Ashura is a significant holiday observed in Afghanistan, and is particularly important for the country's Shiite Muslim population. The holiday marks the 10th day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar, and commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. He was killed during the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, and his death became a pivotal event in Islamic history, leading to the division between the Sunni and Shia sects.
The observance of Ashura in Afghanistan involves various community rituals. These often include large processions where participants express their sorrow and respect for Hussein’s sacrifice. Men and boys are known to partake in self-flagellation, using chains and blades to symbolically share in Hussein’s suffering. It’s also common for charity meals, also known as Nazri, to be prepared and distributed among the poor and neighbors. Re-enactments of the Battle of Karbala, known as Tazia, also form part of the commemorations.
One distinct aspect of Ashura in Afghanistan is that it's not just a Shia observance; many of the country's Sunni Muslims participate in Ashura commemorations as well. For both Shiite and Sunni Muslims, Ashura is a period of intense mourning and reflection, but it is also a strongly community-oriented event, fostering a spirit of charity, shared grief, and communal support. Despite the sectarian divisions that the event historically represents, Ashura in Afghanistan serves to unite, rather than divide, the country's diverse Muslim community.