Blood in the Sand: How Ashura Transformed Islamic History’s Greatest Tragedy into a Peace Destroying Sectarianism (Part 1)

TRANSCEND MEMBERS, 7 Jul 2025

Prof Hoosen Vawda – TRANSCEND Media Service

Please note that this publication contains text and graphics which may be disturbing to some readers. Reader and Parental guidance are recommended for minors.

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” The Sunni-Shia Divide centered on Ashura is a Peace Disruptive Fracture as well as a Paradoxical, Peace Propagative Bridge, between Commemoration, Condemnation, and the Possibility of Sectarian Cohesion with harmonious Coexistence in the future”.[1]

Aerial picture of Imam Husayn’s Shrine, located in Karbala, Iraq. It is the holiest sites in Shia Islam, dedicated to Imam Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. who was martyred by the army of Yazid. The shrine is known for its golden dome, minarets and its beautiful illumination.  Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

 Introduction

On the plains of Karbala on 10^th October 680 CE [2], (10 Muharram in the year 61 AH of the Islamic calendar) between the army of the second Umayyad caliph Yazid [3]I and the Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace Be Upon Him PBUH) grandson, Husayn ibn Ali[4] faced an Umayyad[5] army not as a rebel, but as a reformer upholding the egalitarian ideals of early Islam. His gruesome and brutal death, alongside 72 of his loyal companions, in the Battle of Karbala[6], would reverberate across centuries, morphing from a historical tragedy into the cornerstone of Shia[7] identity, while occupying an ambiguous space in Sunni[8] collective memory.

This paper interrogates a central paradox: how a single event could become simultaneously a catalyst for Muslim unity and a fault line for sectarian discord [9].[10] For Shias, Ashura [11] is a sacred occasion marked by processions, passion plays (ta’ziyeh),[12] and pilgrimages to Husayn’s shrine, acts viewed by many Sunnis as bid’ah [13](heretical innovation). For Sunnis, the day is one of recommended fasting commemorating Prophet Moses’[14](PBUH) victory over Pharaoh, with explicit discouragement of Shia-style mourning (Ibn Taymiyyah, Minhaj al-Sunnah)[15].[16] These divergent practices reflect deeper rifts over religious authority, the status of the Prophet’s family (Ahl al-Bayt[17]), and the very meaning of Islamic justice.

Focusing on three dimensions: historical memory, ritual performance, and modern politicisation, generated by vested interests, of some clerics, on both sides of the great schism. this objective and unprejudiced study traces how Ashura has been constructed as a symbol of either resistance or heresy. It juxtaposes Saudi Arabia’s suppression of Shia rituals [18] with Iran’s state-sponsored encouraged, ritual mourning[19],[20] while also analysing hybrid communities like South Africa’s Cape Malays, who blend Sunni and Shia elements[21]. Ultimately, it proposes that Karbala’s legacy need not be a zero-sum game; by recentring Husayn’s stand as a universal critique of oppression, Ashura could yet become a rare space for Sunni-Shia reconciliation, to coexist in harmony, as one humanity.[22]

Shia Mourning Ceremonies and processions during Ashura Commemoration, mainly in Iraq and Iran 
Top Photo: A mourning procession in Karbala. Note the beautifully and elaborately decorated Taziya , hand crafted
 Photo Credit: MOHAMMED SAWAF/AFP via Getty Images
Middle Photo Shia Devotees engaged in self-flagellation during Ashura processions in major Shia cities, using steel chains, as a sign of dedication and reverence to Imam Husayn, martyrdom in Karbala, Iraq. 
Photo Credit: AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images
Bottom Photo: A girl holds a sword as she takes part in a mourning ritual in Nasiriyah. Females even participate in the Ashura mourning processions.  Note the genuine sword carried by the young, Shia lady. Other examples are even more dramatic, with metal skewers inserted through the cheeks and body without pain or evidence of injuries. Other mourners beat and thump their bared chests as self-emollition, with no injury, while in a state of trance
 Photo: ASAAD NIAZI/AFP via Getty Image

What is Ashura?

In the Islamic, lunar calendar, Muharram is the first month of the 12 months[23].  During this month, warfare is banned, Translated, into English, it means “Forbidden”. It is to be noted that, even prior to the first period of Jahiliya[24] or Ignorance, before Islam, in Arabia, this month was always known as a sacred month, in which un-lawful acts were “forbidden”, especially, the shedding of blood. The first ten days of the Islamic New Year 1447, AH, which in South Africa commenced at sunset on Thursday, 26^th June 2025 and the tenth day is solemnly observed from sunset on Saturday, 05^th July to sunset Sunday 06^th July 2025. This auspicious day in the Islamic calendar is called Ashura. On this day, the following observances are strongly recommended for believers according to Islamic, scriptural narrations.

