That Holiday Season
This weekend marks the beginning of the Shi'ite Holiday - Ashoura. Ashoura day marks the Shiite Muslim's commemoration of the 7th century killing of their most revered Saint Imam Hussein. Al Hussein was a grandson of Islam's prophet Mohammed and is a symbol of martyrdom for Shiites.
Makes sucking helium out of balloons look not so bad now, doesn't it...
For a good first person account of today's Ashoura celebration in Lebanon- check out this blog Lebanese Days.
"As we pushed our way throught the counter-current of female bodies, one lady surprised to see westerners asked whether I was muslim. Considering the numbers, and the mood of the event, I answered yes, and spoke a few words of Arabic to appease her. " (Aargh - appeasement
From one of the blog's commenters:
Anonymous said...
Ashora is a event celebrated from almost 1400 years ago. People may wonder that how this is possible that man/ women/ child weep like Hussain die today. This is the power of asuhra thats bring enlighten for those who r fighting against opperession, evil. I have a strong belief that no other event in history has such power which ashura has. Imam hussain a source of inspiration of millions of people in this world, no matter shia sunni, hindu, chirstan, charles dicken, ghandi, read their comments abt the event. One day the world will know the power of ashura.
Ashora is a event celebrated from almost 1400 years ago. People may wonder that how this is possible that man/ women/ child weep like Hussain die today. This is the power of asuhra thats bring enlighten for those who r fighting against opperession, evil. I have a strong belief that no other event in history has such power which ashura has. Imam hussain a source of inspiration of millions of people in this world, no matter shia sunni, hindu, chirstan, charles dicken, ghandi, read their comments abt the event. One day the world will know the power of ashura.
I ashura hope not!
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