“People of various faiths have followed their leaders blindly, rejecting independent thought and investigation into the origins of their beliefs. This mindset was enforced, prohibiting any questioning, while perpetuating narratives that discouraged independent inquiry and condemned those who disagreed.” – Abu Bakr al-Razi. There are two types of ignorance: religious and scientific. Religious ignorance manifests in those who follow religion without understanding or reflection, turning it into a mere custom or superstition, far from its intended spiritual purpose. The most dangerous among them are those who abandon rational thinking and dedicate themselves to superstitions and rituals that are disconnected from reason. This kind of ignorance is societal, not individual, and its effects are evident in the broader community. Today, we see wars, conflicts, and disasters being justified in the name of religion, with each side claiming God’s support for their cause.
The rituals associated with the month of Muharram reflect a deeper societal regression. We witness practices such as self-flagellation, chest-beating, crying, wailing, whipping the body with chains, striking heads with swords, smearing faces with mud, barking, crawling on bellies, and mourning the death of “Hussein ibn Ali (may God be pleased with him)”—who was martyred in the “Battle of Karbala” 1400 years ago. These outward expressions of grief were not a part of the early commemoration of Karbala. It was only later, during the Buyid dynasty, when the Shia sect was embraced, that this event began to take on more significance. However, it was Ismail Safavi, in his defiance of the Ottomans, who transformed this tragedy into a focal point for division, ultimately fueling the sectarian animosity that persists today. Iran continues this legacy of division, successfully deepening the rift. The British also exploited the rituals of Ashura to justify their colonial presence in Iraq, claiming that they were helping to “rescue” the people from their societal backwardness.
The practice of tatbir, or self-flagellation, dates back to pre-Islamic times, originating with the Babylonians. They would strike their heads in mourning for the death of the god Tammuz. The Phoenicians, influenced by their interactions with various civilizations, adopted and spread this ritual, using it after the death of Adonis. The practice also found its way into Egyptian culture, where the Pharaohs combined head-striking with fire rituals. Over time, tatbir spread across civilizations, eventually becoming a part of Shia culture in the 19th century. By the mid-1800s, tatbir and other related rituals became standard expressions of grief over the tragedy of Karbala. The practice was not limited to the Shia or to Muslims; it was also common among pagans, as well as Christian flagellants in the 13th century, who used similar rituals to atone for their sins. Even in India, both Hindus and Muslims practiced tatbir, with some adding the use of chains to whip their bodies.
Proponents of these backward practices often cite an inaccurate and unsupported story: “Lady Zaynab bint Ali (peace be upon her) struck her head against the edge of her litter, causing blood to flow down her face in grief for her brother.” This narrative misrepresents Lady Zaynab, who became a symbol of resilience and strength in the aftermath of the battle. Imam Hussein’s final instructions to her were clear: “Do not tear your garments, do not strike your face, and do not call for woe when I die.” These words refute any claims linking tatbir to Lady Zaynab’s actions.
This year, the practice of tatbir has taken a disturbing turn, with some parents forcing their children to participate in these rituals, striking their heads and bodies with chains in the belief that it brings them closer to God. The abuse of children during Ashura is a grave violation of their rights and must be addressed legally. Forcing children into such violent and harmful practices leads to lasting psychological and physical trauma. Did Imam Hussein intend for us to subject ourselves and our children to such torture? Absolutely not. Imam Hussein’s mission was one of reform, to eliminate ignorance, superstitions, and the innovations that had strayed far from the divine message. Those who perpetuate these superstitions are simply reviving pre-Islamic customs that Islam had abolished. As Ibn Khaldun once said, “Following traditions does not mean the dead are alive; rather, it means the living are dead.”
Each year, Ashura rituals are manipulated to fuel sectarian hatred, revenge, and division, particularly by Iran, which uses them to weaken Arab societies by encouraging sectarian identities that undermine national and civic unity. This toxic rhetoric intensifies during Ashura, with Iranian-backed media promoting hostility between different segments of the same nation and their neighboring countries. The self-flagellation and chest-beating performed during Ashura push individuals beyond reason, filling them with an unfounded desire for revenge. Iran seeks to amplify hatred toward any authority outside its own, urging rebellion against rulers and regimes, claiming that their actions are aligned with Imam Hussein’s stand against tyranny. This justification serves to perpetuate sectarian division, fuel discord, and support rebellious movements in countries with Shiite minorities.