Ashura a day of remembrence

Ashura is a Muslim celebration that falls on the tenth day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. Ashura is a religious festival of remembrance in Islam but it is celebrated for different reasons among Sunni and Shi’a Muslims. Ashura in Sunni Islam follows the traditions of Judaism as Jewish people followed a day of fasting around this time of year for the commemoration of when God parted the Red Sea for Moses and his followers to escape the Pharaoh. This was their Day of Atonement and the Prophet Muhammad thought that the tradition was worth following so he fasted and encouraged his followers to. Sunni Muslims fast on this day and celebrate by reflecting, showing respect and gratitude. The Ashura is sacred among Shi’a Muslims as it is the day of remembrance and commemoration of the death of the grandson of Muhammad. Husayn ibn Ali was killed in the Battle of Karbala, his death is commemorated with sorrow and passion by Shi’a Muslim who were particularly impacted by his teachings. The murder happened in Karbala which is in Iraq and is a popular place for pilgrimage for Shi’a Muslims

Ashura procession in Bangladesh Source: EPA