Muharram 10, as a day of Ashura is considered the greatest day of mourning in Islamic culture. The greatest massacre occurred to the ahl al-Bayt ('a) of the holy Prophet (s) on Muharram al-Haram 10, 61 A.H./ October, 680 A.D.; Imam Husayn ('a) along with more than 100 people of his relatives and companions were painfully martyred.
Invited by Kufans and hurried to eliminate the oppression, but prior to reaching this city, Imam Husayn ('a) was encircled by the enemies in Karbala. Being not ready to accept the humiliation of surrender and allegiance to usurping tyrannical government of Yazid, with thirsty lips and amazing manliness, the Imam ('a), his progeny and companions fought until the last peson and were martyred. The survivors and his wives were also captured by the dark forces.
Ashura, a mourning day of the Prophets and the Virtuous
The tragedy of Ashura is so great that either prior to it or after it, Prophets and the virtuous cried for it.
It is related by Imam al-Baqir ('a) that Um-Salamah went to the Prophet, saw Husayn ('a) sitting over the holy prophet's chest and his holiness was crying. Viewing Um-Salamah, the Prophet (s) said: Um-Salamah! Now, this is Gabriel informing me that this son will be murdered.
Al-Imam al-Sadiq ('a) states: As for the day of Ashura on which al-Husayn ('a) was gunned down beside his clothless martyred companions. Al-Imam al-Rida ('a) says: whoever Ashura is his tragic day and cry, Allah will make his day of resurrection cheerful and happy.
Ashura, a day of mourning for the followers of the ahl al-Bayt ('a).
To follow their leaders, the followers of the ahl al-Bayt ('a) of divine message have still been marking this day for 14 centuries; they mourn this day, hold azadary meetings, cry for its martyrs and visit his mausoleum.
Tyrants and enemies of the ahl al-Bayt ('a) did not allow any azadary be officially and extensively held during the Amavid and Abasid governments. But whenever Shiis were able and had chance, they held enthusiastic and extensive mourning ceremony in the days of Ashura. They also observe the rites of this day. For instance, they observe the state of azadary and matam; they give up enjoyments; they do not work; they do not keep any food at home; they mourn, cry and pretend to cry; neither do they eat nor drink; they read ziyarat-e Ashura, etc.
Ashura, Symbol of Freedom and Resistance
Although it is a great day of azadary and mourning, Ashura, as a manifestation of battle between right and wrong, has been known as a day of sacrifice in the way of religion and doctrine and inspiring for freemen, Muslim and non Muslim freedom-seekers.
On this day, along with few companions, but faithful, steadfast and might, as Imam Husayn bin Ali ('a) fought against stone-hearted and numerous of Yazid's troops and changed Karbala into an ever-living scene of love, epoch and freedom, the world freemen, without taking into account their own number and ability, fight usurpers and tyrants.
Though Ashura was one day, it has ever effect; it has affected consciences and hearts deeply so that since then continuous uprisings in the name of Imam Husayn and by his inspiration have been happened.
Ashura Website: Encyclopedia of Husaynid Culture
It is a website affiliated to the ahl al-Bayt ('a) portal; it offers an encyclopedia of teachings of Husaynid culture to interested individuals all over the world.
A collection of concepts, articles, books, poems, contexts and symbols in the form of multifaceted media on Imam Husayn ('a), his progeny, companions, Ashura uprising, knowing the event and its personalities, enemies of ahl al-Bayt ('a), impact of Ashura on history of Islam and the world and all relevant issues are displayed; and it is being completed