1. Observe the Fast of Ashura (two days of abstinence, from all food, water and smoking, as per Islamic fasting protocol.) resulting in the expiation of personal sins.
2. Present gifts to one’s immediate family and acquire Lord’s Blessings for the rest of the year
3. Seek forgiveness from the Lord and humanity with repentance.
4. Consciously abstain from any sins and transgressions against humanity.

The Day of Ashura is most commonly remembered as the sad of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, at Karbala (61 AH/680 CE) stands as one of Islamic history’s most seminal events, revered by Shia Muslims as a sacred struggle against tyranny, yet largely ignored or cautiously memorialized by Sunnis, as a historical tragedy. This paper examines how Ashura, the 10^th Muharram, has become a litmus test for sectarian identity, with rituals of mourning (Shia) and fasting (Sunni) serving as boundary markers between the two traditions. Drawing on historical chronicles (Al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir), contemporary fatwas, and ethnographic data from South Africa, where Sunni-Shia relations fluctuate between cooperation and tension, it argues that Ashura’s legacy is paradoxically both divisive and unifying. While political and theological narratives have weaponized Karbala to justify centuries of discord, the event’s core message of resistance to oppression retains untapped potential as a shared symbolic language. The study concludes with practical recommendations for reframing Ashura as a platform for intra-Muslim dialogue, emphasizing joint humanitarianism over ritual disputes. Ashura is also widely celebrated in many cities across Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, and many other Muslim majority countries. Ashura is essentially a day of Peace Propagation between the Sunni and Shia sects, within Islam.

The entity of Taziyas or Taboot associated with Ashura [25]

Photo Top:  The ta’ziyahs being taken to the river for immersion in the river.
Muharram procession of Shia Islamic community has been observed in South Asia, and documented in the British colonial rule era. The temporary colorfully painted structures called Tazia (Taboot) passed annually through the streets in a mourning procession for Imam who was killed in the 7th century by a Caliph. The procession would proceed to a water body such as river or ocean for immersion.
The above painting is from 1790-1800 period according to the source (Columbia University archives).Source caption: The ta’ziyahs being taken to the river for immersion, a watercolour in the Murshidabad style, c.between 1790 and 1800
Photo Middle Left:  The huge Taziyah procession in India
Photo Middle Right:  A Shia youth in a state of trance, self-flagellating
 Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
Photo Bottom: An Artistic representation of Shia pilgrims looking at the Taziyahs
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

From huge, building sized, permanent structures within imambaras[26] to palm-sized ones made of cigarette boxes and coloured paper, tazias are replicas of the tomb of Imam Hussain which play a significant role in the rituals observed during Muharram. They were initially popularised by the Mughals for those royals who were unable to visit the actual tomb but the tradition continues, even today, when photographic images of the tomb are widely available — as a mode of creative expression or, perhaps more, as a performance of homage.

The Killing Zone[27]

The killing zone is the place in Karbala, which Imam al-Husayn (a) was decapitated. The place has a special chamber with a silver door and a window towards the courtyard on the southwestern side of Habib b. Muzahir’s porch[28]. Its floor is covered with marble, and it has a cellar with a silver door.

Al-Ha’ir al-Husayni[29]

“Al-Ha’ir al-Husayni” is the area of Imam al-Husayn’s mausoleum. This is called so because when al-Mutawakkil al-‘Abbasi ordered the destruction of the mausoleums of Imam al-Husayn (a) and the martyrs of Karbala, he ordered his agents to submerge the place with water. The water surrounded the grave without flowing over the grave. This place includes the main center of Imam al-Husayn’s shrine, the dome, the darih, and the graves of the martyrs of Karbala[30].

