The Day of Ashura is on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar (Lunar calendar). It is commemorated by Shi’a Muslims as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala on 10 Muharram in the year 61 AH.
In Muslim countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Bahrain, the Commemoration of Husayn ibn Ali has become a national holiday.
The event is mourned differs between different branches of Shia and different ethnic groups. The event is also observed by many Sunnis, but to a lesser extent, and as a time of remembrance, rather than mourning.
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Many of the male and female participants congregate in public for ceremonial chest beating (matam) as a display of their devotion to Imam Husayn and in remembrance of his suffering. In some Shi’a societies male participants incorporate knives or razors swung upon chains as a part of their matam.
Ashura 2018 Date :
In 2018, the Islamic Calendar 1440 AH will start on 11th September 2018 and the 10th Day of the first month Muharram, Day of Ashura will be celebrated on 21st September 2018.
