In Islam, on the 10th day of the first Muslim month of Muharram, a great holiday is celebrated - Ashura Day According to the holy book of the Koran, the creation of heaven and Adam took place on this day; the end of the world will also come on the Day of Ashura According to Muslim beliefs, on this day the Prophet Muhammad forgave Adam and blessed all people to do only good deeds
The history of the day and the traditions of celebrating this holiday until 680 were the same for all Muslims But in October of that year, a tragic event occurred, as a result of which the two main movements of Islam, Sunnis and Shiites, forever changed their attitude towards this significant day
On the Day of Ashura in the Iraqi city of Karbil, in 680, as a result of civil strife, the son of the Shiite saint Ali and the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Hussein, were killed Since then, it has been a great day of mourning for Shiites, when they strictly adhere to fasting It is customary for the most devoted Shiites to go out on this day and publicly beat themselves with heavy chains until they bleed, thus the Shiites try to pay tribute to their saints for all their torment and death
In homes and courtyards, all the dead are remembered; traditional attributes on this day are empty jugs, reminiscent of the thirst that faithful Muslims experienced during the war On the city streets, theatrical performances of the very battle that resulted in the death of Imam Hussein and all the followers of Saint Ali are reenacted, where black cloth, chains, axes are used as props, and stoves are also displayed where, according to legend, the head of the murdered Hussein was hidden
Sunni Muslims also honor the memory of their murdered son Ali, but their memorial rites are held in a more relaxed atmosphere, and self-flagellation and self-harm are prohibited
Since, according to legend, on the Day of Ashura Adam repented of his sin and received a blessing, this day is more festive among the Sunnis It is not obligatory for them to keep a strict fast, but only at their own request It is customary among Sunnis to do good deeds on holiday, help those in need, make peace with loved ones in case of a quarrel, and treat everyone with all kinds of dishes
For all Muslims, Ashura Day is a significant and special holiday, when it is customary to remember their deceased relatives and help the sick and needy with material assistance It is believed that for alms on the Day of Ashura, the support and blessings of the Lord will increase many times over