Photo Top: The Brutal Battle of Karbala 680CE: An Artistic depiction by Al-Musavi of the battle of Karbala with Iman Husayn defending his companion, leading to his martyrdom by the massive army of Yazid
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Photo Bottom: Under the dome, there is a large silver, polygonal darih, in which the graves of Imam al-Husayn and his sons, ‘Ali Asghar and ‘Ali al-Akbar, are located. Different darihs have been built and installed on Imam al-Husayn’s grave in different periods. The last time when the darih was changed was in 2012-3.Darih of Imam al-Husayn which dates back to Qajar era. In 1211/1796-7, Aqa Muhammad Khan Qajar ordered the decoration of the shrine’s dome with gold. But in 1216/1801-2, Wahhabis attacked Karbala and destroyed the darih and the porches and stole all precious property in the shrine’s treasury.
Photo Credit: Holy Shrine of Imam al-Husayn (a) – wikishia

Unfolding the History of Karbala[31]

• The shrine marks the burial site of Imam Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Imam Husayn was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, a pivotal event in Islamic history that symbolizes the struggle against tyranny and injustice.
• After his death, his followers buried him at the site, which gradually became a place of pilgrimage despite early restrictions by ruling caliphates

Development Through the Centuries

• During the Abbasid[32] and Umayyad periods[33], construction of the shrine was often suppressed, and at times it was even destroyed.
• Despite this, the shrine was rebuilt and expanded multiple times by various Islamic dynasties and benefactors.
• The Buyid dynasty [34], [35] in the 10^th century and later the Safavid dynasty[36] in the 16th century played major roles in its development and beautification

Modern Era

• The shrine has undergone numerous renovations, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries, including the addition of a new zarih (metal lattice structure over the tomb) in 2013.[37]
• It features a golden dome, two minarets, and intricate Islamic architecture.
• The shrine is a focal point during Ashura and Arba’een, when millions of pilgrims visit to commemorate Imam Husayn’s martyrdom

Arba’een[38] is one of the most significant religious observances in Shia Islam, commemorating the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

Key Aspects of Arba’een:[39],[40]

1. Meaning of the Word

• Arba’een means “forty” in Arabic, marking the end of the traditional 40-day mourning period observed in Islamic culture after a person’s death

2. Historical and Religious Significance[41]

• Imam Husayn’s stand at Karbala is seen as a symbol of resistance against tyranny and injustice.
• His martyrdom is considered a defining moment in Islamic history, especially for Shia Muslims, who view him as a rightful leader and a martyr who sacrificed everything for truth and justice.

3. The Pilgrimage

• Arba’een is marked by one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world, where millions of people walk to the city of Karbala in Iraq to visit Imam Husayn’s shrine.
• Pilgrims often walk for days from cities like Najaf, and along the way, they are provided with food, water, and shelter by volunteers as acts of devotion

4. Spiritual Themes

• The event emphasizes values such as martyrdom, devotion, sacrifice, and unity.
• It is also a time for reflection, prayer, and reaffirmation of faith, particularly in the face of oppression.

Golden Portico of the holy shrine of Imam al-Husayn (a) from the view of Bab al-Qibla
Photo Credithttps://en.wikishia.net/view/Holy_Shrine_of_Imam_al-Husayn_(a)#:~:text=Golden%20Portico%20of%20the%20holy%20shrine%20of%20Imam%20al%2DHusayn%20(a)%20from%20the%20view%20of%20Bab%20al%2DQibla

The Bottom Line: A Cycle of Grief, Dogmatism, Power, and Manufactured Division must be eradicated

The Sunni-Shia divide over Ashura and by extension, the broader sectarian conflict, is not an inevitable theological schism but a political weaponisation of history. The tragedy of Karbala, where Imam Husayn (RA) was martyred in 680 CE, has been exploited for centuries to:

1. Legitimize rulers (e.g., Umayyads celebrating Ashura to counter Shia mourning).
2. Fuel proxy wars (e.g., Saudi-Iran rivalry since 1979)
3. Justify oppression (e.g., Saddam’s suppression of Shia rituals, ISIS attacks on pilgrims)

