PHOTOS: Muslims Commemorate Death Of Prophet Mohammad’s Grandson In Bloody Self-Flagellation Rituals

Hundreds of Shiite Muslims are celebrating the day of Ashura that marks the climax of the Remembrance of Muharram in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Please, sroll down for more photos below. Warning: graphic content!

On the tenth day of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar, thousands of men of all ages took to the streets with swords, chains with blades and various sharp objects to take part in the bloody flagellation rituals. Some Shi’a believe that taking part in Ashura washes away their sins. 

READ ALSO: Men With Sharp Spikes, Huge Knives And Guns In Their Cheeks Celebrate Vegetarian Festival (Photos)

The event is dedicated to Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the younger grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, who died in battle of Karbala on 10 Muharram 1,300 years ago. Imam Husayn was martyred along with his children, companions and near relatives by the Umayyad Caliph Yazid I.

These religious customs show solidarity with Husayn and his family. Through them, people mourn Husayn’s death and regret the fact that they were not present at the battle to fight and save Husayn and his family. A popular Shi’a saying has it that, “a single tear shed for Husayn washes away a hundred sins.

In some areas, Shi’a communities organize blood donation drives with organizations like theRed Cross or the Red Crescent on Ashura as a replacement for self-flagellation rituals like tatbir (striking the head with a sword or knife until blood gushes out) and qame zani (mourning with blood donation).

Nowadays, in such countries  as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, India, and Pakistan, the Commemoration of Husayn ibn Alihas become a national holiday and most ethnic and religious communities participate in it.

READ ALSO: Inside Sinister Rituals Of Vodou – Blood, Dirt, Possesed Men And Women

Shiite celebrations of the Day of Ashura and its accompanying rituals have been usually condemned by many religious authorities recently under the claim that such practices are wrong or unislamic.

The post PHOTOS: Muslims Commemorate Death Of Prophet Mohammad’s Grandson In Bloody Self-Flagellation Rituals appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.