Shiites Mark Holy Day of mourning in the Crown Shadow

Shiites observe the solemn Ashura holy day that Mark usually with big sad gatherings in the shade of Corona pandemic. Ashura commemorates the killing of Imam VII century Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in the battle of Karbala in Iraq, now with the army of Caliph Yazid then, the Hussein had refused to pledge allegiance. “At its heart, is the story of the sacrifice of a great religious figure,” said Noor Zaidi, teaches history at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Shi’ite research. “And ‘that took the love story between Hussein and the family (even) with him in Kerbala. … And’ this is true, a kind of revolutionary component to it,” he said. “What does it look like powerful … is the fact that it is at its core has the ability to unite itself, which, I believe, need to get the people of this”. On the day of Ashura falls on the 10th of the Islamic month of Muharram and the day commemoration and remembrance forward. Public statements of public mourning are usually taken in conjunction with the Shiites. For many Sunnis Ashura is a memory of more than one event, including the exodus of Moses led out of Egypt. In Iraq pilgrims usually they converge on the holy city of Karbala, site of the battle and home to a shrine of Imam Hussein. But Shiite with the pandemic, senior Iraqi cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, to observe mourning in other ways, such as on-line or memorial television from home people encouraged by. must respect those who attend public commemorations for health policies, including social distancing and wearing masks, with caps on the number of participants in accordance with local regulations in different countries, a statement from his office said. Saif Badr, spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Environment Iraqi statement praised al-Sistani and request to join the health regulations. “Our view is clear,” said Badr. “In general, we are against the community in all its forms, even on religious occasions” due to the pandemic. Some Iraqis noticing, not accepting the invitation to avoid. In Pakistan, thousands of Shia minority in the country, in various parts collected before the day of Ashura tomorrow by a decline in deaths and infections crown. In his speech to a meeting of Shiites in the city of Multan, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi people to maintain social distancing rules when they observe Ashura asked. The deployed security forces to Shiite places of worship to help secure public meetings, militant groups in the past had been targeted. In interviews with The Associated Press, several Shiite, told of how they look commemorations this year. ___ Najaf, in Iraq leads into a typical day in the period of mourning for the day of Ashura, Sayyid Sahib al-Yasseri buy rice, meat and other foods in the morning for dinner that night served attend the commemorative meeting. He dressed in blacks clothes, feels and others to recitations of the Koran, religious and wailing conferences. Some buried their faces in their hands as they cry. Mourners rhythmically beating his chest in pain. “There are tears and grief for Imam Hussein,” said al-Yasseri. This year, the rites were held outside, he said, and disposable masks men and pumped Sanitizer distributed in outstretched hands. Al-Yasseri wore no crown mask considerations but the view of skipping the commemorations. “If God wants me to be infected, I will,” he said. Al-Yasseri estimated that about 750 people have taken on every night in the Assembly, less than in previous years because of the pandemic. On Ashura Day – which falls in Iraq on Sunday – at least one of its tradition remains the same: give blood. “Are the benefits other donations,” said al-Yasseri “and love for Imam Hussein.” ___ Nabatiyeh, LEBANON Ashura comes as Lebanon roles not only the discomfort of a pandemic, but the economic and the consequences of a massive explosion that ripped through this month its capital. In the midst of two major Shiite groups of a partial crown blockade of Lebanon, the militant group Hezbollah and the Amal movement of Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, people must mark Ashura called home with the help of television and social media . visit Yasser Qameh, which for decades in the past, during the period of mourning every evening public meetings, was at home watching this year. “I see it on TV or YouTube – until they mingle with people,” said Qameh by telephone from his town of southern Lebanon which is a place of enormous remarks Ashura in normal years. “The difference is to be held in the stadium like a football game on TV.” This year, he said Qameh despite the curfew, some people every night somewhere with masks, temperature control and plastic chairs to gather at a distance outside. Generally, cutting tens of thousands of people with a few men Nabatiyeh annual Ashura ceremonies and beat their heads were like blood dripping white clothes symbolizing pollution and to remember the pain of Imam Hussein. These scenes are criticized by some Shiite clerics who denounce the ritual. Qameh is leaving this year another tradition. Normally, it would have water, fruit juice and a special dish called Harisa helps distribute – made from corn and chicken or beef – for the participants, who come from other areas. ___ Hicksville, New York in the United States, some Shiite commemorations Broadcasting online community. In Hicksville on Long Island New York, Fatima Mukhi-Siwji was feeling sad that her 10 month old daughter will miss the rituals. “I grew up in the mosque,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion. “How can we teach our children religion? How should we (as) Imam Hussein teach?” But he worked just before the start of Muharram, a number of Shia Muslims from various communities, including Mukhi-Siwji father to organize drive-in commemorations safe for the occasion, she said. Held in an outdoor parking cinema, they have scientific sermons, readings, songs and laments how families feel from their cars and watch on big screens. Some get out of their cars and watch or chest beating commit ritual of mourning as social distancing, he said. The daily events have attracted hundreds of cars and Mukhi-Siwji said regain a sense of union that sorely missed. “It ‘s such a thrilling experience,” he said. “It passes through the entire body.” ___ Fam reported in Winter Park, Florida and Mroue from Beirut, Lebanon. Associated Press reporter Munir Ahmed contributed from Islamabad, Pakistan.
Picture copyright by Anmar Khalil-AP