Ashura in Shia Islam: A Day of Mourning
In contrast, Ashura is a day of profound mourning for Shia Muslims. This day commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the third Shia imam. Husayn’s refusal to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliph Yazid ibn Mu’awiya on moral grounds led to his tragic death at the Battle of Karbala on Ashura in 61 AH (680 CE) .
The Battle of Karbala
The Battle of Karbala is a seminal event in Shia Islam, symbolizing the eternal struggle against injustice and tyranny. Husayn, along with most of his male relatives and a small group of followers, was killed by the Umayyad army. This event is deeply ingrained in the Shia consciousness as a symbol of resistance and sacrifice for the sake of righteousness .