20:45, 14 November 2013

Shi’ite Muslims of Azerbaijan commemorate Ashura

Shi’ite Muslims commemorated the Day of Ashura - the mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali in the battle of Karbala in 680. Nardaran, November 13, 2013. Photo by Aziz Karimov for the ‘Caucasian Knot’.

On November 13, Shi’ite Muslims of Azerbaijan commemorated the Day of Ashura - the mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali in the battle of Karbala in 680. Religious ceremonies took place at different mosques and sanctuaries, while street processions were not allowed. Some participants of the ceremonies used this day to make political statements.

In many cities strict security measures were introduced in connection with the Day of Ashura. Transport use was restricted near the mosques in order to prevent traffic jams.

Since early morning thousands of worshippers from different parts of the country gathered at mosques and sanctuaries to take part in the mourning ceremonies. Many people stayed at the mosques the whole night performing prayers and chanting mourning songs – Marsiya.

The most crowded mourning ceremony was held at the Nardaran Shrine – a sacred place where Rahima Khanum, a daughter of Musa Kazym, one of the imams most respected by Shiite Muslims, is buried.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent