of events and the special beliefs of this date (about them a little later). The history of the festival of Ashura is taught in educational institutions of a religious orientation. Believers inspire respect for the heroism of the grandson of the Prophet and his companions.
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On the central square of the village, as a rule, a temporary scene is being constructed. People gather in this place. An indispensable attribute of the event are empty jugs or furs for water. They symbolize the thirst from which the fallen heroes suffered. People come to the platform in mourning robes or with pieces of black cloth. This is how mourning is expressed. A mock oven is being built next to which, according to legend, the head of Imam Hussein was thrust. An impromptu scene is decorated with knives, daggers and other cold weapons, used in those days for torture. A variety of chains and shackles hang together. All decorations are designed so that people imaginatively represent historical events, empathize with them.
The procession of the mourners
The presentation of the event does not end there. Inspired by scenes of historical events, people march through the streets of the village. They carry black mourning flags. There are shouts everywhere: "Shah Hussein, wah, Hussein!" Many carry chains and knives with which they strike themselves in the chest. This is also a peculiar expression of sorrow. The procession stretches for many kilometers. People walk in mourning clothes, united by a common sorrow.
Women sob in the voice, showing sorrow. Everyone who lives in the village is trying to take part in the procession. Refuse - commit a sin or shameful act. Only bedridden patients can not leave home on this day. They grieve in their beds, trying to also fast.
By the way, there are several interesting customs related specifically to ill people. In general, events last almost a day. And everyone considers it an honor to contribute to their organization and conduct.
Traditions of Ashura Day
As already mentioned, women sob in the voice during the performance and procession. With them they carry a small vessel - a teardrop. It collects moisture from the eyes. Muslims are sure that it has healing properties. If you collect tears on this holiday , you can get rid of all diseases. The Prophet Muhammad blesses all who mourn with him. This makes tears a miracle cure. They smear the affected areas, drink and the like. The celebration of the festival of Ashura begins with a special service. Muslims gather in mosques for common prayer.
Young people and children are then invited to ceremonial readings - a kind of religious lesson. People are told about the suffering of Imam Hussein and his comrades. Such public readings are arranged not only by clergy. And ordinary believers can, on their own initiative, gather neighbors for a literary and historical event.
Holiday treats
Particularly pious citizens do not stop at prayer and solemn procession. From childhood they know that on the day of Ashur in Islam it is customary to do good deeds. People have charity dinners. Everyone can come to them. This event is different from a regular dinner party. The organizers will consider it an honor to treat anyone who respects them with their presence.
People are seated at tables where they slowly eat what is offered by the owners. At this time, books of theological content were being read, discussions were being held about the deeds and exploits of the Prophet Muhammad, and the feat of Imam Hussein with ascetics was necessarily mentioned. Such a charity dinner is a deed pleasing to Allah. The organizers rejoice when they manage to receive many random guests. People of other faith also are not driven from the doorway. They are seated at tables and explain the essence of tradition. Islam is a peaceful religion. And during the holidays this is felt in a very special way.
Patient visit
A special place in Islam is occupied by a different kind of charity. People believe that visiting a bed patient on this day is like visiting all the children of Allah. Indeed, those who cannot participate in events together with the community are doubly deprived, as they still suffer from the disease. Surely, on the day of Ashur, people try to sit at the bedside of sick relatives or acquaintances. Treats are brought to them, they try to distract the ailments from the burdens, entertain.
If the patient asks to get drunk, then people believe that Allah blessed the one to whom the request is addressed. In general, giving someone water is a special joy. This is a sign of good luck and joy among Christians. Of course, when the request for water was random, not rigged. Believers believe that having saved a person from thirst on this day, they receive the forgiveness of all sins.
The tradition of ablution
One more belief is connected with water. Like Christians in Baptism, there is a tradition among Muslims to take complete ablutions on the day of Ashur. Swim - protect yourself from disease and misfortune. It’s not like diving in a frosty hole. Only the day of Ashura falls on a warmer time and swimming in an open source is optional.
Believers do not sleep on a festive night. It is held in prayers (ibadat). This is a tradition of worship. Anyone who can withstand all night, and fasts in the morning, get rid of dying agony. Believers are trying to teach children to such a tradition. The family spends the whole night in vigil. The elders tell the children the essence of the ritual, read historical narratives. This is one way of transmitting religious traditions by gender. In the morning no one is in a hurry to have breakfast, you need to fast. This is the time for ablutions. After they go to the mosque, then you can visit the sick or go to a charity dinner. All day believers try to be friendly with others.
The tradition of generosity
Another belief is related to gifts. It is believed that one who will be generous on Ashur's day with people dependent on him will receive a blessing from Above. Allah will also give him a dream come true. Such a belief spills over into the tradition of giving presents to relatives. By the way, often women use the custom to ask their spouse for something unusual, which he refused earlier. Of course, it is not in the tradition of Muslim wives to become impudent. But some concessions fall into them.
Men will be honored to show generosity to those who accept it with gratitude. They believe that then, throughout the whole year, Allah will help them in their affairs. A very good and pleasant tradition for everyone. Lucky and hired workers. At enterprises and organizations, owners can issue a special bonus for the holiday. It is believed that Allah will reward, endow with entrepreneurial fortune for the whole year.
National holiday in Iran
This country is Shiite. Therefore, the holiday of Ashur in Iran is celebrated nationwide. People gather in mosques. The head of state addresses the people with a mourning speech. Everyone grieves and remembers the heroes who opposed the large army of "villains" in a small detachment. Television stations report on mourning events. This event is used by the authorities in order to unite people and strengthen their spirit.
Iran has been under sanctions from almost the entire world for more than forty years. Life in this country is pretty hard. But the people did not complain, steadily enduring the test. People are united by the spirit of a common idea. They were able to prove to the outside world that they are able to withstand injustice. And a considerable role in the upbringing of this popular perseverance was played by religious tradition.
For Iranians, Ashur Day is a truly unifying holiday. They feel not just the descendants of the heroes they have heard about since infancy. In fact, the people of Iran managed to repeat this feat, and in time their suffering lasted much longer. Maybe because of this feeling of belonging to the direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad, people with a special sense of pride celebrate Ashur's day.