7 biggest Ashura processions in Pakistan

According to the history, Imam Hussain (grandson of Prophet Muhammad), his family members consisting of men, women, children and his supporters were deceived by the locals of Kufa (a city in Iraq) and the group of Imam Hussain while returning to Mecca were surrounded by the heavy force of Yazid at the desert of Karbala.

The Mehndi processions signify the fact that Hazrat Qasim, who was the son of Hazrat Imam Hasan (AS), was brought up by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) as his own son. Participated by groups of men – young, aged and children wearing black and chanting Ya Hussain! walking together while beating their chests, they marched from the masjid of Moiyadpura to the Masjid of Wazirpura.

Shiites beat their heads and chests with chains and knives to show their grief and echo the suffering of Imam Hussein.

Kashmiri Shiite Muslim devotees participate in ritual self-flagellation during a religious procession held ahead of Ashura on the ninth day of Muharram in Srinagar on October 23,2015. Amen. Meanwhile, in his message on the Ashura day, the Prime Minister said on this day, “we must recognize the elements who are harming the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and want to shatter the unity of nation in pursuance of their selfish interests”.

The holy Ashura will be observed in the country today to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). Soon after his death, Islam got divided into two major sections – the Sunnis and the Shias.

He said “the day of Ashur reminds us of the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs of Karbala and gives us a lesson to even lay down one’s life to achieve higher objectives”.

Muslims fast on the 9th, 10th and 11th day of Muharram, as it is considered the best fast to observe after Ramadan, the month of fasting.

Flagellation is also carried out by a few Catholics, although it is no longer a widespread practice.