Commemorations: Ashura

• What does Ashura commemorate for Shi'a Muslims?

  The martyrdom of Husayn (Muhammad's grandson and Ali's son) and Ali's (Muhammad's cousin and son in law) death. Ali was assassinated in 661 while Husayn died in the battle at Karbala in 680. This was because Shia's believed Ali should have been Muhammad's successor instead of Adu Bakr, Muhammad's friend and loyal follower.
• How is Ashura commemorated?

  • Processions and religious gatherings
  • Public displays of grief in the streets
  • Blood is spilled- men beat themselves with chains and cut their heads with swords
  • People cry and wail while wearing black
  • Slapping their chests
  • Re-enacting the martyrdom
• What happens on Ashura in Britain?


  Many people will fast and pray on this day and Shi'as gather in large crowds and take part in public marches. As well as this, men often slap their chests violently, in time to their chanting, but it is uncommon to see them drawing blood. Those who feel that they should loose blood are encouraged to donate blood instead.
• What does Ashura commemorate in Sunni Islam?


  How Musa (Moses) fasted in gratitude to God for opening up the red sea to allow his people to escape from Egypt. Because of this they may fast.