The “Bottom Line” is this: Husayn’s stand against tyranny has been distorted into a tool for perpetuating tyranny. His cry for justice (“Every day is Ashura, every land is Karbala“) [42]is now drowned out by sectarian demagogues who profit from division, with religious leaders of  respective sects, demonising the other, even calling the Shias as non-believers based on a civil war and politicisation of the tragedy of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, his peace loving companions, who did not proceed to Karbala to fight, but to engage in inter-sectarian dialogue[43]. [44] Imam Husayn and his companions were all annihilated, with the decapitated head of Imam Husayn, paraded in Karbala on a spear, his wife and family taken into captivity by Yazid.[45],[46] The wife of Imam Husayn, was Imriʾ al-Qays (Arabic: الرَباب بنت إمرِئ القَیس) was and the mother of ‘Ali al-Asghar (‘Abd Allah al-Radi’) and Sukayna. She was known as a knowledgeable and eloquent woman. She was present in the Battle of Karbala, and was taken as captive to Syria.[47]  Zaynab ibn Ali [48]. the granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the daughter of Imam Ali and Lady Fatima , and the devoted sister of Imam Husayn. Her birth, upbringing, and the events of her life led to what would be her fateful destiny in Karbala, Kufah, and Damascus. A year after the tragedy of Karbala, Sayyida Zainab passed away on the 15th of Rajab 62 AH. She was present in Karbala. While her final resting place remains a subject of speculation, with some believing she was buried in Medina, Egypt, or Damascus. It is widely known that she was interred in the latter city of Damascus.[49] This tragedy, leading to polarisation and belligerence between the Islamic community at the time, must be transformed from the Peace Disruption of Karbala to sustained Peace Propagation, mutual sectarian respect, unity and cohesion of Ashura.

All readers are implored upon to look at Ashura as a foundational bridge, crossing the great sectarian divide, which has resulted in eternal misery and dissolution of peace over the centuries.  An appeal to religious leaders and custodians of Islam not to radicalise the youth, but to nurture then into caring, compassionate, leaders to inculcate humanism in humanity[50], as they are the future.[51]

Part 2 of this series will unpack further aspects of Muharram, Ashura and the ongoing acrimony between the Shias and Sunni Muslims, disrupting Peace Propagation, which Islam propagates in the scriptures: The Quran[52] and The Hadith.[53]

 NOTES:

[1] Author’s personal quote July 2025

[2] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=8334fb50a6829d4e1a66244ca2d252c45a3d04ad83ec8f092852c27a0fdfc879JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Karbala+in+680+CE&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvQmF0dGxlX29mX0thcmJhbGEjOn46dGV4dD1UaGUlMjBCYXR0bGUlMjBvZiUyMEthcmJhbGElMjAlMjhBcmFiaWMlM0ElMjAlRDklODUlRDklOEUlRDglQjklRDklOTIlRDglQjElRDklOEUlRDklODMlRDklOEUlRDglQTklMjAlRDklODMlRDklOEUlRDglQjElRDklOTIlRDglQTglRDklOEUlRDklODQlRDklOEUlRDglQTclRDglQTElMkMlMjByb21hbml6ZWQlM0EscHJvcGhldCUyME11aGFtbWFkJTJDJTIwYXQlMjBLYXJiYWxhJTJDJTIwU2F3YWQlMjAlMjhtb2Rlcm4tZGF5JTIwc291dGhlcm4lMjBJcmFxJTI5Lg&ntb=1

[3] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=e3f5bcec59f20c9073003f01043abfe0c0eedc8f05bb8f544762643c22d30a75JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Umayyad+caliph+Yazid&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvWWF6aWRfSQ&ntb=1

[4] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=9824a860d86dc4ccfaa464534b424340fa43d4d4f276da7d31e2a33683722117JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Husayn+ibn+Ali&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvSHVzYXluX2libl9BbGk&ntb=1

[5] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=0a7cc3bf31aabc91ba1d80af60778ee03b50e6d1c6eabae967ee9f3dff67c8acJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Umayyad&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvVW1heXlhZF9DYWxpcGhhdGU&ntb=1

[6] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=b90c3e2658ce5a37e1d5cf3c107bf6f53baa4ff283f7843ad7d8a4de49a30804JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Karbala+in+680+CE&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvQmF0dGxlX29mX0thcmJhbGE&ntb=1

[7] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=bee947d764ffc5445a48697f0216d889fcaecc51a07e967b376fdeb201112d24JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=shia+islam&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvU2hpYV9Jc2xhbQ&ntb=1

[8] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=2258e23c2b7baf0e19bae508690c3e0741539f6cd169425f2c34abd79802708fJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=sunni+islam&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvU3VubmlfSXNsYW0&ntb=1

[9] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=eb09cbb091935c9a81c1011e1e5627788f4bdc4e4215eb0f2c84349df2db370cJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Muslim+unity+and+a+fault+line+for+sectarian+discord&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9kZXNpcmVkbW9taW4uY29tL2tub3dsZWRnZS91bml0eS12cy1zZWN0cy11bmRlcnN0YW5kaW5nLXVuaXR5LXRocm91Z2gtdGhlLXF1cmFuLw&ntb=1

