Lebanon: Thousands of Shias mark 7th-century death of Imam Hussein - Video
On July 17, 2024, thousands of Shiite Muslims in Lebanon gathered to commemorate Ashura, marking the 7th-century death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed.
This annual event is a significant religious observance for the group worldwide, symbolising the struggle against injustice and tyranny.
Imam Hussein's death in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD is a pivotal event in Islamic history. His martyrdom is seen as a symbol of resistance against oppression, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of the Shiite community. The Shiite or Shia community consists of Muslims who believe that Hussein’s descendants were the rightful successors to lead the Islamic faith after his death.
In Lebanon, the commemoration of Ashura involves various rituals and activities. Participants often wear black to signify mourning and set up black funeral tents. They carry red flags symbolising Hussein's blood and listen to clerics recount the story of his martyrdom. The atmosphere is sombre, with many participants crying and beating their chests in a display of grief and solidarity.
This year's commemoration also paid tribute to Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has heightened tensions in the region. Hezbollah, a prominent Shiite militant group in Lebanon, has been actively involved in the conflict, launching attacks against Israel and facing retaliatory strikes.
