Shiite Muslims in the United States and globally have been observing a period of mourning culminating in the day of Ashoura. This observance marks the seventh-century killing of Hussein, a revered grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and is viewed within Shiite communities as a symbol of the struggle against injustice and tyranny.
Ashoura commemorations occur on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar. The historical event of Hussein's death in the Battle of Karbala, in present-day Iraq, where he refused to pledge allegiance to Caliph Yazid, is seen as having cemented the schism between Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam.
For Shiites, who constitute the second-largest branch of Islam, the killing holds profound religious and historical significance, playing a crucial role in shaping their identity. In the U.S., Shiites from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds participate in gatherings that typically include recitations of the Quran, elegies, lamentations, and lectures.
“In many communities, emotional lamentation and weeping are considered acts of devotion because they express solidarity with the suffering (of) the Prophet’s household,” explained Noor Zehra Zaidi, an assistant professor of history at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, who specializes in Shiite Islam. She added that U.S. communities reflect the varied rituals observed worldwide.
Adam Almaleky, participating in Michigan, described the community's engagement as a period where it "comes to life. It pulsates with a beautiful group unity, where everybody comes together.” He characterized the observance as a program of self-development and purification, aiming for closeness to God through Hussein.
In Texas, 23-year-old Sakina Ali attends the gatherings with four generations of her family. "We learn and we mourn," she stated, noting the atmosphere provides a profound emotional experience.
Around the world, mourning rituals for Muharram and Ashoura can involve synchronized chest-thumping and public processions. Some Shiites engage in self-flagellation and public bloodletting, practices that are met with varying degrees of acceptance within the community.
In Iraq, pilgrims often converge on the holy city of Karbala, the site of the battle and home to a shrine dedicated to Hussein. Volunteer service stations are common there, offering food and drink to pilgrims, a practice Zaidi identified as one of the most universal aspects of the commemorations.
"One of the remarkable enduring features of Ashoura commemorations is the way that rituals and communities reflect local cultures, traditions and languages while still remaining centered on Karbala," Zaidi noted.
Modern interpretations of the observance include initiatives like blood drives organized by groups such as "Who is Hussain." Sakina Ali, part of the Texas team for the London-based charity, helped organize a blood drive during this year's Muharram. "It’s to save lives. It’s to do good in the name of Hussein," she said. "Since this is such an emotional time and the community is coming out from everywhere … the impact is much bigger."
This practice aims to honor Hussein's example of sacrifice for morality and justice, encouraging community members to perform good deeds. Mustafa Jafri, a physician and board director at Masjid-e-Ali in New Jersey, has been involved in organizing blood drives for many years. "We do it really to honor Imam Hussein and his companions and his family," Jafri stated. "He gave his blood to stand against injustice and so we resonate and want to give our blood to save lives."
These blood drives are seen as a tangible way to translate Hussein's values into action, often drawing participation from non-Muslims in the community. Zaidi described blood drives as a more contemporary element of Shiite commemorations.
For participants like Jafri, the period serves as a time for self-reflection and a commitment to "tackling injustices that are all throughout the world.” Almaleky echoed this sentiment, drawing lessons of "altruism, principle, and dedication" from Hussein's legacy. He added that even in the face of personal tragedy, the community finds strength, drawing resilience from the historical hardships faced by Hussein and his companions.