Ashura (ʿĀšūrāʾ)

Ashura is considered a day of remembrance that is of great importance to both Sunnis and Shiites; it falls on the 10th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura represents the triumphs of numerous prophets. This includes, for example, the salvation of the children of Israel by the Prophet Moses; God's forgiveness towards Adam; and the release of Joseph from prison. Usually, Sunni Muslims fast on the day of Ashura, which is also accompanied by other celebrations. Depending on the region and country, the celebrations of Ashura can vary greatly. In Shia Islam, Ashura is observed as a day of mourning for the death of Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. His martyrdom was preceded by his refusal to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad Caliph Yazid (reigned 680-683). This led to the Battle of Karbala on the Day of Ashura in the year 680 between Husayn, accompanied by a relatively small entourage, and the Umayyad troops; the fight ended swiftly with the assassination of Husayn. For Shiites, the commemoration of Ḥusayn is considered an act of resistance against oppression and a symbolic struggle for God. Ashura is commemorated by Shia Muslims through mourning gatherings, processions, and dramatic reenactments.