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The first ten days of the month of
Muharrum, first month of the Islamic
calendar, is of special importance
to the Shia sect of Islam. This is
when Muharrum is celebrated throughout
Afghanistan. Ashura is celebrated
on the 10th of Muharrum. The word
Ashura implies "10" thereby referring
to the date of the martyrdom of Hussein
- the grandson of Prophet Mohammed.
It must be noted that Hazrat Imam
Hussein was killed at Karbala on 10
October 680 A.D, together with 72
of his followers and family members.
As a result of this, there occurred
a split between the Sunni and Shia
sects of Islam. Thus, the period is
marked by lamenting, by the Shia sect
of Islam, in due memory of Hussein.
But Ashura has remained an optional
fast day.
On account of the relatively small
population of the Shia sect of Islam,
Ashura is observed in a rather dull
manner in Afghanistan. The day is
of particular importance to the Shias
and they observe the day by expressing
their sorrow and grief publicly. This
public expression of mourning often
consists of hurting oneself by scourging
on one's back with chains or thumping
one's head. This they believe would
relate them to the suffering of Hazrat
Imam Hussain and his death as an aid
to redemption on the Judgement Day.
Apart from this, on the auspicious
day that is 10th of Muharrum, the
Shia sect of Islam hold large processions.
The devotees march to the streets
with banners in their hands models
of the sepulture of Hazrat Imam Hussain
and his followers who had died with
him. This is obviously a pitiful function
and the people in the procession are
heard to chant "Ya Hussain" while
wailing and lamenting. Also a beautifully
decorated white horse is let in into
the procession to depict the empty
heap of Hazrat Imam Hussain when he
died. During the 10 days, Shias set
up drinking posts where they serve
water and juices to all.
On this holy occasion of Muharrum,
many Shias are found to make pilgrimage
to the Mashhad al-Husayn, which is
the traditional tomb of Hazrat Imam
Hussein. It is considered by the Shia
sect of Islam to be a holy shrine
at Karbala. Also, the Shias consider
Hazrat Imam Hussain's martyrdom as
a symbo of his struggle against inequity,
authoritarianism, and subjugation.
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