Mourning Rituals and Practices
Shia Muslims observe Ashura with intense mourning rituals. These include:
- Mourning gatherings (majalis): Religious sermons and recitations recounting the tragedy of Karbala.
- Processions: Public displays of mourning where participants often engage in self-flagellation or striking their chests as a form of grief and solidarity with Husayn.
- Reenactments: Passion plays known as ta’ziyah dramatize the events of Karbala, bringing the story to life for contemporary audiences .
The mourning for Husayn is seen as an act of protest against oppression and a struggle for divine justice (jihad). Through these observances, Shia Muslims seek to honor Husayn’s sacrifice and secure his intercession in the afterlife .