Millions of Shia Muslims mark Tasu'a across the World

Millions of Shia Muslims mark Tasu’a across the World

05 December, 2011 13:27

Millions of Shia Muslims mark Tasu’a across the World

Shia Muslims across the globe are holding mourning rituals in commemoration of martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hossein (PBUH), the grandson of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Throughout Iran, millions of Black-clad citizens have taken to the streets and local mosques and other religious and community centers to participate in variety of mourning processions on Monday to mark the Day of Tasu’a, the day before the third Shia Imam (apostle) and a number of his committed followers were brutally killed by forces of Yazid, the authoritarian Muslim, though anti-Islamic caliph (ruler) of the time.Â

On the ninth day of the lunar month of Muharram, known as Tasu’a, mourners organize into regulated groups and beat on their chests in harmony, responding in grief to spiritual chants and poems describing the shocking events that took place during the days leading to the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH), and 72 of his loyal companions.Â

Reciting of poems, chants of litanies, and addresses on the occasion once again break the hearts of those hearing them as the tragic massacre of Imam Hussein (PBUH), and his martyred followers is recalled.Â

Today, with a mixture of wonder, sorrow, and admiration, mourners, that in many places include Christians, Zoroastrians and Jews, listen to the tales of resolute courage, generous self-sacrifice and the infinite patience of Imam Hossein (PBUH), his household and his companions as they faced severe hardship and brutality for sticking to their commitments to the genuine Islamic principals as prescribed in the holy Qur’an and specifically by the Prophet himself.Â

The ceremonies commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (PBUH) and his companions will reach the most important point on the Day of Ashura — the tenth day of Muharram on Tuesday.Â

Ashura, which falls on December 6 this year, marks the day in 680 CE, when thousands of forces loyal to the despotic second Umayyad caliph Yazid ibn Muawiyah martyred Imam Hussein (PBUH), and his follower at a place still remembered and referred to as Karbala, in today’s Iraq.Â