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Ashura is a significant day of mourning and remembrance in the Islamic calendar, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This day holds particular importance for Shia Muslims, who commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Sunni Muslims also observe Ashura, but for them, it is a day of fasting that marks when Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh's tyranny.
Shia Commemoration: For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a solemn day to remember Husayn ibn Ali's sacrifice and his stand against oppression. The historical event signifies the struggle between good and evil and serves as an emblem of resistance against tyranny.
Sunni Observance: Sunni Muslims consider Ashura as a day of voluntary fasting based on traditions that suggest Prophet Muhammad fasted on this day and recommended it to his followers.
In Australia, where people from diverse Islamic backgrounds reside, both aspects of Ashura are observed:
Mourning Rituals: Shia communities gather for mourning processions and majalis (gatherings) where they recount the tragedy of Karbala through sermons, lamentation poetry known as noha or latmiya, and engage in acts symbolizing grief such as chest-beating (matam).
Fasting: Some Sunni Muslims may fast on Ashura following their traditions. They might attend special prayers at mosques or engage in charity work.
Community Gatherings: Both sects often organize communal meals after sunset to break their fast or conclude mourning rituals.
While these observances are rooted in religious practice and history, they also serve to reinforce community bonds among Australian Muslims through shared commemoration and reflection.
