Today the streets of India, Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan and some other Muslim countries are fully packed with people covered in blood.
Warning: graphic content!
The Day of Ashura is a national holiday in some Muslim countries, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, Turkey and Pakistan. Thousands of Muslims take part in annual rituals which include people whipping and cutting themselves with chains and knives.
The event is dedicated to Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the younger grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, who died in battle of Karbala on 10 Muharram 1,300 years ago. Imam Husayn was martyred along with his children, companions and near relatives by the Umayyad Caliph Yazid I.
Imam Hussein who died in battle 1,300 years ago is remembered across India, Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan
Some Shi’a believe that taking part in Ashura washes away their sins. People of all ages were seen drenched in blood during the processions, children with blood pouring from their head wounds carried knives while men with open wounds and scars lashed each other.
A Shi’ite boy is held still as a gash is cut into his head as part of an Ashura ceremony in Mumbai, India
These religious customs show solidarity with Husayn and his family. Through them, people mourn Husayn’s death and regret the fact that they were not PRESENT
at the battle to fight and save Husayn and his family.
at the battle to fight and save Husayn and his family.
This man flagellates himself during the festival in Kabul, Afghanistan to commemorate Imam Hussein’s death
In some areas, Shi’a communities organize blood donation drives with organizations like the Red Cross or the Red Crescent on Ashura as a replacement for self-flagellation rituals like tatbir (striking the head with a sword or knife until blood gushes out) and qame zani (mourning with blood donation).
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