[10] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=5f312e706be4ef96b1620623f53300971b384dc9b75af773f1866d1280ef5a09JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&u=a1L3ZpZGVvcy9zZWFyY2g_cT1NdXNsaW0rdW5pdHkrYW5kK2ErZmF1bHQrbGluZStmb3Irc2VjdGFyaWFuK0Rpc2NvcmQmcXB2dD1NdXNsaW0rdW5pdHkrYW5kK2ErZmF1bHQrbGluZStmb3Irc2VjdGFyaWFuK2Rpc2NvcmQmRk9STT1WRFJF&ntb=1

[11] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=a861c45805aba60a89f5896410ff6f054a55906c37e3aa08aac6b5aa3b5d54ddJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=what+is+ashura+for+shias&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWlkZGxlZWFzdGV5ZS5uZXQvZGlzY292ZXIvd2hhdC1pcy1hc2h1cmEtaG93LWRvLXNoaWEtc3VubmktbXVzbGltcy1vYnNlcnZl&ntb=1

[12] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=8d2df3e9069f67b8e9fc8b64b89126022a3ed1fc558615bef24eb6ca8807f4ddJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=passion+plays+(ta%e2%80%99ziyeh)%2c+&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvVGElMjd6aWVo&ntb=1

[13] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=dc932a536b41d81bb844bdfb1dfd5af2ce264b3d6efeeb222723a66a6619b175JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=bid%e2%80%99ah+heretical&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvQmlkJTI3YWg&ntb=1

[14] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=497e00e89e725fbb1664328e8dc07c237c491009f5dd0c428b28aa2c54600abbJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Prophet+Moses%e2%80%99&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvTW9zZXM&ntb=1

[15] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=9f36f162b119f2ce29639264f3825975e681c56ddc243adcb8c23f858542a706JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Ibn+Taymiyyah%2c+Minhaj+al-Sunnah&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9hcmNoaXZlLm9yZy9kZXRhaWxzL01pbmhhai11cy1TdW5uYWhCeVNoYXlraEliblRheW1peWFoci5h&ntb=1

[16] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=f4d621785676d878da6b28b0ba8e169bbcd948701374e35ef06f0498354b776eJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&u=a1L3ZpZGVvcy9zZWFyY2g_cT1JYm4rVGF5bWl5eWFoJTJjK01pbmhhaithbC1TdW5uYWgmcXB2dD1JYm4rVGF5bWl5eWFoJTJjK01pbmhhaithbC1TdW5uYWgmRk9STT1WRFJF&ntb=1

[17] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=1c0c15f8f3132ea633611bd00933ac93a4ad85bc81a20b9725ab6e3c05b7fefeJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=ahl+al-bayt+meaning&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvQWhsX2FsLUJheXQ&ntb=1

[18] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=5d2184e440c08cc41cbc4760b54f599d04b5b085e5be4108d7fc24df26f3698cJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Saudi+Arabia%e2%80%99s+suppression+of+Shia+rituals+&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYWRocmIub3JnLzIwMjUvMDIvc3lzdGVtaWMtZGlzY3JpbWluYXRpb24tYW5kLXJlbGlnaW91cy1yZXByZXNzaW9uLXRoZS1zaGlhLXN0cnVnZ2xlLWZvci1lcXVhbGl0eS1pbi1zYXVkaS1hcmFiaWEv&ntb=1

[19] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=97a4c349c7e078654c5e098c13123341988195fa33ff246d165d4429eb1e1961JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Iran%27s+state+supported+ritual+mourning+during+Ashura&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9ndWxmaWYub3JnL2Zyb20tZGV2b3Rpb24tdG8tZGlzc2VudC1pcmFucy1zaGlmdGluZy1hc2h1cmEtbmFycmF0aXZlLw&ntb=1

[20] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=3f989f11b8c7919b6126ec5e88439a54c0c8d4efae63adb4706f315ab1dd251eJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Iran%27s+state+supported+ritual+mourning+during+Ashura&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9hcG5ld3MuY29tL2FydGljbGUvaXJhbi1tdXNsaW0tc2hpaXRlLWFzaHVyYS1tb3VybmluZy0zNGQ2YjAyNzkwZWMwMmE1MWE2ZGMzYTE1ZDA1MGJhNw&ntb=1

