What do Shi'a Muslims do in Ashura? And why they do it?

On Ashura, Shi'a Muslims engage in a series of rituals and mourning practices to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, at the Battle of Karbala. This day, which falls on the 10th of Muharram, is marked by deep sorrow and reflection over the tragic events that took place in 680 CE, where Hussein and his companions were killed while standing against tyranny and injustice.

One of the central practices during Ashura is mourning, which takes various forms, including public processions, recitations of elegies, and reenactments of the Battle of Karbala. These rituals serve as a way for the community to express their grief and solidarity with Hussein's sacrifice. Participants often wear black clothing as a symbol of mourning.

In addition to these mourning practices, fasting is also associated with Ashura, although its significance is viewed quite differently in Shi'a tradition compared to Sunni practices. According to a narration in Al-Kafi, when asked about fasting on Ashura, Imam al-Rida stated, It is the fast of ibn Marjanah. You are asking me about the day in which the adopted ones of the family of Ziyad for their murdering al-Husayn, ‘Alayhi al-Salam, were fasting. It is an ominous day for the family of Muhammad, ‘Alayhi al-Salam. For people of Islam it is an ominous day. A day, which is ominous for the people of Islam is not a day of fasting or a day of blessing Al-Kafi 14:6546. This perspective reflects the idea that Ashura is not a day for celebration or fasting but rather a day of mourning and reflection on the injustices faced by Imam Hussein.

The significance of Ashura extends beyond the historical event itself; it embodies themes of justice, sacrifice, and standing against oppression. By commemorating this day, Shi'a Muslims seek to instill these values within their community and remind themselves of the importance of upholding justice in their lives. This collective mourning serves to strengthen communal bonds and preserve the memory of Imam Hussein's sacrifice through generations.