When does Ashura fall?

Ashura falls on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year.

How do Sunni Muslims commonly observe Ashura?

Most Sunnis keep it as a voluntary fast, associating the day with God's deliverance of Musa and the Israelites from Pharaoh, and it is recommended to fast the ninth day as well.

Why do Shi'a Muslims observe Ashura as a day of mourning?

It is the anniversary of the killing of Hussein, the grandson of Muhammad, at Karbala in 680 CE, which Shi'a Muslims regard as the supreme act of witness against unjust rule.

Why is water given away during Ashura observances?

Stalls offering free water and food recall the thirst of Hussein's camp, which was denied access to the river before the battle, so the gift of water becomes an act of remembrance and of charity together.

WJEC A-Level Religious Studies 603-0277-X

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Christianity: Historical Developments in Religious Thought

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Christianity: Social Developments in Religious Thought

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Judaism: Social Developments in Religious Thought

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Islam: Practices and Religious Identity

Ashura and Shi'a identity

3 things to know
AS Unit 1

Overview

Recall questions on Karbala, the mourning rituals and the giving of water, tatbir and the alternative promoted in its place, Arba'een, and observance in Britain.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What happened at Karbala?

Key term

Which rituals mark Ashura in Shi'a communities?

Key term

What meaning do Shi'a Muslims give to suffering through Ashura?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
When does Ashura fall?
Model answer
Ashura falls on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year.
2
How do Sunni Muslims commonly observe Ashura?
Model answer
Most Sunnis keep it as a voluntary fast, associating the day with God's deliverance of Musa and the Israelites from Pharaoh, and it is recommended to fast the ninth day as well.
3
Why do Shi'a Muslims observe Ashura as a day of mourning?
Model answer
It is the anniversary of the killing of Hussein, the grandson of Muhammad, at Karbala in 680 CE, which Shi'a Muslims regard as the supreme act of witness against unjust rule.
4
What happened at Karbala?
Model answer
Hussein refused to give allegiance to the caliph Yazid, and with a small band of family and companions was surrounded on the plain of Karbala, cut off from the river, and killed, after which the surviving women and children were taken captive.
5
Which rituals mark Ashura in Shi'a communities?
Model answer
Mourning gatherings are held in which the events are narrated and elegies recited, passion plays re-enact the battle, processions carry standards and a symbolic coffin, black is worn, and mourners strike their chests in rhythm.
6
Why is water given away during Ashura observances?
Model answer
Stalls offering free water and food recall the thirst of Hussein's camp, which was denied access to the river before the battle, so the gift of water becomes an act of remembrance and of charity together.

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