What is Ashura Iraq?

What is Ashura Iraq?

Thousands of Shiite Muslims marched toward the holy shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala on Thursday as they marked Ashura, an annual commemoration mourning the 7th century death of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussein.

Is Muharram for Sunni or Shia?

Sunni Muslims fasts as a part of the mourning and engage in ibadat (remembrance of Allah) on day 9th and 10th Muharram. Sunni Muslims mark the day as a tradition followed by Prophet Muhammad. On the other hand, Shia Muslims wear black clothes on Muharram remembering the horrors of Karbala.

Is Muharram for Sunnis?

Sunni and Shia Muslims mark Muharram differently. For many Sunni Muslims, this month is the beginning of the Islamic New Year and symbolises peace and reflection. For Shia, Muharram commemorates the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein Ibn Ali.

Is Karbala important to Sunnis?

The Battle of Karbala is viewed differently by Sunni and Shi’a. Both regard it as deeply tragic but for Shi’a it marks the definitive point of departure from Sunni Islam, although history has seen many efforts to re-unite these two main strands of Islam.

What is Muharram and why is it important to Iraq?

Muharram, the first month in Islamic calendar, assumed extra significance in Iraq where Shia Muslims make up the majority of the Iraqi population. Baghdad, August 5: Muharram, the first month in Islamic calendar, assumed extra significance in Iraq where Shia Muslims make up the majority of the Iraqi population.

Why are iraqiis celebrating Muharram ahead of Ashura?

Iraqis respect social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic as they gather to commemorate the start of the month of Muharram ahead of Ashura, in the central city of Najaf, on August 20. — AFP

Why are Shia pilgrims flocking to Iraq’s Karbala shrine city?

Shia pilgrims poured into the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala on Friday for the rites of the holy month of Muharram, despite calls to stay home as Covid-19 spreads.

What are Iraq’s new social distancing guidelines for Ashura?

Header image: Iraqis respect social distancing at a mosque on August 20 as they start marking Ashura under new health guidelines to limit the risk of exposure to Covid-19 virus. — AFP