[21] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=a59efced9479af3943b0db979f3437d73affd9f1e3533f805e945bb8e7cc66baJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=South+Africa%e2%80%99s+Cape+Malays%2c+who+blend+Sunni+and+Shia+elements&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9vdXJjYXBldG93bmhlcml0YWdlLm9yZy9yaXR1YWxzLWFuZC1yZXZlcmVuY2UtdGhlLXNwaXJpdHVhbC1wcmFjdGljZXMtb2YtdGhlLWNhcGUtbWFsYXktY29tbXVuaXR5&ntb=1

[22] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=dc98fb4233ad576ecb7e68ca667cd6b61ac80a88e127259870c4b06c0d46baaaJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Sunni-Shia+reconciliation%2c+to+coexist+in+harmony+as+one+humanity&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9maXFoLmlzbGFtb25saW5lLm5ldC9lbi9zdW5uaXMtYW5kLXNoaWl0ZXMtY29uY2VwdC1vZi1yZWNvbmNpbGlhdGlvbi8&ntb=1

[23] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=214b1ec7cd21859bbbf5719b91832afe6073742cdce72af04f32d42bf78b09bfJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Muharram+is+the+first+month+of+the+12+months&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9pc2xhbWljaW5mb2NlbnRlci5jb20vaW1wb3J0YW5jZS1vZi1tdWhhcnJhbS1tb250aC1pbi1pc2xhbS8&ntb=1

[24] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=25319852c7d49358af791b5b18728f5e8daca7625539f1a3717b8608548693f8JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=jahiliya+period+in+islam&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGhlY29sbGVjdG9yLmNvbS9hcmFiaWEtYmVmb3JlLWlzbGFtLWphaGlsaXlhLw&ntb=1

[25] Ritual Devices or Art Objects? The Rise and Spread of Tazia-making Traditions in South Asia | Asia Research News

[26] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=3f3e45a625a511576325504eff37da6fd384c36a22a3798b545a2330e9638db4JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=imambaras+meaning&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpc2hpYS5uZXQvdmlldy9JbWFtYmFyYQ&ntb=1

[27] https://en.wikishia.net/view/Holy_Shrine_of_Imam_al-Husayn_(a)#:~:text=the%20Killing%20Zone.-,Killing%20Zone,it%20has%20a%20cellar%20with%20a%20silver%20door.%5B25%5D,-Al%2DHa%27ir%20al

[28] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=0c6572c06893504a038e3bfe57d181b269a0c8067394ce41fa5cda33a3580bd0JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Habib+b.+Muzahir%27s+porch&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpaHVzc2Fpbi5jb20vdmlldy9IYWJpYl9iLl9NdXphaGly&ntb=1

[29] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=faf90ad0dd83c3587c34130420405e4bdaec5b231dcbb253523b63f5f5aa12f7JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Al-Ha%27ir+al-Husayni&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpc2hpYS5uZXQvdmlldy9BbC1IYSUyN2lyX2FsLUh1c2F5bmk&ntb=1

[30] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=9116dd343fcea0f5bf7776af4cab7fa484481ba3c1a11db314fd4b4222bf8152JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=72+martyrs+of+karbala+names&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9tdWhhbW1hZGlzaXRlLmNvbS9uYW1lcy1vZi03Mi1tYXJ0eXJzLW9mLWthcmJhbGEtYW5kLWJpb2dyYXBoeS1vZi1oYXpyYXQtaW1hbS1odXNzYWluLXJhZGlhbGxhaHUtdGFhbGEtYW5odS8&ntb=1

[31] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=650afef9a18db732f2bf04906da226f2a54c2fbc61073c18e339bf3c2b041aacJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Unfolding+the+History+of+Karbala&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVpc2xhbWljaW5mb3JtYXRpb24uY29tL3N0b3JpZXMvZnVsbC1zdG9yeS1vZi10aGUtYmF0dGxlLW9mLWthcmJhbGEv&ntb=1

[32] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=c773f555da6c29ac9e59e03a6618a77ad3fd16a6cc001afb2e17d20dcf7121b4JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=abbasid+caliphate&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvQWJiYXNpZF9DYWxpcGhhdGU&ntb=1

[33] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=b3227c6a0adf2cba83538bfed10ac99eeeb9e24c57905ce87ed30293d5a6852aJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=umayyad+caliphate+time+period&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvVW1heXlhZF9DYWxpcGhhdGU&ntb=1

