Ashura observed in Afghanistan amid tight security

Ashura, or the 10th of Muhharam in the Islamic calendar, was observed in Afghanistan on Thursday amid tight security to commemorate the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and his companions in Karbala of Iraq 14 centuries ago. Imam Hussain, along with 72 of his companions, including friends and family members, according to history, were martyred at the hand of Yazid's troops at the battle of Karbala, Iraq in 61 AH (680 AD) after Imam Hussain rejected to make allegiance for Yazid despotic rule. The mourners' processions, accompanied by police, were seen moving towards mosques and shrines to gather and mourn the day. The mourners, mostly wearing black dress, carried banners inscribed with "Long live Hussain's way" demonstrating their loyalty to Hussain and his way of fighting despotism. Groups of the mourners commemorated the day of Ashura by chest beating and flagellation and some others observed the day by giving blood to hospitals as a practice to pay homage to late Imam Hussain. During flagellation, the faithful mourners using sharp instruments including knives to beat themselves until their bodies soaked with blood. Ashura has been largely observed by Muslims of Shiite sect. However, the Sunni sect also share the mourning day by recitation of Muslim holy book the Quran and distributing food to the people. The day of Ashura in some Muslim countries such as Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan is national holiday, allowing religious communities to attend it. Afghan Shiite Muslims observed Ashura in the capital city Kabul and other cities and so far no security incidents have been reported.