Is Karbala Shia or Sunni?
The city, best known as the location of the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, or the shrines of Imam Husayn and Abbas, is considered a holy city for Shia Muslims, in the same way as Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem.
What do Sunnis believe about Muharram?
Muharram observances are carried out in countries with a sizable Muslim population. Shia mourn during Muharram, although Sunnis do so to a much lesser extent….
| Mourning of Muharram | |
|---|---|
| Significance | Marks the death of Hussein ibn Ali |
| Observances | Mourn and derive messages from Hussein’s Sacrifice ; Fasting |
Why is the Battle of Karbala important to the Shia?
The Battle of Karbala is particularly central to Shi’a Muslim belief. In Shi’a Islam, the martyrdom of Husayn is mourned by an annual commemoration, called Ashurah. They represent the battle as one between good and evil, light and darkness with evil winning.
Why do Sunni celebrate Muharram?
1197 AH (1782 AD). 10 Muharram: Referred to as the Day of Ashurah (lit. “the Tenth”), the day on which Husayn ibn Ali was martyred in the Battle of Karbala. Shia Muslims spend the day in mourning, while Sunni Muslims fast on this day, commemorating the rescue of the Israelites by Musa (Moses) from Pharaoh.
What happened on Ashura Sunni?
For Muslims, Ashura marks the day God delivered the Israelites, led by the Prophet Musa (Moses), from the tyranny of Egypt’s Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea, thus allowing them to cross safely. The day is observed with a fast and religious ceremonies, including sermons and communal meals in Sunni communities.
What is the lesson of Karbala?
This is the first universal lesson that Karbala teaches us: Never support injustice and oppression no matter how powerful the oppressor might be. No matter what incentive, what threat you may be given, never support falsehood and tyranny. Karbala shows the distinction between good and evil.
What lessons can we learn from Karbala?
There are many lessons to be learnt from Karbala.
- Be righteous, even if you are alone. Standing up for what is right is important, even if you have to face death with certainty.
- Be just.
- Be kind, even to your enemies.
- Be patient.
- Be brave even when you have lost everything.
Is Ashura for Sunnis?
The day of Ashura is an important occasion in the Islamic calendar that carries a spiritual and historical significance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims. For the Sunni majority, the day is marked with fasting and special prayers in mosques.
What is the most important difference between Sunni and Shia Islam?
One of the most crucial differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims is the importance that the Shiites give to Ali, whom the Sunni do not recognize as being the prophet’s rightful successor.
What is the importance of the Battle of Karbala?
The battle helped secure the position of the Umayyad dynasty, but among Shiʿi Muslims (followers of Ḥusayn) the 10th of Muḥarram (or ʿĀshūrāʾ) became an annual holy day of public mourning.
Why do Muslims visit Karbala?
Every year, Shiite Muslims mark the death of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussain with a mourning period that lasts a total of 50 days. Ashura, the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram, commemorates the day Hussain died. For millions of Shiites, this mourning period culminates in a pilgrimage to Karbala in Iraq.