[34] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=e0190d0a3fdc1888623dc7f42bdde523705ed7f22698977218022b9cdc79b78eJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=the+buyid+dynasty&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpc2hpYS5uZXQvdmlldy9CdXlpZF9EeW5hc3R5Izp-OnRleHQ9VGhlJTIwQnV5aWRzJTJDJTIwYWxzbyUyMGtub3duJTIwYXMlMjBUaGUlMjBCdXlhJTIwb3IsSGFzYW4lMkMlMjBhbmQlMjB3YXMlMjBuYW1lZCUyMGFmdGVyJTIwdGhlaXIlMjBmYXRoZXIlMkMlMjBCdXlhLg&ntb=1

[35] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=e86a1f44ede13a7bf9a604c01817e73bc55d79fcc857e76a8e1838bc78a9e859JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=the+buyid+dynasty&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJpdGFubmljYS5jb20vdG9waWMvQnV5aWQtZHluYXN0eQ&ntb=1

[36] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=6744c451aaf0e7761beaf4fcba1fd4d5f1f9d479bc2426a29faf3de27a0b2d98JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Safavid+dynasty+&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvU2FmYXZpZF9keW5hc3R5&ntb=1

[37] The Beautiful pictures of Roza (Shrine) “Imam Hussain” (A.S) Karbala,Iraq | Flickr

[38] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=620074e972ef7e8fe1dd7e1dc3104edd531c03640f5da40a762d37bb2a487fa4JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=arba%27een+pilgrimage&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvQXJiYSUyN2luX3BpbGdyaW1hZ2U&ntb=1

[39] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=a9a2d32ce4b5a71624c1816e4ac34106f96402edd06ecde064164afb284c5252JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Key+Aspects+of+Arba%27een%3a&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWlkZGxlZWFzdGV5ZS5uZXQvZGlzY292ZXIvYXJiYWVlbi1zaGlhLW11c2xpbXMtd2hhdC1ob3ctbWFya2Vk&ntb=1

[40] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=34f9eaca28009a63670c688d29cc2b1c799fc052f1de35d1d6c65f431e5b33a6JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Key+Aspects+of+Arba%27een%3a&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9tdXNsaW1taXJyb3IuY29tL2FyYmFlZW4tYS1zeW1ib2wtb2YtdW5pdHktZmFpdGgtYW5kLWh1bWFuaXR5Lw&ntb=1

[41] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=c0f874701f8eb5f9cc2504d71a0317b800be5373930f835ed4820697a07abf85JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Key+Aspects+of+Arba%27een%3a&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYWNhZGVtaWEuZWR1LzkzNDgwMDI5L0FfTmV3X0xvb2tfYXRfdGhlX0FyYmFlZW5fTWVnYV9ldmVudF9mcm9tX3RoZV9QZXJzcGVjdGl2ZV9vZl9JcmFxaXNfYXNfdGhlX0hvc3RfQ29tbXVuaXR5&ntb=1

[42] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=f48ac944c534270c32d849a2131cc092c80b1558133698cabc371507a2eb2728JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=(%22Every+day+is+Ashura%2c+every+land+is+Karbala%22)&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpc2hpYS5uZXQvdmlldy9FdmVyeV9kYXlfaXNfQXNodXJhX2FuZF9ldmVyeV9sYW5kX2lzX0thcmJhbGE&ntb=1

[43] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=c6ae5b829d0327186f0d4d3d423331c647ec22f9af194548d4e126d4aaf079b1JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=inter-sectarian+dialogue&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmV3YWdlaXNsYW0uY29tL2ludGVyZmFpdGgtZGlhbG9ndWUvaGFmaXotbXVoYW1tYWQtdGFoaXItbWFobW9vZC1hc2hyYWZpLy1pbnRlci1mYWl0aC1pbnRlci1zZWN0YXJpYW4tZGlhbG9ndWUtbmVjZXNzYXJ5L2QvODc2MTk&ntb=1

[44] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=37c4c01a17d4e966fa08ba269c074502262d31b0e666a9b328360e49c41c6eb1JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=inter-sectarian+dialogue&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXJhc2FoLnBkdGlpLm9yZy9pbmRleC5waHAvaS9hcnRpY2xlL3ZpZXcvNDk&ntb=1

