Azerbaijani Shiites mark Ashura

From early in the morning on November 14 thousands of Shiites in Azerbaijan went to the mosque to attend the funeral ceremony of commemoration of Prophet Mohammed's grandson and son of Imam Ali - Imam Hussein. In particular, these are the inhabitants of the south of the country and the villages of Baku, where the positions of the faithful are particularly strong. Mosques were surrounded by police reinforcements and roads were blocked for cars.

Traditionally work before noon is prohibited. On this day, to hold Remembrance (Ehsan) treats can be seen on the streets of tables which exhibit tea sorbet and sweets for everyone.

In recent years, a tradition of donating blood with the entry of the mourning month of Muharram has been observed. In the mosques today they are conducting an action on blood donation for the needy. This ceremony is intended to replace the mystery of self-flagellation of the faithful with metal chains as a sign of mourning for Imam Hussein - Shakhsei - Wachsei.

The most numerous ceremonies are held in the mosques Taza Pir, Azhdarbey, Juma, Nardaran, and others.

This year, on the eve of Ashura the Caucasus Muslims Office strictly warned of the need for mourning ceremonies at mosques and shrines and not to hold demonstrations outside.

* Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram. On this day in 680, a small detachment of Imam Hussein fell in the unequal battle near the city of Karbala with superior Umayyad troops. Since then, the supporters of Imam Ali (founder of Shiism) mark Ashura as a general mourning.

Imam Hussain opposed the distortion by the Umayyad of the foundations of the Islamic religion the Prophet Muhammad laid down, which was reflected in the pursuit of a luxurious life at the expense of the poor and the deepening of social inequality.

In addition, in the months of Muharram and Safar (the next month within 40 days of the death of Hussein), Shiites refrain from weddings and other celebrations. -06D-