Ashura* (*estimated) in Bahrain
Ashura* (*estimated) is a holiday in Bahrain.
When is Ashura* (*estimated) in Bahrain
Ashura* (*estimated) is celebrated on 28, July, 2023 in Bahrain.
About Ashura* (*estimated) in Bahrain
Ashura is a significant holiday in Bahrain, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The exact date of the holiday varies each year as it is based on the lunar calendar, but it is usually estimated in advance.
Ashura is a day of mourning for Shia Muslims, who make up the majority of the population in Bahrain. It commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
On Ashura, Shia Muslims participate in processions and rituals to remember and honor Imam Hussein’s sacrifice. They may engage in self-flagellation, chanting, and reciting prayers. Some may also fast or give to charity.
The holiday is observed as a public holiday in Bahrain, with many businesses and government offices closed. It is a time for families and communities to come together and reflect on the significance of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom and its relevance to their lives today.
History of Ashura* (*estimated) in Bahrain
Ashura is a significant holiday in Bahrain, observed by both Sunni and Shia Muslims. The holiday commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
The observance of Ashura in Bahrain has a long history, dating back to the early Islamic period. However, the holiday took on a particularly significant role in the country during the 20th century.
In the early 1900s, Bahrain was under the rule of the Al Khalifa family, who were Sunni Muslims. The majority of the population, however, were Shia Muslims, who were often marginalized and excluded from political power.
During this time, the observance of Ashura became a way for the Shia community to express their grievances and assert their identity. Ashura processions, which involve large crowds of people marching through the streets while beating their chests and chanting, became a symbol of Shia resistance and solidarity.
Over time, the observance of Ashura became increasingly politicized in Bahrain. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Shia community began to use the holiday as a platform to demand greater political rights and representation.
In 1979, the Iranian Revolution brought Shia Islam to the forefront of the region’s politics, and Bahrain’s Shia community became more vocal in their demands for change. This led to a period of unrest in the country, with clashes between Shia protesters and the government.
In the years since, the observance of Ashura has continued to be a significant event in Bahrain. While the holiday is still observed by both Sunni and Shia Muslims, it remains an important symbol of the Shia community’s struggle for political and social equality.
How is Ashura* (*estimated) celebrated in Bahrain
Ashura is an important religious event for Shia Muslims and is observed with great reverence in Bahrain. The day is marked by mourning and remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
The commemoration of Ashura begins on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, and lasts for ten days. During this time, Shia Muslims gather in mosques and community centers to listen to sermons, recite prayers, and participate in processions.
On the tenth day of Muharram, which is known as Ashura, the rituals reach their peak. The day is marked by fasting, self-flagellation, and the reenactment of the Battle of Karbala, where Imam Hussain was killed.
In Bahrain, Ashura is observed with great solemnity, and the streets are filled with mourners dressed in black, reciting prayers and beating their chests in grief. Many also participate in processions, carrying banners and flags, and chanting religious slogans.
The government of Bahrain has recognized Ashura as a national holiday, and schools and offices are closed on this day. The authorities also provide security and support for the religious observances, ensuring the safety of the participants.