[45] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=9e6629240378522a840fd150c5451e6874abea2bf3af194135b31e35b393764aJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=what+happened+to+the+family+of+Imam+Husayn+in+Karbala&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93b2Nvc2hpYWMub3JnL2VuL3NoaWEtY29udGV4dC1lbi9hcnRpY2xlcy1lbi9haGx1bC1iYXl0LWVuL2ltYW0taHVzc2Fpbi1lbi90aGlzLWlzLXdoYXQtaGFwcGVuZWQtdG8tcHJvcGhldC1zLWEtdy1zLWZhbWlseS1pbi1rYXJiYWxhLWFmdGVyLTEwdGgtbXVoYXJyYW0&ntb=1

[46] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=df00992fcb8c67d97701e23daaa05e4127f4e27c30b35fcde111f5c4c7f18883JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&u=a1L3ZpZGVvcy9zZWFyY2g_cT13aGF0K2hhcHBlbmVkK3RvK3RoZStmYW1pbHkrb2YrSW1hbStIdXNheW4raW4rS2FyYmFsYSZxcHZ0PXdoYXQraGFwcGVuZWQrdG8rdGhlK2ZhbWlseStvZitJbWFtK0h1c2F5bitpbitLYXJiYWxhJkZPUk09VkRSRQ&ntb=1

[47] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=fb95564191b1cec49810197d213bea55c045f81720445b1789cfb5bbe3dea611JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Who+was%2c+the+wife+of+Imam+Husayn&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYWwtaXNsYW0ub3JnL21lZGlhL3dpdmVzLWltYW0taHVzYXlu&ntb=1

[48] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=56d3a1bdea5b3c043c0b96ae7801450093a406a35264c4db21879e47d65e4ee2JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Who+was+Zainab+to+Imam+Husayn&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9tYWpsaXMub3JnLnVrL2phbWFkaS1hbC11bGEvdGhlLWxpZmUtb2YtemFpbmFiLWJpbnRlLWFsaS1hcy8&ntb=1

[49] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=a4c79e63730b2e1d5028ffac0ebdf38f712508c32faf0d29bcd62b34572b9d25JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=Zaynab+interred+in+the+latter+city+of+Damascus&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvU2F5eWlkYV9aYXluYWJfTW9zcXVlLF9TeXJpYQ&ntb=1

[50] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=371d02950593e365a23c9a3e6dcf3300380420f5a2fbf119f5e399c70f825d66JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=inculcate+humanism+in+humanity&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9odW1hbmlzdHMuaW50ZXJuYXRpb25hbC9ibG9nL2h1bWFuaXNtLWEtd29ybGR2aWV3LWNvbW1pdHRlZC10by1zZWxmLXJlZmxlY3Rpb24tYW5kLW1hdHVyaXR5Lw&ntb=1

[51] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=a5e2a3154d2a5d7f34859867056f56ce5e7bdb6b29b9e3e733d536eb50ee7c14JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=inculcate+humanism+in+humanity&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaHVtYW5pc3RpY2FsbHlzcGVha2luZy5vcmcvcG9zdC9laWdodC1rZXktcHJpbmNpcGxlcy1vZi1odW1hbmlzbQ&ntb=1

[52] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=6fdc4060e6de74838bf88d83bbfd7d25d357a9481513afeb49a4a49f91a2e01cJmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=the+holy+quran&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9xdXJhbi5jb20v&ntb=1

[53] https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=204f6c48270545ef7e3829960eb62ac9239a3e310a7f9ec4cb36f7be0bc03997JmltdHM9MTc1MTY3MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=13da0a31-899c-6c03-09c7-1fd488bf6d11&psq=hadith+definition&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJpdGFubmljYS5jb20vdG9waWMvSGFkaXRo&ntb=1

______________________________________________

Professor G. Hoosen M. Vawda (Bsc; MBChB; PhD.Wits) is a member of the TRANSCEND Network for Peace Development Environment.
Director: Glastonbury Medical Research Centre; Community Health and Indigent Programme Services; Body Donor Foundation SA.
Principal Investigator: Multinational Clinical Trials
Consultant: Medical and General Research Ethics; Internal Medicine and Clinical Psychiatry:UKZN, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine
Executive Member: Inter Religious Council KZN SA
Public Liaison: Medical Misadventures
Activism: Justice for All
Email: vawda@ukzn.ac.za

This article originally appeared on Transcend Media Service (TMS) on 7 Jul 2025.

Anticopyright: Editorials and articles originated on TMS may be freely reprinted, disseminated, translated and used as background material, provided an acknowledgement and link to the source, TMS: Blood in the Sand: How Ashura Transformed Islamic History’s Greatest Tragedy into a Peace Destroying Sectarianism (Part 1), is included. Thank you.

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