The day of Ashura
Muna Al-Fuzai
We may think we know enough about the day of Ashura. But no matter how much you think you know, I would advise everyone to try harder to learn more about this day. This is not only a day to sit at home and relax. This is a day to recall all those who scarificed their lives and made history. This is a day of sorrow for all humanity – of suffering, pain and agony. I now see the wisdom of this day.
I made a recent visit to a husseiniya in Kuwait and found out that I only knew only a little about this day and what it means for the Shiites and how our education system doesn't allow us to ask any questions about this day except the ones it allows! For all those who don't know much about this day, this article is for them.
The Day of Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, which is today. Shiites close their shops on this day and businesses stop as well. It is a sad day for them and they spend the day to recall the sacrifices that were made and the injustices that occurred. It is a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Hussein bin Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Battle of Karbala on 10th Muharram in the year 61 AH. As for Sunni Muslims, it is the day they fast.
According to Muslim tradition, Ibn Abbas narrated that when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the tenth day of Muharram, he asked, "What is this?" They said, "This is a good day – this is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moses fasted on this day." So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast too. As we can see, the day of Ashura is holy and it is in the book of histories. I recently visited a husseiniya one night. It was not as some think with ladies in black screaming and shouting.
It was a large room with a big TV and we all listened to the mullah giving a lesson about death, life and wisdom. I learned new things by listening to this man and see no harm attending more of these gatherings. It was about an hour-long sermon, and at the end, we were given some sweets and exchanged smiles and good talks.
On our way out, young boys were roaming giving us sweet drinks. They were even helping the crowd to move easily and smoothly bearing in mind the large number of cars. It was a colorful and informative as well as an educational journey for me. I enjoyed every minute of it.
I thank Allah who made my trip in this life and this visit so comfortable. I went home with a basket of sweets, and have kept some for good memories while the rest were enjoyed by my family. I will miss this day, and will always recall its wisdom and lessons. I shall call other Sunnis and encourage them to do the same.
By Muna Al-Fuzai
muna@kuwaittimes.net
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