Ashura Holiday in Pakistan ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Ashura Holiday in Pakistan and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Ashura is a religious holiday observed by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and his companions at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Ashura is observed on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country, and Ashura is widely observed throughout the country. Mourning processions and majalis (gatherings for religious lectures) are held in cities and towns across Pakistan. In Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, Ashura processions often attract tens of thousands of participants.
Muharram is a month of mourning for Muslims, and many observe fasting and other pious deeds during this time. On Ashura, Muslims dress in black and white to symbolize the grief of Imam Hussain’s martyrdom. Many participate in self-flagellation as a form of penance.
In recent years, Ashura has been marred by violence in Pakistan. In 2010, a suicide bomber killed more than 40 people in an attack on an Ashura procession in Karachi. sectarian violence has also claimed the lives of many during Ashura.
Despite the risks, Ashura remains an important religious holiday for Muslims in Pakistan. It is a time to remember Imam Hussain’s sacrifice and to reaffirm one’s commitment to Islam.