Ashura Holiday* (*estimated) in Bahrain
Ashura Holiday* (*estimated) is a holiday in Bahrain.
When is Ashura Holiday* (*estimated) in Bahrain
Ashura Holiday* (*estimated) is celebrated on 27, July, 2023 in Bahrain.
About Ashura Holiday* (*estimated) in Bahrain
Ashura is a significant religious holiday observed by the Shia Muslim community in Bahrain. It falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The exact date of the holiday varies from year to year as it is based on the lunar calendar.
During Ashura, Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in battle in Karbala, Iraq in 680 AD. The day is observed with solemn processions, mourning rituals, and the recitation of religious hymns and prayers.
In Bahrain, Ashura is a public holiday, and many businesses and government offices are closed. The holiday is marked by large processions that take place in several parts of the country, with participants dressed in black and carrying banners and flags. The processions are often accompanied by drumming and chanting, and some participants may engage in self-flagellation as a form of mourning.
The government of Bahrain recognizes the importance of Ashura to the Shia community and provides security and logistical support to ensure the safety of participants. However, there have been occasional incidents of sectarian violence during the holiday in the past, and visitors are advised to exercise caution and avoid areas where large crowds are gathering.
History of Ashura Holiday* (*estimated) in Bahrain
Ashura is an important religious holiday in Bahrain, observed by 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 dates back to the early Islamic period, when the country was ruled by the Umayyad Caliphate. The Umayyad dynasty was known for its persecution of the Prophet Muhammad’s family, including Imam Hussein. As a result, the Shia community in Bahrain began observing Ashura as a way to remember the sacrifices made by the Prophet’s family.
Over time, the observance of Ashura in Bahrain has evolved and taken on different forms. In the past, it was a time for mourning and self-flagellation, with Shia Muslims gathering in large processions and beating their chests as a symbol of their grief. Today, the holiday is still observed with solemnity, but the focus has shifted towards community service and charity work.
In 2012, Ashura in Bahrain took on a political dimension as protests erupted across the country. The protests, which were led by the Shia community, were a response to perceived discrimination by the Sunni-led government. The government responded with a crackdown on the protests, leading to clashes and violence.
Despite the political tensions, Ashura remains an important holiday in Bahrain, with Shia Muslims coming together to remember Imam Hussein and his sacrifice. The holiday is marked by processions, prayers, and community gatherings, and is an important part of the country’s cultural and religious heritage.
How is Ashura Holiday* (*estimated) celebrated in Bahrain
Ashura is a significant day of mourning for Shia Muslims worldwide, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. In Bahrain, Ashura is a public holiday, and Shia Muslims observe it with religious rituals and processions.
The ten-day period leading up to Ashura is called Muharram, during which Shia Muslims participate in mourning processions, where they beat their chests and recite prayers and chants. On the day of Ashura, people dress in black and participate in processions, carrying banners and replicas of the tomb of Imam Hussain.
The processions are accompanied by drummers, who play the traditional rhythms of mourning. The climax of the procession is the reenactment of the Battle of Karbala, where Imam Hussain and his followers were martyred.
The reenactment involves people dressed as soldiers and horses charging towards a replica of the tomb of Imam Hussain, symbolizing the tragic event. The day ends with a communal meal called “Niaz,” where people share food and drinks with each other.
It is worth noting that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Bahrain has imposed restrictions on public gatherings and processions to prevent the spread of the virus. Therefore, the celebration of Ashura in Bahrain might be different this year.